Hatha Yoga Teacher Training

Hatha Yoga teacher training and mentoring in Austin Texas, is provided by Charles MacInerney in collaboration with his partners, Donna Belk and Ellen Smith. Our training, called the Living Yoga Program, is approved by the Yoga Alliance. Graduates receive the LYP certification and are also registered with Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level.

The Living Yoga Program is designed to accomodate the needs of students who do not live in Austin. Our program regularly draws students from Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Only one 10-day trip to Austin is required of students and provides half of the 200 hours required for registration. The remaining 100 hours can be satisfied in the student's own communities, overseen by LYP advisors. The ten day intensives are held at the Barsana Dham Ashram in the beautiful hill country just Southwest of Austin, Texas. This magical setting plays a large part in the success of our program. Participants are immersed in the yogic lifestyle, amidst the beauty and seclusion of one of the nicest retreat centers in America.

A large part of the training involves detailed instruction in core asanas. Students learn not only how to practice these poses, but also how to teach them, along with contra-indications, adjustments, benefits, and much more.

In addition to learning asanas, students are also instructed in the art of teaching, designing class plans, yogic philosophy, Sanskrit, meditation, and the business of yoga.

What really distinguishes our program is that from the very beginning, students are given the opportunity to teach yoga classes and get feedback on all aspects of their teaching. Our students find this is an invaluable part of their training.

Yoga Anatomy and Physiology training are included in our program. Mark Uridel teaches a hands on workshop for LYP students. Mark is a physical therapist, teaches anatomy at massage schools, and is also a yoga teacher. For those who cannot attend in person, an excellent online yoga anatomy program is provided.

The Living Yoga Program recognizes the importance of community and ongoing support for our students and just as importantly, for our graduates. The intensives are designed to help students forge lasting relationships with their classmates. Students stay in touch with each other via list serves and communal web-sites, and are encouraged to rely upon their class mates for ideas, support, encouragement, and friendship, long after graduation from the program. We also sponsor a yearly reunion for our graduates at Barsana Dham to further strengthen these relationships. For more information about the Living Yoga Teacher Training Program, please visit our site at: www.livingyogaprogram.com.

Testimonial

Inspired and immensely practical scheduling from beginning to finish, every detail lovingly crafted. Information in each session given with both hands, vital tools for life on and off the mat. Deeply inspiriing, informative and self empowering. Just as important were the seemingly small, casual-appearing touches that knit the whole: opportunities provided for self-expression, unexpected treats, and unstinting dedication exhibited by Donna, Charles and Ellen made this an extraordinary experience.~ Karen Lewis, Kansas City