What is the difference between the Full Program and the Asana-only Program?

The Full Program includes all of the requirements outlined by the Yoga Alliance for 200-hour certification. It includes the 15 Asana modules as well as An Anatomy Module, a Philosophy Module and a Psychology Module. Teacher Training/Advanced Studies is a wonderful way to deepen your practice and take it to a new level. The Asana-only Program is for students or existing teachers that are interested in the specific topics or teachers providing the 15 Saturday Asana Modules. There is no accreditation for the Asana-only Program.

What is the schedule for the Full Program/Asana-only Program?

The Program is a weekends-only program with most of the modules taking place on the Saturdays during the six months between September 13th, 2008 and February 28th, 2009.

Download the program schedule

What are the prerequisites for Advanced Studies/Teacher Training?

We ask that students applying to the training have at least two years of consistent practice with the same teacher. While the training provides the basic foundation of the yoga practice, it is still helpful if students have become acquainted with the yoga studio setting, the concept of the student-teacher relationship, the use of Sanskrit in classes, and the general purpose of the yoga practice. The 200-hour program is considered foundational and as such will cover the basics of the yoga practice and includes modules on teaching beginning-level asana. While 200 hours is not a lot in the broad perspective of such a deep practice, it is a commitment nonetheless. Students considering the program should be ready for immersing themselves for the full 6 months.

What if I have to miss one or more classes?

This is generally not a problem if you can attend most of the courses. Currently, this program runs once a year. For the 200-hour Certification, If you cannot attend one of the required 15 Asana Modules or any of the Anatomy, Philosophy or Psychology, you can make up the class the following year. If for some reason, you will not be in San Francisco to attend the following year's program, you can talk to the Program Director and make up the hours in some other way such as in other workshops or by doing written assignments. The same is true for the Asana-only portion of the program.

Will I be ready to teach after finishing this program?

That is a one of the most commonly asked but also one of the most subjective questions regarding Teacher Training. The program prepares students with the information, precautions and practice to teach beginning-level students. There is, however, a lot of information to digest and embody and so some students may feel comfortable teaching small classes right away. Others may take more time and continue learning and integrating all that occurred over the 6-month period. For students interested in teaching right away, The Yoga Loft provides opportunities for subbing classes and also for creating community classes, classes that are geared toward a specific part of the population and/or that provide yoga at a lower cost to the community at large. All of these are excellent ways for teachers to practice.

What are the class sizes?

This is the fifth year of the Teacher Training Program at The Yoga Loft. The average class size for our Teacher Training is 15 students, with a small increase each year. We expect this to grow slowly over time. Because our Teacher Training program is also simultaneously considered Advanced Studies, there may also be drop-ins to the Saturday classes. These are other serious students who are drawn to the topic or the teacher and add to the atmosphere with both their dedication to the practice and their desire to teach.

What are the typical students like?

Most Teacher Training students are relative beginners, studying an average of 5 years, although some students come to the training after practicing asana for more than a dozen or so years and still others are at about two years of practice. Each class has a broad representation of ages and body types. In past teacher trainings the ages of participants have ranged from 25-58. Our program tends to attract a diverse population--students of all backgrounds and career paths--teachers, therapists, businesspeople, full-time grad students, full-time mothers, etc.--interested in deepening their understanding and practice of yoga. Some students will have other spiritual practices and some will have no previous experience with meditation or other internal work.

What is the atmosphere like?

The Advanced Studies/Teacher Training Program is kind of a microcosm of The Yoga Loft's community. Although many students come from other studios, there is a similar feel to the depth of study they are seeking and to how they are willing to engage with and relate to the practice. This is not an add water and stir kind of program. Students and teachers alike are asked to show up and participate in the class in a way that meets all situations and offers the potential for growth of each as individuals. It is not about giving students information so much as helping students broaden their perspective and learn in a particular way.

What is the led practice portion of the Saturday Asana classes?

From 12:30pm-2pm on Saturdays, the teacher for that days' module will lead the group in an asana class based on the content of that days module.

What about breaks?

There is a break immediately following the led practice and then depending on the teacher and topic, there are breaks throughout the afternoon. As with any yoga class, you should not eat for a few hours before the 12:30 start time but you should bring lunch and/or snacks for after that or for during the long afternoon.

Is there homework?

Built into the YA 200 hour program is the requirement of 30 hours of independent study. Different teachers ask for assignments and reading throughout the course of the intensive to meet this requirement. As with the entire program, the student is urged to participate and engage as fully as possible but we are realistic about work and family obligations. Yoga is a lifelong practice, and teaching yoga requires a commitment of learning the skills, experiencing the practice, and serving our community. The 6 month schedule is a time of breaking down and building up; it is a time for taking in a vast amout of information. It may take months or years to integrate the information and to fully embody it.

What kind of accreditation

The Yoga Loft Teacher Training is a recognized, registered school with the Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org). Our program requirements meet or exceed Yoga AllianceÕs national standards for yoga teacher education.

What is the Yoga Alliance?

In the United States, teacher-training programs that meet certain standards are certified by the Yoga Alliance, a nationally recognized certification. There are two levels of Yoga Alliance certification -- 200 Hour and 500 Hour, referring to the length of the program. Trainees first complete the 200-Hour certification, which many yoga studios require as the minimum training for their teachers. Upon completion of a Yoga Alliance certified teacher-training program, teachers may use the acronym RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) after their name. Some teachers then choose to continue their studies by undertaking a 500-Hour training (see below)

What happens after 200 hours?

Yoga Alliance also offers accreditation for 500 hours of study. The Yoga Loft offers ongoing Advanced Studies Modules March through August of each year. There is no "500 Hour Program" per se but rather a continuation of studies through the same Saturday format with modules from 12:30pm-6pm. These modules are taught by a variety of teachers and students can choose when to come and which modules to take. Students having completed any 200-hour YA Program can accrue 300 hours over time from The Yoga Loft to build toward the 500 Hour YA certification. Each of these modules provides students with 5.5 hours toward a specific requirment as set forth by the Yoga Aliance. Refer to the Yoga alliance web site for the 500 standards and requirements (www.yogaalliance.org).

How do I apply to the Yoga Loft's Program?

Download the application and take your time writing out the answers. All the financial and processing information is included right on the application.

If I already have gone through a 200-hour training, or am just interested in checking things out, can I still attend some of the modules in the Yoga Loft's Program?

Yes, the modules in the Yoga Loft's Program are designed to be both continuous and self-contained, covering specific subject matter that builds from any knowledge base. Students wishing to drop in to any of the modules are asked to register in advance by calling the studio at 415-626-LOFT or signing up online at www.theloftsf.com.