Skip to main content

Yoga Teacher Training YAI-200

Course Overview

Train to teach yoga with our exceptional teachers whose knowledge spans a variety of yoga traditions. With an emphasis on detailed anatomy and physiology, this practical course also includes a business module to set you up on your new journey.

On successful completion you’ll obtain a recognised qualification of 200 Hour Diploma in Yoga Teaching (YAI – 200) accredited by Yoga Alliance International (YAI)

The training is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. While some knowledge and experience of yoga is preferable, it’s not essential.

Course Structure

The course follows Yoga Alliance International syllabus and specifications, blending contemporary methods with classical principles from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

The 200-hour programme comprises 150 tutor contact hours and 20 hours of home assignments.

Study Options

Choose from two flexible scheduling options:

  • Option 1: One weekend per month over 12 months
  • Option 2: Two weekends per month over 6 months

Weekend sessions run Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm.

Learning Resources
  • Comprehensive manual and folder provided at course start
  • Detailed course notes throughout training
  • Full exploration of body systems
  • In-depth Anatomy and Physiology instruction related to yoga practice
Student Teaching Programme

Students can begin teaching public classes mid-way through training presenting the invaluable teaching experience while studying, along with the opportunity to offset the costs of their training.

Assessment Methods
  • Continuous assessment through teaching practice sessions
  • Written assignments in Anatomy and Physiology
  • Practical teaching experience with a small yoga class
  • Regular attendance and home practice required
Mentoring Programme:

Our graduates benefit from:

  • Access to senior teachers and peers for mentorship
  • Ongoing support for teaching queries
  • Network of experienced practitioners

Key Details

Qualification:

A recognised qualification of 200 Hour Diploma in Yoga Teaching (YAI – 200) accredited by Yoga Alliance International (YAI)

Date: Course commences on March 22nd 2025

Course Fees: Available on request.

Entry Requirements: This course is suitable for everyone, there is no prior qualification or learning needed.

Course Modules

Asana
  • In-depth exploration of asana
  • Correct alignment
  • How to instruct
  • Qualities of a teacher
  • Safety in the classroom
  • Demonstrating, assisting, observing and adjusting
  • How to adapt and modify the asana to the individual
  • Developing your style
  • Therapeutic values of asana
  • Etiquette of adjusting
  • Sequencing classes and lesson planning
  • Developing teacher presence and teacher voice
  • Practice teaching groups
Anatomy & Physiology
  • Introduction to anatomy for yoga: terminology, index of bones and muscles, the musculoskeletal system, including functions and types of joints
  • Anatomy of movement
  • Principles of structural alignment
  • Anatomy and movements of the spine
  • Spinal curves and intervertebral discs: theory and practice
  • Cervical vertebrae: alignment and musculature of the neck
  • The neck in asana: theory and practice, including jalandhara bandha
  • Pelvis, sacrum, sacro-iliac joint and pelvic floor
  • Mula bandha: the primary bandha in the pelvis
  • The lower limb, bones and muscles: femur, knee joint, feet, arches, ankles and calves
  • The pectoral girdle: movements of the scapula
  • Movements of the arm at the shoulder joint
  • The wrist, hand and forearm: muscles and bones
  • Movement of the arm at the elbow joint
  • Shoulders, hand and wrist: experiential anatomy
  • Abdominal muscles
  • Abdominals in asana and pranayama practice, uddiyana bandha
  • The respiratory system: organs and functions
  • The mechanics of breathing
  • Muscles of respiration and the physiology of respiration
  • Breathing basics
  • Health and safety
  • Modifications: back problems
  • Modifications: blood pressure
  • Modifications: arthritis
Business Module
  • Business start up
  • Business plan development
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Promotion of business
  • Qualities and responsibilities of a yoga teacher
Meditation
  • Why meditate
  • Exploring different methods of meditation
  • Universal life force meditation
  • Visualisation
  • Philosophy and ethics
  • Eight limbs of yoga
  • Introduction to the classical text
The Yoga Sutras
  • Four limbs of yoga
  • Ethics of teacher
  • The philosophy and aim of yoga
  • Applying yoga philosophy to your practice
Prana
  • Yoga breath and pranayama
  • Breath techniques, effects and methods of teaching
  • Yoga nidra
  • Relaxation techniques
  • The human system
  • Subtle anatomy

Our Tutors

Paula Flood
Paula has been teaching hatha and prenatal Yoga in Dublin since 2001 and is a registered Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance UK, an accreditation that demonstrates excellent standards as set by YAUK.

In 1999 Paula qualified with Marie Quail, a senior Iyengar and Satyananda-trained teacher based in Northern Ireland.

‘There is so much to learn in the field of yoga and my interest has led me to complete numerous trainings including in yoga anatomy, yoga therapy, Viniyoga, restorative yoga, anti-gravity and prenatal yoga, mindfulness meditation and Buteyko breathing.’

Paula contributes to many Teacher Training programs throughout Ireland with a clear focus on anatomy & physiology.

Michael McCann
A senior teacher trainer with twenty years experience, Michael has studied the ancient yogic texts in depth since the 1970s. His satsangs, meditation, pranayama and philosophy teachings offer a wellspring of wisdom and experiential perspective on the ancient teachings.

Michael is chairperson for the Yoga Fellowship of Northern Ireland and is a regular contributor to various wellness and yoga publications.

Clare Bassett
Clare is an experienced and passionate teacher and tutor with many years’ experience training yoga teachers mainly on the YTTC (Yoga training and therapy centre) diploma courses.

Claire began her own yoga journey in 2001 then trained as a yoga teacher under Roy Griffin and Marie Quail with the YTTC in 2006.

What Our Students Say

"I am really enjoying this course. It is well structured and the instructors are knowledgeable and present the wealth of information in an accessible way. The handouts are of extremely high quality. I feel much more confident in my practice already and look forward to deepening my knowledge in the future. The teaching practice is very helpful also in preparing us to lead classes" - Veronica

"I have really enjoyed my training thus far and feel I've gotten a lot out of the course. It has benefited and deepened my own practice as well as preparing me for teaching. The support given by Tara and the other mentors is great and they have been available and generous with their time throughout" - Sarah

"The teachers are excellent and it has a lovely vibe - not at all intimidating. When I was thinking of doing YTT, I thought I'd encounter very experienced people, way more advanced than I, but the atmosphere in Barefoot is supportive and nurturing. I'd highly recommend it!" - Fiona

envelopephone-handsetmenucross-circlechevron-down-circle