FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How advanced in my yoga practice do I need to be to do this training?
A: The YogaWorks Teacher Training programs include a vigorous two-hour asana practice daily.
We strongly recommend that applicants have at least two years of consistent asana practice (i.e. three days a week), and be practicing in a level 2, or higher class consistently. In Innercityoga terms where most classes are all-levels, this translates into taking Ioana's, Frank's or Patric's classes on a regular base.

That being said, if you have a regular yoga practice, you may be more ready than you think. We are looking for our trainees with a solid foundation in the basic and fundamental yoga postures.

To be accepted into our training programs, you will need to get a signature of approval from an approved teacher, or a letter of recommendation from your regular teacher. This teacher will observe your practice and watch to see that you understand the basics and have the ability to hear and respond to instructions.
An advanced practitioner is not a person who can move deep into advanced postures. An advanced practitioner is someone who comes to the mat with a level of maturity, a willingness to learn and an understanding of the limits of their own body. Keep in mind this program is not only for aspiring teachers, but people who want to deepen their practice.

Q: I am a beginner and would like to immerse myself into yoga, is this program for me?
A: NO.
If you are new to yoga, this would not be an appropriate program to participate in. You will not benefit from learning yoga basics in a teacher training, but Innercityoga offers a specific beginners' yoga session.

Q: Am I qualifying when practicing only twice a week?
A: Please contact Patric or Ioana for this; as there's a daily asana practice, you may want to prepare yourself for it.
All applicants admitted to the TT will receive a substantial discount on class passes in order to be physically fit until the training starts; in this case you will be required to take at least 3 classes weekly until the training starts.

Q: I am looking for an immersion during my vacation, but do not want to take part in all elements. Can I skip them and get a discount.
A: Please take this Teacher Training seriously.
Please find below the policy for missing classes.

Q: What if I miss class?
A: To obtain a diploma and letter of completion you must attend 100% of the classes to comply with Yoga Alliance requirements. However, we understand that you may not be able to foresee every conflict, so we have devised the following procedures if you must miss a class.

Conflict Policy: 4-Week Intensive

If you miss 1-2 days:
You have two options on how to make up this time.
To get the most out of your Teacher Training Program, it is critically important that you attend the first three days of the Program.
Option 1: Schedule a private session at some point during the course of the program. A two-hour private session equates to one day in the training. The cost of a private session needs to be paid separately. Please hand in your conflict log to the ITA and let him/her know you'd like to schedule a private to make up your missed day(s). He/she will get you in touch with the trainer to set this up. If in the case the training team is not conducting privates, you will need to select option 2.
Option 2: You can attend the days you missed, in an upcoming training, free of charge. Please note, you will not successfully pass your program and receive your exit packet including your letter of completion and diploma until you complete your missed days.

If you miss 3-4 days:
You may choose to make up the first two days you miss with a private session during your training, but the additional days you will need to take in a subsequent training. You can also choose to make up all 4 days in a subsequent training.

If you miss 5+ days:
You will need to retake the program, at a discounted price, subject to space availability.

Q: How do I get to know more about yoga before the training starts?
A: When your application is accepted, you will receive a reading list with a number of mandatory books to read.

Q: What is a typical day in the training like?
A: You begin your day with a 2 hour asana practice, and as the program progresses you will also have a pranayama & meditation practice at the top of class. The asana practice will focus on a specific type of posture(s) (ex. inversions), and will let you experience how to sequence a class to effectively, and creatively prepare the body for your peak pose (ex. sirsasana, headstand). You will have a short break after practice. You will have a discussion about the days practice focusing on the sequencing method. You will then have a lecture/discussion class about the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, of the history of Yoga until your lunch break. After lunch break, you will look at the anatomy components important to the type of posture(s) you practiced in the morning (ex. looking at the shoulder girdle and spine for inversions). You will then discuss the Asana Points for inversions detailing the benefits and contraindications of the postures, as well as the specific alignment details. You will have a posture lab, which is looking at different students bodies in the posture (ex. sirsansna) to practice your assessment skills. You will also learn all of the hands-on adjustments for those postures (ex. inversions) studies in the morning, and spend some time practice teaching.

Q: Where does the training take place?
A: Your Training takes place at Innercityoga, in this sense, we can accept only a limited number of applicants.

Q: How much time should I expect to spend on homework?
A: Expect to spend between 4-8 hours per week on written, and reading assignments. The homework is designed to support the material covered in class and help you integrate what is presented into your own practice and teaching.
If you are not planning on teaching after this course, you may choose not to complete all of the homework assignments and take the course for non-credit.
However, if you wish to receive your Diploma and Letter of Completion for the course, you must attend all the sessions and complete all the homework assignments per Yoga Alliance.

Q: What is Yoga Alliance?
A: Yoga Alliance is an organization that was started in 1999 as a way to create nationally recognized standards for yoga teachers and yoga teacher trainings. More and more yoga studios across the world are requiring their teachers to register with the Yoga Alliance, either at the 200 or 500-hour level. Yoga Alliance registration is recognized more and more in countries all over the world.

Q: Will I be qualified to teach yoga once I complete the 200-Hour Teacher Training Program?
A: The decision to teach is a personal one.
Some students graduate from the 200-hour training and begin teaching professionally immediately, while others take time to fully integrate the material before they begin teaching. You will have learned all the foundational tools to begin teaching, but when to begin is up to you.
Upon successful completion of all the requirements of the program, including contact hours, homework, and exam, you will receive your Letter of Completion and Diploma evidencing your training at the 200- Hour Level. You may also register with the Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org) at the RYT-200 level (Registered Yoga Teacher 200).
Graduates of the 200-hour program usually begin teaching in small studios, gyms, with private clientele (friends and family), etc. and sub at larger studios.