Level 3 Certificate
in Teaching Yoga

Yoga today means many things to many people. From the simplest of meditation techniques to a way of staying healthy and fit through asana practice the ancient science of yoga has become part of many people’s lives.

The subject is vast and stems from traditions handed down over 5000 years. Yoga has many paths and offers various ways to seekers of its many benefits. From the physical to the spiritual yoga has become an integral part of society in both the East and the West. People are increasingly realising the benefits of a more holistic approach to their busy lifestyles and in turn the number of people going to yoga classes has risen.

With 20 CPD points (Continuing Professional Development) the Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Yoga is an award that attempts to bring the ancient teachings and the modern understanding of yoga together. Meeting the National Occupational Standards at level 3 the award is open to anyone who has been practicing yoga for over 2 years.

Central YMCA Qualifications, having over 10 years experience within the health and fitness sector saw a significant increase of public interest in yoga classes. Recognising the need for qualified yoga teachers, they created a syllabus from the criteria set by the lead bodies, The Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Yoga.

Yoga Professionals are proud to be an accredited centre offering training to achieve this certification.

The CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Yoga is set up into 4 units:

240 guided learning hours

Unit 1: Exercise and Fitness Knowledge Level 3 = 50 hours

Bones and joints
Muscles and muscle actions
Energy systems
Cardiopulmonary system
Components of fitness
Nervous and endocrine systems

Unit 2: Philosophy and Fundamentals of Yoga = 90 hours

Fundamentals of teaching yoga
Fundamentals of teaching yoga (practices) - Worksheet B
Precautions, prohibitions, modifications and benefits of asana - Worksheet C
Dealing with common conditions encountered in a yoga class - Worksheet D

Unit 3: Plan and Prepare to Instruct a Progressive Yoga Session = 50 hours

Plan a 15 week progressive programme of Yoga
Plan sessions for weeks 1/7/15 to include
Initial relaxation, Pawanmuktasana/mobilisation, Surya Namaskara, 7 main phase asanas with preparatory and counter poses (to build a balanced sequence), final relaxation and pranayama
Plan a detailed lesson plan for week 7 lesson (to be practically assessed on)

Unit 4: Instruct, Manage, Adapt and Evaluate a Yoga Session = 50 hours

Screen participants and ensure a safe environment for a yoga session
Teach a week 7 planned 1hr yoga session to a minimum of 8 participants
Collect feedback and evaluate the session

These units are delivered by Yoga Professionals via blended learning (home study/face to face practical workshops).

The first step towards training to teach yoga is 3 months home study (distance guided learning) of Units 1 and 2 (recapped during practical training). This gives you the freedom to study at a time that suits you and your lifestyle. With a designated distance-learning tutor for both yoga and Exercise and Fitness Knowledge, a 24/7 Student Zone to help you out of hours and study guide to help you fit your training around your schedule.

The second part of your training will take place in the studio environment. These practical workshops are set over Fri/Sat/Sun in four weekend instalments and run over an average of 3 months. During this training Units 3 and 4 are taught along with other aspects of yoga practices, history, traditions, code of ethics and other subjects, including the responsibilities of a 21st century teacher of yoga practices.

The practical training focuses on the teaching of asanas, pranayama, mudra, bandha, meditation and yoga kriyas. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and 8 the limbs of yoga are focused on throughout the training with instruction of how and when to integrate these into your classes. The focus of teaching the breath with the asanas to bring concentration and inner quiet while building strength, flexibility and overall health draws from the 8 limbs and brings it into a western perspective. The three stages of practice are also taught along with the importance of teaching those stages.

Yoga Professionals offers training that has embedded within it a passion for the practice of yoga and a respect for the ancient gurus and lineages. Additional to the recommended syllabus, aspects of yoga such as Bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion) and Karma yoga (the yoga of action) are an integral part of the course. Ancient teachings are offered in a modern environment with a deep respect and gratitude. Our tutors have experience of yoga from ashram training at both preliminary and advanced levels, along with self-study, self-practice and western yoga schools teachings.

We believe our courses enrich those ready to teach yoga with not only a certificate to teach but also a personal yoga journey that will enhance your own personal sadhana.

Assessment:

EFK Level 3 (APA exemption)
Worksheets on Yoga
Progressive programming (plan a 15 week programme of 2 sessions per week), build a portfolio of evidence
Teach a week 7 mixed ability 1 hour class
Self evaluation