Teacher Training

Westminster Downtown Yoga’s 200 Hour Teacher Training (YTT) is for all students who want to deepen their practice on and off the yoga mat while learning how to share that with others.

In this training you will learn about the 8 Limbs of Yoga. One aspect of that is the physical practice where you learn proper anatomical alignment, safety precautions, contraindications, benefits, and the meaning behind each posture (asana). You will also explore how to connect your pranayama (breath) to your movement (asana), which will help connect your mind to the present. This training, while physically beneficial, also teaches you how to honor the ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga as a modern yogi.

While you could complete an online training, you won’t receive the same hands-on experience as an in-person training. The relationships you build over these 8 months will last a lifetime.

Lynn Olexy, Jamie & Chadd Schneeman opened Downtown Yoga in 2016. Since that time, they have offered three teacher training courses through Charm City Yoga. In 2022 Downtown Yoga published curriculum that exceeded the requirements to be certified by Yoga Alliance, (the national and international credential registry for yoga teachers). Upon completion of the YTT, you will have completed 200+ hours of training and will be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance to receive the credentials of Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

Lead instructor Chris Mapp has been in the health and wellness industry since 2000. In addition to being a 500-hour certified yoga teacher, she teaches fitness classes of all kinds and is also a Professional bodybuilder. As an athlete, Chris understands the importance of flexibility and mobility to enhance athletic performance and has found yoga to be a welcome addition to her fitness routine. As a former massage therapist and personal trainer, her appreciation and fascination with the human body is evident in the way she teaches, while her passion for helping others find their best selves motivates her to keep growing as an educator. Chris led our first teacher training in 2022.

This training is designed for those who want to:

Gain knowledge on the physical practice, as well as fundamental yoga history and philosophy, basic pranayama (breath/energy) and meditation techniques;

Explore the subtle body and how to apply those principles through asana, pranayama, and meditation;

Study anatomy to understand variations in people’s structures so you can sequence classes in a safe way;

Discuss yoga in the nonphysical sense for mental and emotional health;

Plan authentic classes to inspire, empower, and educate;

Become a part of a community who inspires and supports one other; and

Become a teacher with confidence and integrity.

Course Requirements Include:

Be on time. (3 late arrivals = 1 day absence considered late if you arrive 15+ minutes after the start)

Attend training weekends. Missed hours will need to be made up by via private session or immersion weekend (when offered) with teachers at an additional cost. You are permitted to miss 2 days. You are required to get notes from other trainees.

Readings (*tuition does not include the costs of these books):  Bhagavad Gita, Subtle Body, Yoga Sutras, Key Muscles of Yoga, and Yoga Mind by Suzan Colon

84 classes total. Of those: 28 must be with lead trainer (comes out to once a week); 4 are observations (2 focus on instructor, 2 focus on students)

Homework assignments

Family meal

Final teach

Homework:

Reflections on the classes you observe (what did you notice)

Critiques (finding similarities and differences between instructors)

Quizzes

Read assigned books

Book summaries (written and/or discussion)

Watch assigned documentary and be prepared to discuss

Class Times:

Fridays, 5:30pm-8:30pm; Saturdays 11:45am-7:45pm; Sundays 10:30am-4:30pm

November 3-5, 2023

November 17-19, 2023

December 1-3, 2023

January 5-7, 2024

January 26-28, 2024

February 16-18, 2024

March 8-10, 2024

March 29–31, 2024

April 11-13, 2024

May 3-5, 2024

May 17-19, 2024

Tuition:

Open House: Sunday, September 24th at 4pm.

Downtown Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is an investment in deepening your understanding of yoga that will change your life.

Deposit – There is a $500 non-refundable deposit to hold your space.

Early Bird Tuition (on or before October 1, 2023)
$3000 (minus the $500 deposit) = $2500 due if paid by cash or check
$3000 (minus the $500 deposit) = $2500 due plus 3.9% processing fee if paid by credit card ($2597.50)

Regular Tuition (between October 2, 2023 – November 2, 2023)
$3300 (minus the $500 deposit) = $2800 due if paid by cash or check
$3300 (minus the $500 deposit) = $2800 due plus 3.9% processing fee if paid by credit card ($2,909.20)

Flexible Monthly Payment Plan:

If covering tuition in full in one payment is not possible, we will work with you to set up payment times (with the processing fee).
Payments will begin at time of registration and balance must be paid in full March 31, 2024.

*Please note that once the program begins there are no refunds or studio credits except in the case of medical emergencies. Reassigning of monies into subsequent YTT programs or studio classes/workshops will be offered in exceptional circumstances.

Teaching Training Questionnaire

If you are interested in the training, please complete a few questions below. Everything shared is confidential.