200-Hr Yoga
Teacher Training.
An 8-month immersion into the practice, philosophy, and tradition of yoga, led by Barb Leese and our experienced faculty. Graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and certification to teach authentically and lead with purpose—while discovering the personal growth that comes from living the practice.
Yoga Alliance Accredited
Recognized & Accredited
As a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS®), our trainings meet internationally recognized standards for yoga teacher education and continuing education.
The program
A Foundation That Lasts a Lifetime
Our flagship 200-hour training has been guiding students and shaping thoughtful, well-prepared teachers for over a decade. Rooted in Hatha Yoga—steady, breath-led, and accessible—it expands into Vinyasa, Yin, philosophy, anatomy, and the art of teaching with clarity and confidence.
You’ll graduate as a Yoga Alliance-certified RYT-200 with the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to share yoga with others. Along the way, you’ll deepen your understanding of the practice, develop a teaching voice that is uniquely your own, and experience the personal growth that comes from living the teachings both on and off the mat.
Whether you aspire to teach classes, lead workshops, or simply deepen your own practice, this training meets you exactly where you are.
Curriculum
Four Modules. One coherent thread.
Each module blends practice, study, and guided teaching opportunities—so the learning becomes embodied, not just understood, and stays with you long after the training ends.
1 · History and Philosophy
- What is ‘yoga’
- The school’s lineage, style, and methodology
- Dates and key ideas of the historical periods of yoga’s development to the present day
- The relationship between asana, pranayama, and meditation per the school’s approach
- Familiarity with the major yogic texts — Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- Self-reflection on how philosophy relates to practice
- Awareness of the Yoga Sutras and similar yogic ethical precepts
- The Yoga Alliance Ethical Commitment — Scope of Practice, Code of Conduct, and Equity Position Statement
- Comprehension of and responsibility to increase equity in yoga, including accountability measures
- Self-reflection on how yoga ethics relate to practice
2 · Asana Technique, Anatomy & Biomechanics
Anatomy
- Skeletal system
- Major bones, types of joints, and the major muscles involved in asana
- Types of muscle contraction
Physiology
- Nervous system, including the fight, flight, and freeze stress response, vagal theory, and the overall mind–body connection
- Cardiovascular, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems as they relate to yoga practice
- Respiratory system, including the muscles that affect breathing
- Involuntary versus voluntary breath, and how air enters and leaves the body
Biomechanics
- Types of joint movement
- Joint stabilization
- Safe movement as it pertains to balancing, stretching, awareness, and physical limitations
- Contraindications, misalignments, and adaptations
3 · Technique, Training, Practice
Asana
- Teaching methodology
- Historical context
- Complete sequencing — asana, pranayama, meditation
Pranayama & Subtle Body
- Historical context
- Effects of pranayama on the anatomy and the subtle body
- Sequencing pranayama safely, including alternatives and adaptations — Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, among others
- Koshas, kleshas, chakras, nadis, and prana vayus
Meditation
- Key meditation terms
- Meditation methods by lineage
4 · Professional Essentials
Teaching Methodology
- Sequencing
- Pace
- Environment
- Cueing — verbal, visual, and physical
- Class management
Professional Development
- Yoga-related professional organizations, including the Yoga Alliance credentialing process
- Ethical Commitment — Scope of Practice, Code of Conduct, and Equity Position Statement
- A lifetime of learning and continuing education
- General professionalism, including timeliness, consistency, and cleanliness
- Marketing and promotion, liability insurance, waivers, and invoicing
Practicum
- Mentorship component
Schedule & cohort
Designed for Real Life
Our Teacher Training begins each September. Cohort sizes are intentionally limited to foster meaningful connection, personalized learning, and a supportive community.
- Thursday evenings5:30–9:30 PM
- One Saturday each month12:00–6:00 PM
- Program runsSeptember – April
- Final teaching practicum and end-of-program closing celebration
937 Centre Road, Waterdown
Learn and grow in our welcoming studio, where you’ll be supported by experienced teachers, a close-knit community, and a space intentionally designed for meaningful learning.
See for yourself
Discover reasons to join.
Investment
Honest pricing. Real flexibility.
Payment plan
8 months · interest-free · starts with $200 deposit
Reserve your spot ↓Everything Included in Your Training
- ✓Yoga Alliance RYS 200 certification
- ✓Comprehensive course manual, required readings, and supporting handouts
- ✓Unlimited classes at Yogashala studios throughout the training (excludes reformer)
- ✓Final teaching practicum and end-of-program closing celebration
Deposit: A $200 deposit secures your spot and is applied to your tuition. Full refund available up to 30 days before training begins.
Upcoming training dates
Reserve your spot.
Cohort sizes stay small by design. If a date below fits your schedule, secure your place early.
Your faculty
Teachers of teachers.
Inside the training
Real practice. Real people.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you begin.
Do I need yoga experience?
A regular yoga practice is beneficial, but you don’t need to be advanced or able to do every pose. We welcome students who are curious, committed to learning, and ready to deepen their practice.
If you’re wondering whether you’re ready, please reach out — we’re always happy to have a conversation.
Is a payment plan available?
Yes. We offer an interest-free monthly payment plan to help make the training more accessible. A $200 deposit reserves your spot, with the remaining balance paid over 8 monthly installments of $425.
If you have unique circumstances, please reach out — we’re happy to discuss other payment arrangements whenever possible.
What if I have to miss a training session?
We understand that life happens. Trainees may miss one training session and make it up through independent study, assigned coursework, and guidance from our teaching team. If circumstances arise beyond that, please reach out — we’ll discuss your situation and determine the best path forward while maintaining the integrity of the program.
Will I be Yoga Alliance registered after I complete the program?
Yes. Yogashala is a Registered Yoga School (RYS 200) with Yoga Alliance. Our Teacher Training includes 180 contact hours of in-person learning, followed by 20 hours of self-directed teaching practice.
After completing the in-person training, final teaching practicum, and closing weekend, you’ll have up to one year to complete your 20 hours of independent teaching. Once these hours have been submitted and approved, you’ll receive your 200-Hour Teacher Training Certificate.
Ready to Deepen Your Practice?
We’d love to connect with you. Whether your goal is to become a yoga teacher or simply deepen your practice, we’re here to answer your questions and help you decide if this training is the right fit.