Preview the body positive content included in the Yoga For All Training Course.
Yoga For All Week by Week
This 7-week online yoga certification course is perfect for busy yoga teachers. Work on the modules whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. All content is available online for self-study.
Week 1
Body image and the language of body positivity
- How does yoga affect body image?
- How do we use yoga to change how we feel about our bodies?
- How do we create positive and impactful yoga classes for all bodies?
- Language and cultural humility
Foundations of a body positive class
- Foundational principles: agency, consent, permission
- Ahimsa as a basis for teaching
- Why “Listen to your body” is too simple, and what to say instead
- Talking to students about injuries
- Health at Every Size paradigm to wellness
Teaching to who is in the room
- Come with a plan, but be prepared to toss it–tips for staying on your toes
- Choosing class plans based on your students’ needs
- Adapting poses to address common problems for students in larger bodies
Warm-ups
- Seated
- Lying on the back
- Hands and knees
- Standing
Week 2
The power of language
- Reducing harm with our language
- Avoiding triggering language
- Giving students agency on and off the mat
- How to avoid making assumptions or using body-shaming words
- Turning new students into regulars
Before class: getting set up for success
- Welcoming and reassuring your students
- Discussing challenges or concerns
- How to turn a new student into a regular
- How to stop making assumptions or judging new students
- Tips for teaching new students
- After class: effective feedback methods and building community
Sun Salutations
- Six variations on sun salutations that work for all bodies
- Sun salutations with the chair and the wall
- Transitions in sun salutations and other considerations for larger bodies
Standing poses
- Tadasana
- Garudasana
- Revolved triangle
- Utkatasana
- Ardha chandrasana
- Lunge variations
- King dancer
Week 3
Creating a culture of consent
- Why is consent around touch so important?
- Hands-on adjustments – when and how to adjust our students
- Ideas and approaches to obtaining consent around touch
Teaching modifications: fundamentals & setting up your class
- The “what is the point of the pose?” test
- Personalized practice and giving your students agency
- Giving your students space to trust their instincts
- Practical tips for using props with all your students
Teaching modifications: language & techniques
- Focus on foundations first
- Why the “full expression of the pose” is a myth
- Using different language to introduce modifications
- Being mindful of body landmarks as cues
Backbends
- Sphinx
- Cobra
- Locust
- Bridge
- Bow pose
- Upward-facing dog
Seated & supine poses
- Janu sirsasana
- Wide legged forward fold
- Pigeon
- Seated twists
- Seated forward folds
- Happy baby
- Savasana
Week 4
The power of progressive teaching
- The bus stop method to teaching poses
- Yogi play time – low-pressure, no judgment yoga fun
- What if there are no props?
Transitions
- Between standing poses and during sun salutations
- Stepping forward and back from different positions
- Downward-facing dog at the wall, with blocks, and transitions with down dog
Inversions
- Building upper body strength for headstand, including a prop setup
- “Headless” headstand
- Dolphin & forearm stand
- Bridge
- Supported bridge
- Supported shoulder stand
- Keeping breasts out of your face!
Arm Balances
- Bakasana
- Handstand
- Eka Pada Koundinyasana
Bonus asana videos: full practice sequences
- Chair yoga flow 1
- Chair yoga flow 2
- Prop-heavy asana sequence
Week 5
Putting Together Your Classes
- Building Your Flows
- Sample Class Flows
Week 6
Marketing Your Yoga For All Class
- How to find your student base
- Finding your voice as a teacher
- Writing your bio and mission statement
- Language and writing your class description
- Mastering social media
- Pitching your class to a yoga studio
- Flyers, websites, and more
Week 7
Making Online Teaching Work For You (And Your Students)
- A key mindset shift that will help you breathe easier when teaching online
- Why teaching online is more accessible for many students
- How to find out what’s working and what’s not about your online teaching
- Addressing accessibility needs with online content
- How to structure an online yoga class, workshop, or series
- Ways to foster community support and connection between your students
- How to get all your students on board (even if they aren’t tech savvy)
Bonus Material
Downloads and Resources
- Yoga For All Teacher Training Manual
- Journaling & Writing Reflection Prompts
- Handless Vinyasa Flow Sequence
- Tips for Teaching A Beginner Series
- Bio, Mission & Vision Worksheet
- Chaturanga-free Vinyasa Flow Sequence
- 10 Things That Make You Stand Out As A Yoga Teacher
- Quick Tips for Teaching Modifications to Students
- Class planning templates
- and more!
Facebook Community
Connect with other teachers participating in the course, post your reflections from each module, get ideas for class sequences, and ask your questions!
Certification
After the completion of the course, you will be a certified Yoga For All teacher, and can use that designation on your website, your bio, and in your marketing materials.
Continuing Education
Upon the completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate which you can submit to Yoga Alliance for 25 continuing education hours.
Yoga For All (YFA) has changed the way I teach all students and has made me a much better teacher.
~Juanita Peck