Teacher Training

Advanced Studies Yoga Immersion (RYT®200)

The Advanced Studies Yoga Immersion is a unique 10-month program designed for serious students, aspiring teachers and current teachers. The immersion includes more than 260 hours of training under the guidance of Jenny Otto and Lynn Matthews, directors of Golden Heart Yoga.

The ASYI meets one weekend each month. This process of monthly immersion into the study and practice of yoga enables you to root yourself in the practices while giving you time to assimilate the wealth of information imparted each month. Enrich your abilities and knowledge and witness the transformation and healing insights that will unfold as your yoga experience deepens.

Our curriculum places the physical exercise of yoga into its philosophical and anatomical contexts, encouraging trainees to cultivate a true understanding of both practicing and teaching the art and science of yoga.

Our graduates leave this program with the fundamental skills and confidence necessary to become great yogis and yoga teachers.

Your experience is greatly enhanced with the addition of guest teachers throughout the year. We choose teachers who specialize in what they teach. They are all extremely well respected throughout the yoga community. Our guest teachers include Rod Stryker, Sally Kempton, Arthur Kilmurray, Linda Howard, Kevin Perry and other guest teachers to be announced.

The Advanced Studies Yoga Immersion meets the needs of current teachers looking to continue their education while providing serious students and aspiring teachers the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich discipline that is yoga.

ASYI graduates are eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level.

Download a Brochure | View the Course Schedule | Download an Application

Curriculum

Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics: Laying the Foundation

The philosophy portion of our curriculum is based on readings and discussions of ancient yoga texts, the eight limbs of yoga and the science of Ayurveda. We will be analyzing the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali from both a classical and tantric perspective and discussing the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu texts.

Asana: Integrating Your Practice

The physical practice of yoga asanas will be refined and deepened through an in-depth examination of level one and two poses that comprise a well-rounded, safe yoga class. These include standing poses, balancing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists, inversions and restoratives. Alignment principles, breathing and the physiological and energetic benefits of each asana will be explored. Modifications for students with special needs will be demonstrated.

Sanskrit: The Ancient Language of Yoga

Learn the stories behind the names of the poses as you learn to properly pronounce their Sanskrit names. Discover the joy of chanting and the power of mantra.

Pranayama, Meditation & Contemplation: Essentials for Spiritual Growth

Pranayama and meditation are excellent tools for reducing stress and anxiety and are intrinsic to spiritual growth. The physiological benefits of these practices will be discussed and safe methods for implementing them into your practice and teaching will be explored.

Anatomy & Physiology: The Union of the Body

Gain a working knowledge of anatomy inpractical terms through lecture and experiential exercises. Both physical and subtle anatomy will be covered, including discussions on nadis, chakras and bandhas.

Practicum: Putting it All Together

Participating in discussions and listening to lectures are important components in any training, but being able to put that knowledge into practice is key. Our practicum includes apprenticeships and the art of teaching as well as practice teaching. Central teaching elements, sequencing a class (or your own practice), assisting and adjusting, using props, voice inflection and the seat of the teacher are all components of the practicum.