“What is yoga?”. The course begins by answering that very question – considering its roots, evolution, and modern practice. We’ll also look at yoga’s benefits, styles, and what it means to live a yogic life.

We’ll dive into yoga philosophy by looking at the important texts – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and exploring the differences and similarities between them. The course discusses the three gunas that make up all matter in the universe – how they manifest in our lives and how to balance them. We’ll also explore the concept of the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine – the traits associated with each and how they can be balanced.

We will learn the basic anatomy associated with yoga practice – becoming familiar with the parts of the body that are most susceptible to injury and how to protect them. You’ll also learn the basics of energy anatomy – gaining an understanding of the different systems and structures of the subtle body and how they can be cleansed.

It’s then onto the practical side of yoga, as you are guided through the Sun Salutation sequences practised by Ashtanga Vinyasa yogis—Sun Salutation A and Sun Salutation B – and the sequence practised by Hatha yogis, along with the Moon Salutation sequence.

The course will take you through a detailed range of asana poses, learning their contraindications and modifications. These include standing asanas, forward folds and core strengthening asanas, warm-up and deep stretching poses, twists, backbends, and techniques for the safe practice of inversions.

You’ll be introduced to pranayama, including how to perform bandhas, techniques for meditating, and instruction on performing mudras. You’ll also learn some mantras and chants.

The course provides an introduction to effective sequencing for those who want to teach or simply to have a good home practice. We’ll look at how to sequence a class, the practice of demonstrations and using voice and commands effectively. You’ll learn how to structure a yoga class and deliver effective teaching in group and one-to-one classes.

You’ll be introduced to the sister science of yoga, Ayurveda. The course covers the basic concepts including the five elements, the three doshas (and how they can be balanced) and the six tastes.

For those looking to take their practice further, we’ll consider the business of yoga, with discussions on ethics and spirituality, and what your offering as a yoga teacher will be.

By studying this course, you will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the philosophies and practices of yoga
• Understand basic physical and energy anatomy
• Learn how to practice sun salutations, asanas, pranayamas, meditations, mantras and mudras
• Be familiar with effective sequencing and teaching techniques
• Learn about running a yoga business

What will I learn on the course?

Certified Course
Accredited Course

Module 1: What is Yoga?
7 parts
Introduction
Part 1: Study and Practice Schedule
Part 2: History of Yoga
Part 3: Yoga Studios and Brands
Part 4: The Benefits of Yoga
Part 5: Modern Yoga Styles
Module 1 Assessment

Module 2: Yoga Philosophy—The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Patanjali)
4 parts
Part 1: The Sutras
Part 2: The Eight-Limbed Path
Part 3: Preparing for Meditation
Module 2 Assessment

Module 3: Hatha Yoga Pradipika
3 parts
Part 1: Introduction to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Part 2: Pranayama and Shatkarma
Module 3 Assessment

Module 4: The Three Gunas
3 parts
Part 1: Yogic Philosophy: Purusha and Prakriti
Part 2: The Three Gunas in Detail
Module 4 Assessment

Module 5: Yoga Philosophy—Masculine and Feminine Energy (Shiva and Shakti)
3 parts
Part 1: The Story of Shiva and Shakti
Part 2: Gods and Goddesses
Module 5 Assessment

Module 6: Yoga Anatomy
5 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Yoga Anatomy
Part 2: Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists and Hands
Part 3: Hips
Part 4: Legs, Ankles and Feet
Module 6 Assessment

Module 7: Energy Anatomy
5 parts
Part 1: The Five Koshas
Part 2: Nadis and Marmas
Part 3: Chakras
Part 4: Kundalini
Module 7 Assessment

Module 8: Ashtanga Sun Salutations
3 parts
Part 1: Sun Salutation A
Part 2: Sun Salutation B
Module 8 Assessment

Module 9: Hatha Sun Salutation and Moon Salutation
3 parts
Part 1: Sun Salutation
Part 2: Moon Salutation
Module 9 Assessment

Module 10: Yoga Asana 1
3 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Standing Postures
Part 2: Introduction to Balancing Poses
Module 10 Assessment

Module 11: Yoga Asana 2
4 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Forward Folds and Core
Part 2: Seated Forward Folds
Part 3: Core Strengthening Asanas
Module 11 Assessment

Module 12: Yoga Asana 3
7 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Warm Up, Deep Stretching and Relaxation Asanas
Part 2: Side Stretches
Part 3: Back Stretches
Part 4: Hip Stretches
Part 5: Leg, Ankle and Foot Stretches
Part 6: Relaxation Poses
Module 12 Assessment

Module 13: Yoga Asana 4
2 parts
Seated and Standing Twists
Module 13 Assessment

Module 14: Yoga Asana 5
3 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Backends
Part 2: Floor Backbends
Module 14 Assessment

Module 15: Yoga Asana 6
3 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Inversions
Part 2: Introduction to Arm Balances
Module 15 Assessment

Module 16: Pranayama
4 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Pranayama
Part 2: The Bandhas
Part 3: Practising Pranayama
Module 16 Assessment

Module 17: Meditation, Mantras and Mudras
4 parts
Part 1: Introduction to Meditation
Part 2: Practising and Teaching Meditation
Part 3: Mantras
Module 17 Assessment

Module 18: Effective Sequencing and Teaching
4 parts
Part 1: Class Sequencing
Part 2: Instructions and Vocals During Teaching
Part 3: Other Things to Consider in Class
Module 18 Assessment

Module 19: Teaching Yoga
5 parts
Part 1: How to Teach a Yoga Class
Part 2: Hatha Yoga Class
Part 3: Vinyasa Flow Class
Part 4: Teaching Different Formats
Module 19 Assessment

Module 20: Introduction to Ayurveda
4 parts
Part 1: What is Ayurveda?
Part 2: The Qualities of the Three Doshas
Part 3: The Six Tastes and Panchakarma
Module 20 Assessment

Module 21: The Business of Yoga
6 parts
Part 1: Yoga Teacher Ethics
Part 2: Spirituality in Yoga
Part 3: Setting Up Your Yoga Business
Part 4: Creating Your Offering
Conclusion
Module 21 Assessment