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 7 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) and ran our first teacher training where students graduated in 2023.

In 2024 Downtown Yoga published their 300-teacher training curriculum. We are beyond excited to offer this to teachers who want to advance their passion for yoga.

Lead trainer 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, and More Than a Body

– 84 classes total. Of those: 28 must be with a 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

Training Dates September 2025-February 2026

Class times are: Fridays, 6-8:30pm; Saturdays 10:30am-7pm; Sundays 8am-4:30pm

September 12^th, 13^th, & 14^th

October 3^rd, 4^th, & 5^th

November 7^th, 8^th, & 9^th

December 5^th, 6^th, & 7^th

January 2^nd, 3^rd, & 4^th

January 23^rd, 24^th, & 25^th

February 20^th, 21^st, & 22^nd

Tuition

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

Pay in Full by September 12^th Option-

Downtown Yoga Unlimited Members $2,700 (cash or check)

Downtown Yoga Unlimited Members $2,800 (credit card)

Non-Members $3,000 (cash or check)

Non-Members $3,100 (credit card)

Payment Plans

4-Month Payment Plan-

Deposit: $750

Per Month: $587.50

6-Month Payment Plan-

Deposit: $750

Per Month: $400

8-Month Payment Plan-

Deposit: $750

Per Month: $306.25

Refund Policy

$750 deposit is non-refundable. Please note that once the program begins there are no refunds or studio credits except in the case of medical emergencies. If you are unable to complete the training, studio will credit your account monies paid to use at our next YTT.

Teaching Training Questionnaire

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

Name

What topics are you the most eager to learn about or explore more in this program?

While this program will surely deepen your personal experience and practice, do you envision yourself as a teacher or is this program mostly for your own enrichment?

How do you anticipate this education contributing to your life, work, and community?

This training is intensive and can bring to the surface emotions you might not know you have. Although we understand that yoga has a therapeutic component, it does not replace a licensed therapist/therapy. Do you have any injuries or any health considerations that we should be aware of to best serve you in the program?

Are there any questions you have?