Yoga Teacher Training

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Become a Certified Yoga Teacher in Only 6 Months!

The Yoga Teacher Training program at SWIHA is designed to support all who wish to deepen their personal spiritual connection through learning to master the principles and practice of Yoga. Some students who complete the Yoga Teacher Training program in Tempe, Arizona, choose to offer what they’ve learned to the community at large as teachers; others simply wish to use these tools for their own growth.

Because of SWIHA’s status as a Yoga Alliance-approved school (RYS), SWIHA graduates of the YTT program are eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance and carry the official designation “RYT” (Registered Yoga Teacher). This designation is usually required for those seeking employment as Yoga instructors.

• Five Health Benefits of Yoga
• 1. Flexibility
• 2. Strength
• 3. Posture
• 4. Stress Release
• 5. Improved Concentration and Emotional Balance

• Five Benefits of the SWIHA Yoga Teacher Training Program
• 1. Hands-on instruction from our experienced instructors
• 2. The use of our beautiful, calming and spacious studios
• 3. A peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment
• 4. Certification to start your own career as a yoga teacher
• 5. Small and intimate classes

What We Teach

The foundation of the SWIHA Yoga Teacher Training program lies in the principles and practices of the Classical Eight Limbs of Yoga.

• Classical Eight Limbs of Yoga:
• Yama ('Right' behavior and attitude toward others)
• Niyama ('Right' behavior and attitude toward self)
• Asana (traditional yoga poses)
• Pranayama (regulation of breathing and control of the life force, prana)
• Pratyahara (withdrawing the senses inward)
• Dharana (focused mental concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi (connection with universal source)

• SWIHA YTT includes the study of the following elements:
• History and philosophy of Yoga
• Principles & theory of alignment & the anatomy of movement as they relate to teaching Yoga
• Methods of teaching as they relate to creating a complete yoga experience for future students
• How to design and structure a Yoga class employing elements of all eight limbs of Yoga
• Empowering future students, & yourself, to take the principles of Yoga off the mat & into daily living.

While it is recommended Yoga teacher trainees have an established Yoga practice for at least a few months prior to entering the program, SWIHA welcomes both the experienced and the novice.

It is SWIHA's intention to hold the space for all who are passionate about Yoga and committed to learning what it means to be a Yoga teacher both on and off the yoga mat. Facilitators of the program help to guide students in developing their own personal practice alongside what is presented during the teacher training program.

All students who remain enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training program receive a free 6-month unlimited pass to any of our weekly scheduled yoga classes at SWIHA Yoga Studio

Swiha Yoga Teacher Training draws its elements from a variety of long established Yoga traditions. Our experienced facilitators hold certifications at the advanced levels in the Iyengar, Kripalu and Anusara Yoga. SWIHA also invites nationally and internationally-respected Yoga teacher trainers and Yoga-related teachers as guest presenters of our program. Our students have the opportunity to receive and experience the wealth of talent available both within and beyond our local SWIHA community.

As a participant in the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program at SWIHA, students who complete the 3-module program will be certified as Yoga teachers. Because of its status as a Yoga Alliance-approved school (RYS), SWIHA graduates of the YTT program are eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance and carry the official designation “RYT” (Registered Yoga Teacher). This designation is usually required for those seeking employment as Yoga instructors.

The main facilitators of the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program are Christy Burnette and Rhoda Miriam. With more than 30 years combined Yoga teaching experience, Christy and Rhoda bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom to SWIHA’s Yoga Teacher Training programs.

Classes fill up fast. Sign up soon!

Meet SWIHA's Yoga Instructor

Christy Burnette is Director of Yoga Education at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. She is a certified E-RYT 500 Anusara Yoga instructor and owner of Arizona Yoga in Scottsdale, Arizona. Christy has been a student of yoga for almost two decades, and has trained with John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga, since 1991. Her experience gives her an unusually rich detailed palette of teachings. Among the first to be certified in Anusara, Christy is one of the most beloved teachers from the thriving yoga community in the western U.S. Christy is known for her thorough, compassionate and rigorous mentoring of other yoga teachers. Christy’s experience includes individual and group instruction, teacher training, national and international workshop and retreats.