Kootenay Yoga School And Retreat Center FAQs

FORGING EVERLASTING CONNECTIONS AMONG LIFELONG LEARNERS

Have a question for us? Want to find out more information? Have a look at the answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t manage to find the information you’re looking for, please let us know.

How much experience do I need to join a YTT200 program?

We accept students of various levels of experience. The programs are designed to support students in whatever objective they arrive with, and guide them throughout the journey. If you have a question about if the program is for you - please reach us and we can walk you through a few questions that may help you to decide.

How long does it take to become a yoga instructor?

Similar to any physical activity, yoga demands discipline and persistence to witness advancements in postures. Engaging in yoga not only enhances flexibility, strength, and balance but also nurtures your mental and emotional well-being. The journey of learning yoga is personal and continual, with no definitive endpoint. The ease or challenge of grasping the fundamentals of yoga during the initial months of practice depends on your body and past physical activities. Opting for a two-week yoga teacher training course can offer an ideal setting to efficiently absorb the foundational principles of yoga, providing ample learning opportunities in a condensed timeframe.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes we do. We offer a variety of payment plan options, with the goal of being flexible. If we can create a unique arrangement for payments for a student - and that allows them to attend without financial stress, we are nearly always open. Students can message us for full details.

Will I receive a certificate?

Students participating in our educational programs will always receive a certificate. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate stating they have "Completed" the program. If there is more learning to be done, students will receive a certificate that stays " Participated" in the program. All past students are offered discounted spaced for future YACEP and other educational programs.

How long does it take to become a yoga instructor?

What does the act of teaching yoga truly entail? Teaching yoga involves the ability to skillfully lead individuals into various body postures. This necessitates a deep understanding of correct alignments and the proficiency to make necessary adjustments. Achieving this level of expertise demands not only personal practice but also hands-on experience. Given the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student's body, mastering the art of instructing and correcting on an individual basis requires time and patience. Thus, teaching yoga is a challenging endeavour, demanding both self-confidence and a wealth of knowledge.

Which course is best for becoming a yoga teacher?

A 200-hour course stands as the global benchmark for yoga teacher training, providing a thorough program that imparts essential concepts and fosters the development of skills needed to become respected instructors.

Distinguished yoga organizations such as Yoga Alliance and Yoga Federation mandate a minimum of 200 hours of training for certification registration on their platforms, underlining the significance and recognition of this comprehensive level of education in the field.

How do I pick the right yoga teacher training?

Discovering the right yoga teacher training course requires careful consideration and time investment. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of your preferences and objectives. If you're embarking on your initial teacher training, a 200hr program is ideal as it provides the essential foundations for imparting yoga to others. These programs differ in yoga styles, class sizes, locations and durations, so selecting the best course depends on aligning these factors with your personal preferences.

How many hours do you need to train or study to teach yoga?

Upon completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training, you earn a globally accredited certification, granting you the ability to teach yoga anywhere in the world. Your personal journey in the study of yoga is infinite - you are embarking on a path of forever learning.

How do I get there?

For our programs that are located on the small island of Isla Mujeres: The easiest way to arrive to the programs is to book your flight to the Cancun International Airport. Once we receive your reservation, we will send you an orientation to the program via email - in this will be a link to reserve transportation. With this, we will schedule your pickup from the airport or stay prior to your program, your ferry crossing and ticket, and taxi while on island to the school.

For our Joshua Tree programs: You will want to aim to arrive at the property by 6pm. This means landing into Palm Springs no later than 5pm. If you are travelling from other locations, you will want to plan accordingly. Typically students will meet in Palm Springs and either ride share, Uber, taxi, or bus to the property.

For our Off-Grid Programs: You will want to land into either Kelowna or Castlegar in either the early morning of the first day, or the night prior. Students will then bus or ride share to the property in the Kootenays.

Why should I do a teacher training?

Engaging in yoga teacher training programs serves as a valuable opportunity not only to cultivate expertise and confidence as a teacher but also to enrich your personal yoga practice and knowledge. Some individuals enroll in these courses purely for personal growth, seeking to expand their understanding and enhance their practice. Meanwhile, others undertake teacher training programs with the specific goal of becoming skilled instructors. These programs come in 200hr and 300hr formats, each tailored to distinct focuses and styles within the realm of yoga. Since you will learn a lot of knowledge in a short period of time, you will always have some benefits from a teacher training. You will not only learn about asanas, but also about yoga history, philosophies, mantra singing, Ayurveda, anatomy and much more. This process will also help you personally to gain better mental health and learn about your body and mind.

How do I become an RYT or registered yoga teacher?

Teachers can achieve the RYT 200 designation by successfully completing our 200-hour yoga teacher training, which is officially registered with Yoga Alliance. It's important to note that all training hours must originate from the same school, and multiple training sessions cannot be combined to fulfill the 200-hour requirement.

Upon the successful conclusion of our program, you will be recognized as a certified 200-hour yoga teacher. This certification enables you to teach yoga internationally. However, to attain the RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) designation, you'll need to complete the additional step of registering with Yoga Alliance or a comparable accreditation entity.

Can I take a yoga teacher training if I don't plan to teach afterwards?

Whether your goal is to become an outstanding yoga teacher, dedicated to delivering exceptional value in each class, or simply to elevate your personal yoga practice, our 200-hour yoga teacher training is tailored just for you!

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive educational experience that enhances both your knowledge and skills in yoga. Upon completion of this training and certification, you'll be well-equipped to guide yourself and others in achieving inner harmony, connecting with the universe, and expanding their consciousness.

What is our Schedule?

YTT200 programs follow quite an intensive schedule. Students can expect to be in the classroom in one form or another from about 6 am - 8 pm daily. Often students will have independent study time, or will be in a classroom around the pool. We try to keep the day interesting and diverse by moving around exploring the island whenever we can.

Retreats follow a much more relaxed day - with pure and utter laid back island vibe at the forefront. If you are attending a retreat, you can expect a morning practice around 8am and activities throughout the day at your leisure.

What About the food?

Our culinary team has access to a delightful variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Our commitment is to offer nourishing foods that are not only nourishing but also bursting with vibrancy and flavour. Adhering to a vegetarian menu, we carefully accommodate the dietary restrictions of our students as necessary.

Should you have any dietary restrictions or allergies that require special attention, please inform us before your arrival. Your well-being is important to us, and we want to ensure your meals are both delicious and tailored to your needs.

Is the island safe?

For sure, Isla Mujeres is a very safe community comprised of friendly, hardworking local Islanders. You can wander the colonials, visit the beaches, tour the ruins, or enjoy a coffee in the downtown without a concern. We ask that students limit recreation time when in an educational program and commit to immersing in study. With that said, relaxing and unwinding is all part of the learning. Students are welcome to travel around the island and learn about the beautiful community they are in.

What if I have to Cancel?

We ask that students purchase travel insurance that includes " Cancel For Any Reason" as a feature in the insurance package. We accept a limited number of students and therefor it is important to protect your trip. All deposits and payments are non-refundable or transferable.

After the program, I will have a 200 hr certification, what would type of yoga would I be certified to teach?

Embarking on the initial steps into the realm of yoga marks one of the most enchanting phases of the journey. Our meticulously crafted 200-hour program adheres to the guidelines and prerequisites set forth by Yoga Alliance, while also incorporating our cherished and preferred topics.Conceived with a deep affection for yoga and a fervor for imparting its myriad benefits, our program comprehensively covers the spectrum of "yoga" in accordance with Yoga Alliance standards. Although our emphasis lies primarily on vinyasa and yin, the physical asanas constitute only a fraction of the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) curriculum. We dedicate significant time to exploring and immersing ourselves in yoga, recognizing its capacity to encompass various captivating ideas and pathways for navigating through life.Throughout the program, we delve into essential aspects such as mastering the physical asanas, guiding and safely navigating through them in diverse body types, gaining insight into anatomy and its manifestation in different asanas, understanding the chakra systems, exploring the 8 limbs, integrating Ayurveda into yoga, delving into mantra, meditation, pranayama, and an array of other engaging topics. This comprehensive approach provides a holistic and well-rounded perspective on the multifaceted world of yoga. Upon successful completion of the 200-hour program, you become eligible to explore your passion further by delving into specialized areas of yoga. Whether your interest lies in yin, nidra, kundalini, children's yoga, or chair yoga, a 50 or 100-hour program awaits your enrollment. Having earned certification through our 200-hour program, you'll be equipped to lead safe and meaningful classes in various settings, including studios and private sessions. While you may choose to delve deeper into a specific yoga discipline of your preference, the gateway to specialization opens only upon the completion of the foundational 200-hour program.

What will I learn?

Enrolling in our transformative course to gain knowledge in the following areas:

- Yoga history and philosophy
- Yoga anatomy
- Pranayama
- The Asanas
- Mudras
- Meditation
- Yoga business and marketing
- Teaching tips
- Beyond the mat
- Chakra therapy
- Sequencing and structure
- Different styles of yoga

This comprehensive curriculum ensures a well-rounded understanding of yoga and prepares you for a fulfilling journey in both practice and teaching.