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500-hour Yoga Teacher Training 2009-2010

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The mission of the 500-hour program is two-fold: to deepen our personal understanding of yoga, and develop the skills to teach yoga in one-on-one settings. The two goals are convergent, rather than divergent. The more deeply we understand the yoga, the more clearly we can see our students' paths unfold. This 500-hour program will investigate both of these avenues.

Click here to download the full program brochure

The training program is offered in four 10-day intensives. Each intensive can be taken on its own. To receive 500-hour certification the intensives must be taken in order. Each intensive is $1500 and the entire training is $5500.

The Structural Perspective
February 6-15, 2009
Using the skills/knowledge of anatomy from the 200-hour program, we will develop a far more comprehensive & detailed understanding of how stress & strain is transmitted throughout the body. We will use this knowledge to better understand our own postural/structural pathologies, as well as developing tools to better assist our students in realizing their potential through yoga.

Breath and Function
October 2-11, 2009
Building on our existing knowledge of respiration, we will develop a greater understanding of healthy breathing, identify common pathologies, and develop strategies for our students to regain respiratory efficiency/vitality. This intensive will also include a significant exploration into the art of seeing. Seeing is an important skill in our personal yoga practice, our personal relationships, and our teaching skills.

Organ Systems and Optimum Vitality
February 5-14, 2010
The organs allow us to convert the outside world into energies useful to our bodies, minds & spirits. Through assimilation and elimination, our health and vitality are integrally related to the function of our organs. Hatha Yoga offers time-tested techniques to tone, nourish and detoxify the organs. In this retreat, we'll develop strategies applicable to the practitioner and their students.

The Art of Teaching
October 1-10, 2010
Building on the material of the previous three workshops, we'll develop strategies to communicate our personal understanding of yoga to our students. Using our seeing skills to develop a learning strategy, we'll develop teaching strategies appropriate for the particular student. With an emphasis on teaching private lessons, this workshop will offer
significant opportunity to observe master teachers and practice teaching under their guidance.


How to Apply
To enroll in the Alignment Yoga Advanced Studies/Teacher Certification Program, please submit the application letter, reference letter, resume and the $500 deposit. Applications are due January 15, 2009.

Letter of Application - This is the heart of the application in which you communicate who you are, who you are becoming and what major events and influences have helped shape you. What has shaped your approach to yoga, your practice, your way of carrying yourself in this world? What do you hope to gain from attending this training? Why are you choosing to apply to this training? Include a history of your yoga training, practice and teachers.

Resume - Using an outline form, summarize your educational and employment history. List your participation in other trainings and workshops. Describe your leisure time pursuits. Be sure to include your mailing address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address.

Letters of Recommendation - You may obtain a letter of recommendation from your yoga teacher(s). In the event you have difficulty procuring a letter from your primary yoga teacher, please include a letter from a colleague, other teacher or friend describing your suitability for advanced studies in yoga.

You will be contacted upon receipt of application and an admissions interview will be scheduled (in-person or via telephone). If accepted into the program, instructions for completing payment will be sent to you.

Application materials may be mailed to:

Alignment Yoga Teacher Certification Program
PO Box 144
Blue Mounds, WI 53517


Required Reading Material
Five texts are required in the 500-hour Advanced Studies Training. The following are widely distributed and you can find them at most (online) booksellers:

  • Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers
  • Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by David Coulter
  • Eastern Mind, Western Body by Anodea Judith
  • Anatomy Coloring Book (third edition) by Kapit and Elson

    • This text is harder to find and is available through the Alignment Yoga Store:


    To begin the registration process, choose a payment amount below and click "Add to cart." Be sure to send in your application materials as described above. The deposit counts toward the full amount. In the event you are not admitted to the program, the deposit will be fully refunded.