An in-depth exploration of over 100 different poses where you will learn the foundation of the physical practice of yoga. This section will include precise anatomical alignment, transitions, modifications, variations, prop usage, verbal corrections, hands on adjustments, contra-indications, benefits and self-practice.

Read, write & discuss the rich history and philosophy of yoga that provides a foundation for the entire yoga practice. Learn how to bring this philosophy into your own life and into the practice you share with your students. This section will incorporate the study of traditional & contemporary texts, eastern philosophy and theory, and the ethics and responsibility involved in becoming a yoga teacher.

Explore prana and the energetic body as you practice this powerful component of yoga. Through breath awareness and specific breathing techniques you will learn how to integrate pranayama effectively into your own practice and how to guide others in unifying breath, movement and meditation.

Explore different meditation practices that underline the foundation of yoga. This section will incorporate regular guided sessions and supported personal practice to further develop your awareness and concentration, as well as to teach you how to bring meditation into the classroom.

Gain invaluable practice for teaching in the yoga industry. In this section, you will be provided with guidelines for developing and teaching effective asana class, as well as specific principles of demonstration, instruction, observation, and correction. You will be provided with ample opportunity to practice teaching both within the program and to the public. All students will also have the opportunity to observe and assist select Om Factory teachers during their regularly scheduled classes.

In addition to the Teaching Skills module, you will also be introduced to the world of private yoga instruction. Om Factory School of Yoga’s unique and valuable One-on-One Teaching practicum prepares you for intelligent, individual instruction through discourse and observed private sessions.

Learn how to use yoga remedially and therapeutically – embracing all aspects of yoga to assist in the recovery, maintenance and further prevention of various health conditions. This section will include yoga for physical injury, chronic disease, and mental & emotional issues.

Evolve along your personal path through journaling, self-study and guided group discussion. This section creates a space to share your experiences of yoga in a supportive environment. On-going self study and personal growth is nurtured as an important aspect of becoming an authentic teacher.

Gain knowledge of the Sanskrit language through asana, mantras, and chanting. We are privileged to have Sanskrit scholar Leslie Freyberg join us to teach the power and beauty behind the language of yoga. “Knowledge of Sanskrit makes it possible to grasp the subtleties of yoga, whose body of teachings are written in Sanskrit. Since ancient times the practice of yoga has included the study of Sanskrit and the chanting of Sanskrit mantras to induce calm and clarity in meditation.” ~ Leslie Freyberg

Lesley’s Website: chantwithleslie.com

Om Factory’s own anatomy guru, Chris Loebsack, provides us with an integrated hands-on approach to understanding the human body and how it moves. This four-part series provides the basis for understanding the essentials of anatomy and physiology specifically in relation to the yoga practice. You will explore the components of human anatomy, taking an in-depth look at the spine, shoulders & hips and how to approach the human body correctly and safely.

Website: www.chrisloebsackyoga.com

Complementing the Asana section of the program, Mike McArdle teaches Intelligent Sequencing, combining creativity with the responsibility of being a movement teacher. This three-part series covers the traditions and basics of sequencing, the imperative method of anatomical progression, multiple modern approaches to intention, and creativity. Students are encouraged to teach with authenticity, finding their personal style and voice through sequencing.

Mike’s Website: mikemcardleyoga.com

Class composition is integral to the teaching process. Seasoned Om Factory teacher, Paul Gruen, shares how to create a complete class from start to finish working with a theme. Themes explored are grouped as being physical, anatomical, esoteric or intellectual. Beginning with preparations and outlines to delivery, improvisation and feedback, Paul teaches how to seamlessly relate themes into every aspect of a complete class.

Paul’s Website: paulgruenyoga.com

As a yoga teacher of any class, you must be able to invoke a sacred space for women during pregnancy. Whether you are male or female, whether you’ve been pregnant or never had a baby, maternity lifestyle maven & certified prenatal yoga teacher Latham Thomas teaches everyone how best to support the pregnant goddess. Explore the sacred female anatomy, how to support the changing prenatal body, as well as specific dos and don’ts for Pre-Natal yoga, comfort measures, and Post-Natal Yoga support.

Latham’s Website: tendershootswellness.com

Gain proficiency in Restorative Yoga in order to skillfully serve all students. Chris Loebsack teaches the props, technique and support that honors and safely works with student flexibility limitations, injuries, and illnesses. Learn also how the long and strain-less holds of restorative poses relieve stress and promote self-nurture by creating deep relaxation and a space for healing. Consequently, restorative yoga imparts ever-elusive permission to simply be still. This experience will not only deepen the teacher’s personal practice, but also develop their ability to honor the individual needs of all students.

Chris’ Website: yogawithchris.net

The journey of a teacher training program provides a potent environment for self-inquiry and personal transformation. Our peers in the program provide an invaluable support network to empower each of us to rise to our potential. As a way to inspire this spirit of community, Adam Rinder will guide us through a variety of AcroYoga-inspired group and partner sequences that embody trust, connection and authentic self expression. We will support one another in the process of refining our personal vision and affirming our personal intentions. We will then co-create a group mission statement that speaks to the shared vision for this unique group of emerging teachers.

Adam’s Website: acroyoga.org

Understanding and applying the principles of yoga to business provides a unique framework to explore the balance between self-cultivation & self-promotion. The seam where these merge will be a genuine place for each teacher to lay foundation for their career as a Yoga Instructor. We begin to reflect on who we are, how we relate to others and how we assess the value of our offering as teachers. In this process, Adam will take emerging teachers through a journey of extracting their unique offering and providing insight into how they can develop a niche in today’s world of yoga.

Om Factory is proud to offer teacher trainees the unique opportunity to teach public Community Classes on the studio schedule as a component of teacher training. Mid-way through the program, each trainee is scheduled for a handful of classes, according to availability, in order to provide real teaching experience in the group class setting. Support and feedback for these classes comes not only from inside the program but also from the trainee’s personal mentor who helps guide the process of becoming a teacher and refining teaching skills.

The Om Factory School of Yoga Mentorship Program is designed with the intention to support emerging teachers in gaining confidence and refining their teaching skills. The program has been developed as a resource to give teacher trainees more individualized support from our faculty of yoga teachers. Each student is assigned a mentor who participates in community classes and provides specific feedback based on their experience.

The program creates opportunities for teacher trainees to cultivate stronger connections with Om Factory teachers and fosters a spirit of community that supports them well beyond the teacher training program. The mentors we have selected are teachers who have significant experience facilitating a peer-review process within the teacher training setting, and offer their guidance in service of making this an empowering experience for you.

The Apprenticeship Program is designed to give recent teacher training graduates further guidance as teachers under the mentorship of an experienced Om Factory Faculty teacher. For more information visit our Continuing Yoga Studies page.