5th Element Yoga Teacher Training Certifications are private and holistic trainings that comply with the Yoga Alliance standards for certification at the 200 hour level. These Hatha programs are based in the tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga in India and are designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth study of yogic philosophy and asana, while developing awareness of the mind, body, and spirit. In addition to providing a strong foundation in yogic practices, lifestyle, and essential skills necessary to teach for a wide variety of needs, these well rounded programs also include the sister science of Ayurveda, practical application of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, energetic principles of asana, an introduction to various styles of yoga, basic yoga therapy technique, and development of deep and personal practice. Programs are inspired by the traditional ashram model and have limited space in order to provide students with a private and very personal education in a distraction free environment. Each student will have the opportunity for personal and physical healing, growth, and an exceptional education in yogic arts.
5th Element Yoga does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin and is open to all faiths.
200 Hr 30 Day Yoga Teacher Training Program
Designed to meet a variety of needs and schedules, this yoga teacher certification program is taught over three consecutive weekends in addition to one nine day intensive. Upon completion of the program, students are required to perform an exit interview with one on one professional critique. Programs are thorough and provide a well rounded and extremely knowledgeable education. Commuter reservations are limited, and include textbooks and ayurvedic meals. Resident intensives include textbooks, accommodations, and ayurvedic meals. 200 Hr Certification is awarded with 100% attendance and students are automatically eligible to register with Yoga Alliance International as a yoga instructor.
May 2010 Training Dates:
Arrival (After 4pm) 5/14
Nine Day Intensive 5/15 – 5/23, 7:30am – 6:30pmWeekend Study 5/21 – 6/13 Fridays 6:00pm – 9:30pm Saturdays 7:30am – 6:30pm Sundays 7:30am – 6:30pm
September 2010 Training Dates:
Arrival (After 4pm) 8/27 Nine Day Intensive 8/28 – 9/5, 7:30am – 6:30pm
Weekend Study 9/10 – 9/26 Fridays 6:00pm – 9:30pm Saturdays 7:30am – 6:30pm Sundays 7:30am – 6:30pm
February 2011 Training Dates:
Arrival (After 4pm) 1/28 Nine Day Intensive 1/29 – 2/6, 7:30am – 6:30pm
Weekend Study 2/11 – 2/27 Fridays 6:00pm – 9:30pm Saturdays 7:30am – 6:30pm Sundays 7:30am – 6:30pm
200 Hr 30 Day Yoga Teacher Training Intensive
Travel to the United States or vacation in sunny Phoenix, Arizona while immersing yourself in a 30 day yoga teacher training program and healing retreat. Program schedules are designed to be both intensive and relaxing, allowing students free time for sightseeing and short day trips to nearby cities such as Sedona and Flagstaff, while becoming a well rounded and certified Hatha yoga instructor. Live in Arizona? Local students are also welcome to participate. Textbooks are included. 200 Hr Certification is awarded with 100% attendance and students are automatically eligible to register with Yoga Alliance International as a yoga instructor.
May 2010 Intensive Training Dates:
Arrival (After 4pm) 5/14 5/15 – 5/23, 7:30am – 6:30pm 5/24 – 6/12, 7:30am – 1:30pm, & 7:30am – 6:30pm Certification Ceremony & Exit Interviews 6/13, 8:00am-2:00pm
September 2010 Intensive Training Dates:
Arrival (After 4pm) 8/27 8/28 – 9/5, 7:30am – 6:30pm 9/7 – 9/25, 7:30am – 1:30pm & 6:30pm Certification Ceremony & Exit Interviews 9/26, 8:00am-2:00pm
February 2011 Training Dates:
Arrival (After 4pm) 1/28 1/29 – 2/6, 7:30am – 6:30pm 2/7 – 2/26, 7:30am – 1:30pm & 6:30pm Certification Ceremony & Exit Interviews 2/27, 8:00am-2:00pm
What others are saying about our program:
“I think this is a strong program. Not only have I learned about yoga, but I learned alot about myself as well. Thank you Rachel.” – Crystal Davis
“This program gave me a foundation on which to start the journey of developing as a yoga teacher. Rachel clearly has a solid understanding of yoga as a holistic art and science. She encourages students to seek their own understanding of yoga and themselves as both yoga teachers and human beings.” – Andrea Pantenaude
“Rachel is an amazing teacher for teachers. She doesn’t leave out any knowledge for us to take with us (knowledge, practices, resources). I think you should copyright this program.” – Nicki Bylina
“You could copyright and sell the manual. Your stuff is that good.” – Mariah Bylina
“The program was very comprehensive and prepared me well for teaching hatha yoga classes. We got a great background on yoga philosophy and a strong foundation in anatomy that will really help me develop both as a yoga student as well as a teacher.” – Elizabeth Hubley
“The program was very intense and great. The teachers are all very knowledgeable and accommodating. The house and yard are spacious and beautiful!” – Michele Engelskirch
Program Elements
- TECHNIQUES: Analytical training in how to teach and practice asanas and alignment, deep relaxation, basic yoga therapy techniques and applications, meditation and vipassana, yogic cleansing/purification practices, pranayama, kriyas, and mantra. CONTACT HOURS: 89.5
- TEACHING METHODOLOGY: Includes principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, use of props, instruction, teaching styles (kinesthetic, visual, auditory), qualities of a teacher, principles of sequencing, reading bodies, psychology and the student’s learning process, levels of development, adapting postures for individual needs, guidelines for safety, providing guidance for student progress, management and business aspects of teaching yoga, and starting your own successful yoga business. CONTACT HOURS: 15
- ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY: Includes both the study and application of human physical anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and energetic/esoteric anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, kundalini, prana, etc.), as well as contraindications and healthy movement patterns. CONTACT HOURS: 32.75
- PHILOSOPHY, LIFESTYLE, & ETHICS: Overview of yogic history, techniques and philosophies of the six primary yogic traditions, Sankhya and Tantra, the Eight Limbs of Yoga, Yoga Sutras, ethical codes of yoga, karma, dharma, and samskaras, diet and nutrition (cooking classes included in 30 day intensive only), Ayurvedic diet and application of principles. CONTACT HOURS: 19.5
- PRACTICUM: Supervised student teaching, assessments, independent study and assignments. CONTACT HOURS: 23.25
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS: 180.0
30 DAY PROGRAM INDEPENDENT STUDY HOURS: 20.0
30 DAY INTENSIVE ADDITIONAL HOURS (NO INDEPENDENT STUDY): 44.0
TOTAL COURSE HOURS FOR 30 DAY PROGRAM: 200.0
TOTAL COURSE HOURS FOR 30 DAY INTENSIVE: 224.0
Additional Aspects
- Course includes study in the foundations of Hatha yoga which include the ancient traditions of Ashtanga as taught by Patanjali, and Tantra as taught by Satyananda Saraswati and the Bihar School of Yoga in India. Other modern styles explored include gentle, restorative, vinyasa flow, yoga therapy, and pre/postnatal yoga.
- Intensive programs also include occasional cooking classes in the interest of supporting a yogic lifestyle. Both programs integrate Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga.
- Intensive programs are designed retreat-style to provide students with relaxation, healing, and cleansing in addition to their yogic studies.
- Both courses are open to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of yoga, cleansing and healing the body and mind, and/or certification as a yoga instructor.
Program Structure
Week One Nine Day Intensive: Introduction to ayurveda, ayurvedic diet and nutrition, yogic philosophy, the six primary yogic traditions, understanding the Eight Limbs of Yoga and its applications, personal cleansing, pancha karma and shat karmas, introduction to asana, its uses, and alignment, anatomy intensive, exploration and practical application of various yogic techniques (including mantra and chanting), sadhana development, and relieving physical blockage.
Week Two: Introduction to and interpretation of the Yoga Sutras, yoga as a holistic practice, sadhana development, dharana and dhyana, continued development of various yogic techniques, practical application of anatomy and asana, introduction to modern styles of yoga practice, identifying symptoms of illness, and yoga psychology.
Week Three: Continued development of various yogic techniques, practical application of anatomy and asana, principles of demonstration, teaching from experience, modifications, use of props and adjustments, language and communication, teaching styles and ethics, sequencing, reading bodies, student psychology and development, preventing injury and supporting healthy movement patterns, teaching assignments, daily supervised student teaching, and in class assessments.
Week Four: Continued development of various yogic techniques, practical application of anatomy and asana, sequencing, teaching multi-level classes, classes for physical fitness, and integrated classes, identifying injury, basic principles of yoga therapy and private instruction, various therapeutic techniques and applications, management and business of yoga, teaching assignments, daily supervised student teaching, and in class assessments.
Sample Schedule
- 7:00-7:30am Personal Cleansings
- 7:30-9:00am Sadhana & Morning Practice
- 9:00-9:30am Breakfast
- 9:30-10:15am Karma Yoga
- 10:15-12:00pm Philosophy, Ayurveda, & Yoga Sutras
- 12:00-1:00pm Lunch
- 1:00-1:30pm Yoga Nidra
- 1:30-3:00pm Anatomy & Physiology
- 3:00-5:00pm Anatomy & Asana Lab
- 5:00-6:30pm Technique & Methodology Lab
- 6:30pm-Evening free time
Tuesdays are free days for rest, relaxation, independent study, and day trips.
Meals & Housing
Delicious vegetarian and tri-doshic meals will be prepared by our ayurvedic chef six days per week. Students will be on their own for meals on Tuesdays, and dinners throughout the week, but will have access to a fully stocked nutritious and ayurvedic kitchen.
Comfy, clean, and spacious shared and private sleeping rooms are available on-site, utilities included, with comfortable and reasonably shared bathrooms. Our training location could accurately be described as a cozy desert oasis with an endless list of on-site and area amenities within walking distance.
For more info about our training location, please visit our Location & Accommodation Slide Show.
Tuition & Accommodations
Full tuition includes:
- All classes, workshops (intensive only), guided practice, and supervised practicum.
- All textbooks and a comprehensive teacher’s manual.
- Accommodations and/or two ayurvedic meals per day.
- Guided independent study program.
30 Day Program Tuition:
- Nine Day & Weekend Intensives (with room and meals) – $3,000
- Commuter Program (with Lunches) – $2,800
30 Day Intensive Tuition:
- Tuition – $2,600
- Shared Room & Meals – $1,000
- Private Room & Meals – $1,250
A $500 deposit is required for each program reservation and can be paid by check, or by phone via credit card. If you prefer to make a payment by phone, please contact us at (480) 784-7944. Upon receipt of application and acceptance to the program, each student is notified and the $500 deposit becomes non-refundable. Full tuition is due 45 days prior to training and is non-refundable once training begins. If a student is unable to attend due to an emergency, tuition may be applied to the next available training within one year of initial registration.
GET REGISTERED
For information regarding our YTT instructors and faculty, please visit About Us.
Have questions? Please email us at yoga@5thelementyoga.com.