Yoga Teacher Training is for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of yoga, on all levels, in order to deepen their experience of the profound benefits yoga offers… physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

We recommend that you have at least six months of a steady yoga practice before starting the YTT.  That being said, we truly believe that yoga is for everyone and every type of body.  We accept students regardless of ability or age. A wide range of students and body types is actually valuable when learning how to teach.  It helps students learn how to observe different bodies types and adjust students with different injuries and abilities.  In most classes (in a yoga studio) you will have different skill levels, body types and personalities so this diversity in the YTT mimics the diversity you will encounter when teaching.

There is a lot of physical yoga practice within the program. We recommend starting to attend classes as soon as you can, if you don’t already have a consistent practice. You will be required to fulfill a certain amount of practical hours for each course.  However, you will never be expected to do anything that isn’t healthy for your body or that you are not fully prepared for.  Always go within your own physical ability.

This is a wonderful program to become a safe, effective and qualified instructor however not all of our students aspire to that.  Many students take this program for personal development.  This program will motive and inspire you to dive deeper into your yoga practice, on all levels, thus benefiting all aspects of your life.

Program lengths and schedules vary depending on the training you take.

The part-time training is designed to work with your busy schedule, allowing you to work a full time job and do the training at the same time.  Dive deeply into the study and practice of yoga while still being able to maintain your commitments to your work, family, schooling and other activities.  The part-time program schedule varies by location but is usually held on Saturdays and Sundays over 3 – 4 months.

The full-time training is a wonderful way to learn if you do not work Monday through Friday and would like to still have your weekends off.  This format runs Monday through Friday and include a couple of Saturdays. The course takes 6 weeks. The hours vary by location however the classes usually run in the middle of the day, from about 11 AM – 4 PM.

The Summer intensive training gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in an excellent intensive training.  This is perfect for students who learn best while studying intensively.  It is recommended that if you choose this format you put most other parts of your life on hold, like your job.  You must be able to commit yourself fully to this course in order to learn all of the material proficiently. This training runs 6 days a week for 4 weeks. The hours vary by location however the classes usually run from 6 AM – 5 PM.

There is also an option for people already certified with BCRPA as a personal training or group fitness instructor.  Since you already have the CPR and anatomy, you do not need to take that portion of the program from us.  Thus you will save $250.

In this O2 Yoga Teacher Training program you will learn:

• Proper alignment, benefits & potential risks of the foundational yoga postures
• Sanskrit names of the postures
• Anatomy and how it applies to each posture
• How to instruct a class into and out of a postures
• Hands on adjustments
• How to sequence a yoga class so that it is safe and effective
• How to observe bodies in postures
• Confidence though many hours of practice teaching
• The art of leading a class
• The history and philosophy of Yoga
• An introduction into subtle body, Chakras, Ayurveda and meditation
• Mudras and Bandhas
• The business of Yoga Oxygen Yoga and Fitness class formatting
• Intro to fitness instruction and designing a fitness class
• Tools to teach effectively and safely
• CPR certification

You will learn more about yourself and how Yoga can help you in all areas of your life!

This foundational yoga training is designed to give you a transformational experience on a personal level, which will help you to become an effective and sought after instructor. You will gain a deeper understanding of all things yoga. If you want to go deeper into your practice, learn more about yourself and yoga, and learn the details of a safe and effective practice… then this program is for you!

• Unlimited classes at the Oxygen Yoga & Fitness studio that is hosting the program, for the duration of the course
• A comprehensive manual of Sun Salutations and foundational yoga poses
• A comprehensive manual of Oxygen Yoga & Fitness class formats (e-copy)
• A comprehensive manual about teaching in a Far Infrared studio and the benefits and risks associated with that (e-copy)
• Additional reading materials
• CPR certification

Three additional texts are required

• Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit – A Return to Wholeness by Donna Farhi
• The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali – Swami Satchidananda
• The Key Poses of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume II-   Ray Long

These books are purchased by the student and generally cost about $80 + tax for all three books.

Yes.  The tuition can be paid three ways:

• Early-bird Tuition– If the student pays in full 1 month before the start of training then he/she will receive a $300 discount.
• Regular Tuition– The student may pay the full amount the Friday before classes start.
• Payment Tuition Option– The student may pay the tuition in 4 or 6 equal payments throughout the program. The payments are due every month on the same day.
  • Six equal payments of $599 over 6 months
  • Four equal payments of $899 over 4 months

The student must be paid in full before receiving the certificate. He or she may take the final test on schedule but will not receive the certificate until the tuition is paid in full.

O2 Yoga’s method is a blending of the three strands of the Krishnamacharya lineage-Ashtanga, Iyengar and the teachings of Desikachar.  We also integrate a unique and safe approach to sequencing that makes yoga accessible to all.  From Ashtanga the method incorporates heat and flow, from Iyengar precise detailed instructions and from the teachings of Desikachar, posture modifications so that the practice will fit the individual and be available to all levels.  Most North American instructors teach this hybrid of Vinyasa/Flow or Power.

In addition, we learn and review the class formats for Oxygen Yoga & Fitness classes, which mix yoga, Pilates, and calisthenics to create a fun, dynamic and ever changing class.

Industry standard for a new yoga instructor is 200 hours of training.  This is set by the internationally recognized Yoga Alliance.  In order to be registered as an instructor, you must complete 200 hours of training.

O2 Yoga Teacher Training has an experienced staff of 6 teachers, each with their own expertise and personality to add to the program.  The CPR and anatomy sections will be taught by different instructors, depending on the training and availability.

Each program will have a Lead Trainer that will teach the bulk of the hours.

There are two Lead Trainers:

Christina Raskin 500 E-RYT

Christina first started teaching dance at the age of 15, and this began her love for teaching and guiding others. She has been teaching Yoga, Pilates and fitness for a total of 14 years.  Dance, yoga, and fitness have been her entire life.  Christina took her 200-hr with YogaWorks from California.  After a few years of teaching she continued her education in India at the Kalish Tribal School in the Himalayas.  Upon completion of this course she received her 500 hr.

Christina really believes in the healing power of yoga, to heal ourselves and our community.  She feels honoured and blessed to be able to share her passion with others.  Christina’s main goal in the YTT is to help each individual student find their own unique teaching style as she supports you to be the best you possible!

Melanie Palis 500 RYT

Melanie is a yoga teacher who’s teaching reflects her love of movement, anatomy, and yogic philosophy.

She provides space for new and experienced yogis to explore their spirituality through movement (asana) and breath (pranayama).

Melanie strives to continually learn from others and encourages students to integrate the practice of yoga off the mat, and into everyday life.

On average, you can expect 40 hours of homework per program.  In a six week intensive this works out to about 8 additional hours per week.  This is not including extra time for your own personal practice.

In order to ensure each student gets the attention they deserve we limit our programs to 22 students, which is much smaller than a lot of programs in Vancouver.  This allows for each student to get plenty of practice teaching time and all of their questions answered.

To register for a teacher training we require a completed application form and a non-refundable application fee of $150.  This is due two weeks before the start of training.

Contact Christina Raskin for an application at 604-307-4331 or [email protected].

The early-bird tuition is $3,000 plus tax. In order to qualify for the early-bird discounted rate you must submit your application with the $150 deposit and pay the tuition in full 30 days before the first day of classes.

Regular tuition is $3,300 plus tax. This tuition is due in full by the Friday before the first day of classes, unless you are doing a payment plan. Then the first payment is due on the Friday before the first day of classes.

If you are already certified with BCRPA the tuition is $3,050 + tax. Tuition is due in full by the Friday before the first day of classes.

Please contact Christina Raskin at 604-307-4331 or [email protected] for directions on how to pay online.

Withdrawals and refunds will be handled according to our Withdrawal and Refund Policy.

Policy:

In order for a student to be saved a spot in the YTT they must pay the non-refundable application fee ($150) with their application.  The tuition is due 2 weeks before the start of the program.  A student may withdraw from the YTT program by providing written notice.  O2 YTT policy follows the PCTIA guidelines and the procedure following.  If a refund is due to the student then O2 YTT must pay the full amount within 30 days.

An international student whose application for a study permit has been denied is entitled to a refund, if a copy of the denial letter is provided to prior to the program start date.

Tuition Procedure:

When the student turns in their application a non-refundable application fee of $150 is due to reserve their spot in the training.  There are three exceptions to this non-refundable deposit.  If the student is International and does not get their student Visa then it will be refunded in full.  Or, if O2 YTT denies the student entry into the program for any reason then the $150 deposit will be refunded.  Lastly, if the program is cancelled by the school, then the $150 will be refunded in full.

The tuition is due with the signed student contract two weeks before the start of the YTT session.

Withdrawal Procedure:

If a student withdraws from a program a written letter must given to the institution.

The following refund procedure will be followed.

1) Refunds before the program of study begins:

(a) If written notice of withdrawal is received by the institution within 7 days after the contract is made, and before the commencement of the period of instruction, the institution may retain 5% of the total tuition and fees due under the contract to a maximum of $250.
(b) If written notice of withdrawal is received by the institution less than 30 days before the commencement of the period of instruction specified in the contract, and more than 7 days after the contract was made, the institution may retain 10% of the total tuition due under the contract to a maximum of $500.

2) Refunds after the program of study starts:

(a) If written notice of withdrawal is received by the institution or a student is dismissed before 10% of the period of instruction specified in the contract has elapsed, the institution may retain 30% of the tuition.
(b) If written notice of withdrawal is received by the institution or a student is dismissed after 10% and before 30% of the period of instruction specified in the contract has elapsed, the institution may retain 50% of the tuition.
(c) If a student withdraws or is dismissed after 30% of the period of instruction specified in the contract has elapsed, no refund is required.

3) Refunds owed to students must be paid within 30 days of the institution receiving written notification of withdrawal and all required supporting documentation, or within 30 days of an institution’s written notice of dismissal.

Non-Completed Trainings:

If a student does not pass the training due to a lack of attendance, in accordance with the attendance policy, then they may retake the YTT in a different session, within the year at the cost of 60% of the original tuition paid.  This is at the discretion of the Senior Educational Administrator and based upon availability.

If the student withdrawals from the program the Senior Educational Administrator has the authority to offer a retake at a discounted rate, based on individual circumstances.

After you submit your completed Teacher Training Application and registration fee, you will be contacted within 4 days.

100% attendance is required for all trainings.

Occasionally, we might be able to make a special arrangement for a missed class.  Please notify your instructor of any scheduling conflicts as soon as possible.  There will be an additional charge for make-up classes. Private sessions are charged at $85/hour.  However, since make-up session will be one-on-one you will be able to cover the information in a shorter amount of time.  So, if you miss 4 hours of class you should be able to cover the information in about 1-2 hours, depending on the material. You will also be required to make-up the Asana practice hours by attending a yoga class or two.

Upon successful completion of our 200-hour yoga teacher training, you will have the necessary foundation to begin teaching safely and confidently.  You will have everything you need, including CPR, to begin your teaching career.  You will receive your certificate and may also register with Yoga Alliance 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), and possibly with Oxygen Yoga & Fitness.

Some other factors will also impact your ability to teach, including how long you have been practicing yoga and your dedication to the program.

We offer a ton of practice teaching during the program to get you ready to teach.  Also, at the end of the course, you will be able to teach actual classes in an Oxygen Yoga studio to practice your teaching with the general public.

Once a student has graduated they will have all of the tools necessary to have a successful yoga teaching career with Oxygen Yoga & Fitness.  We will cover all of the class formats and teach an element of fitness classes.  Thus, when a student graduates they can audition for employment with the possibility of teaching at any of our 30 locations… and growing.  This is a rare opportunity that most yoga teacher training programs do not offer.  We want to support our students to be as successful as possible in their teaching and continued education.  If more practice teaching is needed we also offer Karma classes (unpaid classes open to the general public) so that our graduates can get more experience.

Starting pay for Oxygen Yoga Instructors that have no previous experience or training is $25 per class.  Of course, with more training and experience your rate will go up.

Yoga Alliance registers yoga teacher training programs (schools) that have complied with educational standards established by the organization. They are a non-profit whose mission is to lead the yoga community, set standards, foster integrity, provide resources, and uphold the teachings of yoga. Once a student graduates and is certified from a Yoga Alliance approved school they are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) 200.

Although registration with the Yoga Alliance is not legally required for teaching yoga, most studios and fitness centers will require teachers to at least be eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance. All O2 Yoga Teacher Training graduates are automatically eligible for Yoga Alliance registration.

For more information please visit www.yogaalliance.org