+ FUNDAMENTALS OF YOGA

The Fundamentals of Yoga guides each student on a journey of inner exploration and outer expression. Deepening one’s understanding of the fundamentals helps expand one’s personal practice on the mat and enriches its relevance in daily living off the mat. The curriculum includes:

• Consistent study of asana, including: general form, energy flows, breath integration and anatomical nuances of postures
  
• Comprehensive study of INYE’s Level 1 Syllabus, which includes 27 principal postures
  
• Pranayama (breath practice)
  
• Meditation
  
• Human anatomy and its functional relationship to asana
  
• Fundamental posture modifications and adjustments
  
• Applied study through INYE’s Postural workbook assignments and study materials

+ HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF YOGA

This section of the program will:

• Trace the roots of yoga: The Vedas and Upanishads
  
• Examine early yoga teachings and primary source scriptures, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and The Bhagavad Gita
  
• Define yoga and why we practice
  
• Review the 5 major ‘schools’ of yoga philosophy and practice and how they are relevant today.
  
• Introduce pranayama and meditation as part of Hatha yoga’s history
  
• Incorporate pranayam and meditation into current practice
  
• Cultivate the ability to offer pranayam and meditation to others

+ ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The study of yoga anatomy is vital to understanding and capably teaching the structure of asana and healthy, life-long practice. This unit includes:

• Mapping the Body: Terms of Movement, Planes of the Body, The Skeleton
  
• Key Features of Stretching & Strengthening
  
• The Elegance of the Spine: Structure (muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons etc.), Function, Normal Range of Motion (ROM), Common Pathologies
  
• Ball & Socket Joints: The Shoulder: Structure (muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons etc.), Function & Normal ROM
  
• Ball & Socket Joints: The Hip: Structure (muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons etc.), Function & Normal ROM
  
• The Hinge Joints: Powerful yet Vulnerable – the Knee: Structure (muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons etc.), , Function & Normal ROM
  
• The Hinge Joints: The Elbow: Structure (muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons etc.), Function & Normal ROM
  
• Breath is Life: The Respiratory System: Mechanics of Breathing, Chemical Aspects of Breathing
  
• Heartbeat: The Cardiovascular System: The Mechanics of Moving the Blood, Function and Normal Measurements
  
• The Nervous System: Form & Function, The Autonomic Nervous System: Fight Flight & Rest Digest

+ MEDITATION, PHILOSOPHY & PRANAYAM

The study and application of philosophy and practice continues with:

• A dedicated focus on Raja Yoga and meditation
  
• The contemporary practice of Karma Yoga
  
• Methodologies and tools for meditation and breath work
  
• Specific skills for teaching pranayam and meditation in a yoga class setting.

+ THE ART OF TEACHING

Learn how to apply your knowledge of philosophy, anatomy, asana, meditation and pranayama into teaching skillful, inspiring and intelligent classes. This includes understanding how to sequence a class, whether structuring a philosophically-themed or anatomically-focused class. Through discussion and peer teaching, you will learn to adapt your teaching style as needed to support and serve groups and individual students. You will learn to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively
  
• Perceive and appreciate your students and understand their needs
  
• Apply effective hands-on adjustments
  
• Modify postures to accommodate diverse needs and skill levels
  
• Hold the auspicious seat of the teacher
  
• Use props effectively to support students
  
• Demonstrate postures concisely and powerfully

+ OBSERVATION AND PRACTICE TEACHING

To hone your skills and increase knowledge and confidence, teacher trainees are invited to observe and assist in certain classes at INYE Yoga.

+ PERSONAL PRACTICE

Embodying the practice is a vital component of skillful teaching, and students will practice together to refine asana and pranayam. Daily meditation is encouraged. In addition and as a demonstration of their commitment to deep study, teacher trainees are expected to attend additional classes (minimum of one per week) at INYE Yoga during the program.

+ REQUIRED READINGS

Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice, by Ann Swanson One Without A Second: The Seeds of Yoga Philosophy from Root to Sprout, by Hali Schwartz