Level 3 Diploma
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 Diploma in Teaching Yoga - 500 hrs 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 Diploma in Teaching Yoga.

Yoga Professionals in association with YMCA Fitness Training are proud to be an accredited centre offering training to achieve this certification.

The CYQ Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga is set up into 7 units:

500 guided learning hours

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology Level 3 = 150 hours (eLearning)

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

Unit 2: Health Safety and Welfare in a Fitness Environment = 19 hours

  • Emergency planning and procedures
  • Health and safety at work
  • Code of ethical conduct
  • Safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults

Unit 3: Principles of Exercise, Fitness and Health = 28 hours

  • Adaptations of training principles
  • Long term effects of exercise
  • Components of health related fitness
  • Principles and variables of health related fitness
  • Contraindications and key safety guidelines for special populations

Unit 4: Know How to Support Clients Who Take Part in Exercise and Physical Activity = 13 hours

  • Understand how to form effective working relationships with clients
  • Professional boundaries and interactions with clients and working professionals
  • Communication skills for motivation
  • Understand the importance of valuing equality and diversity when working with clients
  • Client support and customer service

Unit 5: Philosophy and Fundamentals of Yoga = 150 hours

  • Fundamentals of teaching yoga
    • (philosophy) – Worksheet A
  • 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 6: Programming a Yoga Session = 70 hours

  • Understand how to prepare a yoga session
  • Understand how to plan aims and outcomes of a yoga session
  • Understand how to design a progressive programme of yoga
  • Plan a progressive yoga programme to include: Initial relaxation, Pawanmuktasana/mobilisation, Surya Namaskara, Main phase asanas and rationale for the order of safe practices to include: standing/balance, flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion, inversion and seated postures. Ending and closing to include: final relaxation, pranayama, meditation and appropriate timings and intensity to meet the needs of the participants

Unit 7: Delivering a Yoga Session = 70 hours

  • Understand how to instruct a yoga session
  • Understand how to adapt yoga practices to meet participants needs during a yoga session
  • Understand how to review yoga sessions with individuals
  • Plan, prepare, instruct and adapt yoga sessions/practices
  • Collect feedback and evaluate the session

These units are delivered by Yoga Professionals in association with YMCA Fitness Training 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, 2, 3 and 4. This gives you the freedom to study at a time that suits you and your lifestyle.

The second part of your training will take place in the studio environment. These practical workshops are set over Fri/Sat/Sun in three weekend instalments and run over an average of 2 months. During this training Units 5, 6 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:

  • A and P Level 3 theory assessment (APA exemption)
  • Health, safety and welfare in a fitness environment - worksheet
  • Principles of exercise, fitness and health - theory paper
  • Know how to support you clients who take part in physical activity - worksheet
  • Philosophy and fundamentals of yoga - worksheets (x4)
  • Yoga practice journal (total 60 hours)
  • Progressive programming (plan a 10 week programme based on 2 sessions per week, lasting 60 minutes each). Detailed session plans for weeks 1, 5 and 10 sshould be included
  • Observation of performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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