200 Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training

What is Vinyasa Yoga & What will you learn?

The word “vinyasa” has different meaning but when we talk about the physical practice of yoga we refer to as a dynamic style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, using your breath as a catalyst.

Vinyasa as we know it today can also be called “vinyasa flow” or “flow yoga” and they originate by the style of Ashtanga Vinyasa, the method  developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore in the 1940’s. However, in the modern style of vinyasa a variety of postures is offered and two classes are seldom the same and that is the main difference with the Ashtanga method, which has the same sequence every time.

The term Vinyasa derives from the Sanskrit “nyasa”, meaning “to place,” and vi, meaning “in a special way.”. This indicates the consciousness that we bring to each movement in each moment. Vinyasa is therefore a breath syncronized practice that helps us develop a more balanced body and a more steady mind. Vinyasa practice generates heat and can add a cardiovascular component not always present in other forms of postural practice.

During your Vinyasa TTC you will be practicing different classes with a variety of different focuses (strength, balance, flexibility, inversions etc…). Chances are you will be sweating and maybe struggling, but hopefully you will also learn to laugh and have fun about it!

Also, you will be learning about sequencing and alignment during the “art of teaching” classes and you will practice the correct type of breathing needed for this style of yoga (this breathing is known as Ujjayi breath).

Pranayama

Pranayama is an ancient breath technique that originates from yogic practices using which you can control every juncture of your life. Some pranayama techniques you will learn in this course are:

• Surya & Chandra Bhedana
• Ujjayi Breath
• Sitkari
• Sitali
• Bhramari
• Anulom Vilom
• Kapalbhati & Bhastrika

What to expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Asana class?

Important aspects of the modern Vinyasa Practice are summarised by these 5 pillars and you will learn how to integrate these principles into your asana flow:

• Heat
• Breath
• Flow
• Gaze (Drishti)
• Foundation (Hands, Feet, Core)

Mantras & Mudras

Mantras are considered as an important part of Vinyasa Yoga. When you recite mantras, the energy channels of the body open up, and you become more reception to the universe. It also aids one to focus the mind on the yoga practice. When you recite mantras, your stored emotions are released and you get the full benefits of the asanas.

Mudras are nothing but gestures, which you make with your hands and fingers mostly. There are nerves that pass through the fingertips, and each one is connected to a specific organ. When you press the same, you are actually providing therapeutic healing to those body parts.

Art of Teaching

• Teaching practice, receiving and giving feedback
• Instructions guidelines, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher
• Voice projection, and floor presence
• Planning and structuring a class
• Principles of demonstration
• Alignment and hands-on-adjustments
• Observing, assisting and correcting
• Dealing with injuries and safety precautions

Anatomy & Physiology

• Muscular and Skeletal System
• Respiratory System
• Nervous System Basics
• Cardiovascular System

Philosophy

• Yoga Philosophy introduction
• Definition of Yoga
• History of Yoga
• Goals of Yoga
• Introduction to the main texts:
  • Vedas (Rigveda, Atharvaveda)
  • Ramayana (Yoga Vasistha)
  • Mahabharata (Bhagavad Gita)
  • Patanjali yoga sutras
  • Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Bandhas

In Vinyasa Yoga, you will discover three essential bandhas that harness subtle energies. These bandhas aid in breath retention, allowing for prolonged posture holding. They promote tranquility and composure throughout your Vinyasa Yoga practice, while also facilitating the smooth flow of Prana.

The four bandhas in Yoga are:

• Mula Bandha (Root Lock)
• Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock)
• Jalandhara Bandha (Chin Lock)
• Maha Bandha (Great Lock)

Practicum

Vinyasa Yoga classes for up to 90 minutes or less. The teacher generally sets a goal for the class, which you have to accomplish. You will get adequate guidance in the sequence from a trained yoga expert at Shree Hari Yoga School.

• Practice teaching
• Receiving and giving feedback
• Observing others teaching
• Assisting students while someone else is teaching