Standards Structure

The standards below are organized as follows:

Yoga History and Philosophy

• Origins and Sources of Yoga
• Yoga Philosophy Foundations

Anatomy and Physiology

• Physiology
• Anatomy and Biomechanics

Safety and Ethics

• Student Safety Foundations
• Ethics and Equity Foundations

Teaching Arts: Foundations

• Teaching Methodology Foundations
• Your Presence as the Teacher
• Alignment and Adjustments
• Planning & Sequencing Foundations
• Adapting for Student Needs
• Teaching Various Experience Levels

Personal and Professional Development

• Personal Practice and Self-Care
• Business Planning

Yoga Techniques

• Breathing and Pranayama
• Poses
• Mantras and Meditation

Yoga History and Philosophy

Origins of Yoga

Origins and Sources of Yoga

1. Defining Yoga – Be aware of the depth and breadth of yoga as both a philosophy and a practice, and consider multiple perspectives on its purpose and meaning.
2. Branches of Yoga – Compare and contrast the major paths and branches of yoga including their primary focus and underlying principles.
3. Origins & Sources of Yoga – Be familiar with the origins of yoga philosophy and cite references supporting the fact that yoga is neither a belief system, nor a religion.

Sanskrit

1. Sanskrit Introduction – Be familiar with the origins of Sanskrit, its distinctive qualities, and the significance of it being the language of the original yoga texts.
2. Sanskrit Study & Teaching Tips – Progressively develop the capability to use Sanskrit in teaching by practicing vowel pronunciation and learning common Sanskrit words that form the components of pose names.
3. Sanskrit First Words – Be prepared to introduce Sanskrit words into teaching.

Yoga Philosophy

Yoga Philosophy Foundations

1. Foundational Philosophies – Be aware of key assumptions underlying the philosophical systems on which various branches of yoga are based: Samkhya, Advaita Vedanta, and Tantra.
2. Bhagavad Gita Introduction – Understand the prominent role of The Bhagavad Gita in yoga philosophy, and establish a foundation for exploring its teachings.
3. Yoga Sutras Historical Context – Be familiar with the historical context of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and build a foundation for exploring the teachings.
4. Yoga Sutras Overview & Structure – Be familiar with the scope and content of the Yoga Sutras.
5. Kleshas (Obstacles) – Be familiar with kleshas, the subconscious afflictions that are considered the root causes of human suffering and obstacles to spiritual growth.
6. Eight Limbs Intro & Overview – Be aware of the intention, teachings and tools of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
7. Yamas & Niyamas Intro & Overview – Be familiar with the general subject matter of the yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances) as a whole and individually.

Anatomy and Physiology

Physiology

Physiology, General

1. How Yoga Supports Health & Physiology – Be competent in specifying the ways that yoga supports health from various perspectives.
2. Trauma’s Impact on Physiology – Understand the widespread prevalence of trauma, and its specific and profound physiological effects.

Nervous System & Stress: Foundations

1. Nervous System Overview – Have a foundational understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system.
2. Fight-or-Flight, Relaxation, Polyvagal – Understand how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, including the stress response, fight-or-flight response, and relaxation response, plus discuss the fundamentals of polyvagal theory.
3. Good Stress & Chronic Stress – Understand the role of “good” stress (adaptive challenge), the physiology of chronic stress, and its significant impacts on immunity, overall health, disease, and mental well-being, plus measurable outcomes from mind-body practices that induce the relaxation response and cultivate stress resilience.

Nervous System Physiology: More

1. Vagus Nerve – Be familiar with the significance of vagal tone in the experience of stress and the effectiveness of yoga techniques.
2. Why Yoga Works: Physiological Impact – Be proficient in communicating how yoga impacts the nervous system and stress, and the many profound effects this has on health.

Respiratory Anatomy

1. Anatomy of Breathing – Develop a foundational understanding of thoracic anatomy and respiratory physiology, including how breathing is initiated.
2. Respiratory Anatomy Part 2 – Be familiar with the nasal cycle and lungs, plus the differentiation between primary and accessory respiratory muscles and the muscles used for inspiration and for expiration.

Flexibility & Stretching

1. Physiology of Flexibility & Stretching – Understand what limits flexibility (including connective tissue and the nervous system) and gain a deeper understanding of stretching.
2. Stretch-Related Reflexes – Be knowledgeable about the Stretch Reflex, the Golgi Tendon Reflex and Reciprocal Inhibition, and explore how to apply this knowledge in teaching.
3. Stretching Issues & Techniques – Be proficient in identifying and preventing overstretching as well as practices that do and do not improve flexibility.

Anatomy & Biomechanics

Anatomy & Physiology Prep

1. Tips for Studying & Teaching Anatomy – Be familiar with priorities and guidelines for studying and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology in teaching.
2. Anatomy & Study for Safety and Accommodations – Be clear about what specific steps you can take to better understand various conditions and to support students with such conditions.

Musculoskeletal System

1. Musculoskeletal System Intro – Be familiar with terminology and basic facts regarding the musculoskeletal system, focusing on the foundational structure and function of bones, joints and muscles (with more detail on each, and on connective tissue, in separate lessons).
2. Connective Tissue & Fascia – Understand the anatomy and physiology of connective tissue, the functions and significance of fascia, and techniques for applying this knowledge in teaching.
3. Location & Movement Terminology – Be familiar with terminology that describes anatomical movements and location.
4. Muscle Movement & Contraction – Be aware of how muscles move and learn the related terminology.
5. Joint Movements & ROM – Be familiar with foundational terminology related to joint movements, factors that affect joint mobility, and the normal ranges of motion for various joints.
6. Muscle Pairs & Pose Examples – Be aware of key agonist/antagonist muscle pairs in major joint movements, and name poses that utilize them.

Spine & Back Anatomy

1. Spinal Regions & Vertebrae – Be proficient in the anatomy of the spine including each of the five regions, the spinal curves and the vertebrae.
2. Back Muscles – Be aware of the anatomical terminology and function of superficial, intermediate and deep back muscles, plus poses that strengthen and stretch them.
3. Spinal Functions – Understand the functions of the spine and the attributes of a healthy spine.
4. Spinal Movements – Be proficient in using accurate terminology related to spinal movements and how to apply knowledge of the movements to inform teaching of the various categories of asana.

Anatomy of Posture

1. Healthy Posture – Be aware of terminology and considerations related to posture including anatomical position, habits and muscle memory, sensory motor amnesia and the attributes and implications of healthy posture.
2. Postural Issues & Conditions – Be knowledgeable about postural issues such as thoracic mobility issues, hyperlordosis and kyphosis, and the vast variety of potential causal factors.
3. Teaching Spinal Anatomy & Posture – Apply knowledge of spinal anatomy, posture and compensatory movement patterns to support effective teaching of individual students, and review sequences that may help with teaching healthy posture.

Core Anatomy

1. Core Form & Function – Understand the foundational anatomy of the core, including the function of the individual muscles and the core as a whole.
2. Core Fundamental Teachings – Be proficient in choosing practices and verbalizing teachings to promote a balanced, healthy core.
3. TA & Engaging Deeper Abs – Be knowledgeable about the TA and how to effectively teach engagement of the deeper abdominals.
4. Pelvic Floor – Be proficient in describing the pelvic floor, its role in core functioning, potential issues, and teachings that can contribute to pelvic floor health.

Pelvic Anatomy

1. Pelvis & Hips Anatomy Intro – Be familiar with foundational anatomy of the pelvic region including naming conventions, bones and joints, the female pelvis, and the important functions of the pelvis.
2. Hip Muscles – Be aware of anatomical terminology and functions of hip muscles including anterior muscles (hip flexors and quadriceps), medial muscles (adductors), posterior muscles (hamstrings, glutes) and lateral muscles (rotators).
3. Pelvic Tilt & Hip Movements – Be proficient in using accurate terminology related to hip movements and how to apply knowledge of pelvic tilt and hip movements to inform teaching.

Safety and Ethics

Student Safety Foundations

1. Injuries & Conditions in Yoga – Be knowledgeable in injury prevention and ways to accommodate students who have injuries and conditions.
2. Sensation & Pain – Understand the characteristics of healthy sensation and the complexity of pain, and how to use this knowledge when working with others.
3. About Contraindications & Alternatives – Understand the importance of recognizing and applying contraindications and cautions, and be prepared to choose alternatives with clarity and discernment.
4. When to Refer Out – Know when it’s advisable to refer students out for diagnosis or individual assessment, and how to be prepared to do so.
5. Contraindications Index – Be familiar with the Yoga Teacher Central Contraindications Index and understand the necessity of having contraindications on hand when teaching.

Ethics & Equity Foundations

1. Teacher-Student Relationships & Ethics – Be knowledgeable about ethical considerations in teacher–student relationships, including dynamics such as psychological transference, and reflect on how to navigate the responsibilities of teaching with integrity and care.
2. Equity in Yoga – Inclusion & Diversity – Explore factors that influence equity and diversity in yoga, and learn practical ways to mindfully and proactively foster inclusive spaces.
3. Inclusive & Accepting Word Choice – Build skill in using language that supports an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
4. Cultural Appropriation & Cultural Exchange – Be familiar with the historical context of yoga and significance of honoring its roots; recognize what constitutes cultural appropriation; and engage with the practice in a respectful, informed, and responsible way.
5. Body Positivity + Larger Bodies – Be aware of practical approaches that support students of all body types in having a positive, accessible, and empowering experience.

Teaching Arts: Foundations

Teaching Methodology Foundations

1. Teaching Methodology Intro & Overview – Be familiar with the scope and range of foundational skill sets for effective yoga teaching.
2. Humility & Boundaries – Be aware of the critical role of mindfulness and embodiment while teaching and explore how to apply humility and boundaries for optimum outcomes.
3. Personal Practice & Self-Study – Examine why maintaining a consistent personal practice and engaging in self-study are essential foundations for effective and authentic teaching.
4. Skillful Teaching – Be familiar with specific elements of artful and skillful teaching, and tools that can support you in developing your skillfulness.
5. Promoting Student Safety – Be knowledgeable in how to foster a safe, supportive, and non-competitive class environment.
6. Space & Logistics Checklist – Stay organized with key logistical and timing considerations before, during, and after class, plus considerations for getting student feedback.
7. Sacred Space & Ritual – Become familiar with the significance of ritual and specific considerations for setting up a sacred practice space and honoring the Four Directions.
8. Teaching with Themes – Be familiar with techniques and considerations for effectively teaching themed yoga classes.

Your Presence as the Teacher

1. Body Language, Authenticity & Presence – Be aware of elements of your teaching approach that contribute to your overall presence, so that you can be your unique self while also examining ways to maximize your effectiveness in delivering the teachings.
2. Sonic Components of Voice – Be familiar with the sonic (sound) components of voice (cadence, tone, energy and volume) and become conscious of optimizing your voice for teaching.
3. Wise Word Choice – Be aware and skilled in specific strategies for effectively and wisely choosing words while teaching.

 Alignment and Adjustments

1. Defining & Teaching Alignment — Have a solid understanding of why and how to teach people as opposed to poses, and be familiar with techniques that empower students to experience alignment from within.
2. General Alignment Principles — Prioritize key principles such as spinal positioning, breath awareness, a stable foundation, skeletal stacking, core-initiated movement, and the functional relationship of muscle pairs.
3. Choosing Alignment Cues — Understand that no single alignment approach works for every student and cultivate a range of cues that apply across diverse situations, noting those that may be ineffective or problematic.
4. Problem Cues: Spine & Pelvis — Familiarize yourself with common alignment challenges, including rib flare and imbalances in the spine and pelvis, exercising particular care with the problem cues, “tuck (or scoop) your tailbone” and “use a flat back.”
5. Problem Cues: Standing Poses — Study considerations related to cues such as “place feet parallel,” “square the hips” and “align your kneecap toward the second toe” plus ways to adapt language and use other cues to suit individual needs.
6. Adjusting & Assisting Guidelines — Establish a strong foundation for decision-making and be proficient in techniques for assisting students with verbal, energetic, and hands-on guidance.
7. Mindful Transitions — Teach pose transitions with clarity, intention, and mindfulness.

 Planning & Sequencing Foundations

1. Inviting Inspiration – Use a structured, mindful planning process to spark creativity and bring fresh energy into your classes.
2. Class Elements – Explore a wide range of yoga techniques and teaching tools to support comprehensive and effective class design.
3. Sequencing Fundamentals & Guidelines – Have a strong foundation for sequencing poses in a way that is both safe and aligned with your class objectives.
4. Choosing & Arranging Poses – Apply principles of anatomy and biomechanics to thoughtfully select and sequence poses that support your class objectives — whether balancing strength and flexibility, preparing for a peak pose, or creating a cohesive vinyasa flow.
5. Segmenting Your Class – Be familiar with how to divide a class into purposeful segments to support pacing and the fulfillment of your teaching intentions.
6. Sequencing & Pacing to Balance Energy – Explore how yoga influences energy, and apply key yogic principles (langhana, brahmana, samana) to promote energetic balance.

Adapting for Student Needs

1. Yoga Adaptation Principles – Be familiar with adaptation principles that can serve as a foundation for making in-the-moment decisions.
2. Trauma Informed Teaching – Be familiar with foundational considerations related to trauma-sensitive teaching, and review specific tactics for promoting emotional and psychological safety in the classroom.
3. Working with Acute Pain – Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and yoga tools to adapt practices for pain.
4. Hypermobility & Hyperextension– Be familiar with characteristics of musculoskeletal health and issues, particularly hyperextension and hypermobility, and teaching techniques to optimize joint health, especially for students with hypermobile joints.
5. Pregnancy & Yoga Intro – Know the criteria for determining when it’s appropriate to accommodate a pregnant student in a general class and when it’s advisable to refer to a Prenatal Yoga Class.
6. Pregnancy Adaptations by Trimester – Be aware of general safety cautions, plus guidelines and suggestions for each trimester.

Teaching Various Experience Levels

1. Beginners Intro – Be prepared to skillfully support the unique needs of students who are new to Hatha Yoga.
2. What Students Want & Need – Be prepared to balance students’ desires to be seen and included, a teacher’s need to promote safety, and the need for students to explore without feeling excessively “corrected.”
3. Mixed Level Classes – Understand the challenges of teaching students with varying levels of experience, and learn practical strategies for creating inclusive, effective classes for all.

Personal and Professional Development

Personal Practice and Self-Care

1. Reaching Your Teaching Potential – Reflect on ways that being a teacher is different from being a student and explore particular actions that can help you to meet your potential as a teacher.
2. Overcoming Obstacles to Practice – Reflect on the role of personal practice in self-care, identify common obstacles that can interfere with maintaining a practice, and explore strategies for overcoming these challenges.
3. Inspiration to Teach – Explore strategies for stoking your passion and inspiration to teach, overcoming perfectionism, inspiring persistence, and framing struggle or failure.
4. Self-Care & Burnout – Be clear about common stressors faced by yoga teachers, what self-care is and is not, and specific strategies for preventing and addressing burnout.

Business Planning

1. The Business of Teaching – Be familiar with business considerations related to yoga teaching including the importance of your niche, applying mindfulness, and considering various career strategies.
2. Building Business & Revenue Streams – Be familiar with the variety of ways to build teaching experience and create revenue streams via different teaching formats and opportunities.
3. Marketing Your Yoga Business – Be familiar with ways to approach marketing of a yoga business.
4. Insurance & Continuing Ed – Be aware of recommendations, requirements and resources for obtaining teaching insurance, getting signed liability waivers, choosing professional affiliations and engaging in continuing education.

Breathing and Pranayama

Subtle Body Foundations

1. Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy – Have a foundational understanding of energy from scientific, philosophical, and practical perspectives, and be familiar with the yogic perspective on life force energy (prana), how it moves and functions, and how yoga practices influence and regulate this energy.
2. Koshas Overview – Be familiar with the kosha model and explore practical ways to apply and teach it..
3. Chakras Introduction – Be familiar with the philosophy, function and symbolism of chakras.
4. Pranayama Philosophy – Be familiar with the meaning and deeper philosophical perspectives on the purpose and effects of pranayama (breath practices).

Breathing Foundations

1. Breath Teaching Cautions – Be clear on the cautions related to practicing pranayama and best practices for teaching about the breath, including teaching to beginners.
2. Healthy & Restricted Breathing – Be knowledgeable about the power of the breath to affect physiology and emotions, and the causes and effects of breathing issues, including reverse/paradoxical breathing and chest breathing.
3. Natural Effortless Breathing – Be proficient in the naming conventions related to natural breathing and diaphragmatic or belly breathing; characteristics and benefits of natural breathing; and ways to teach belly breathing, the three-part breath and effortless breathing.
4. Basic Breath Training – Understand the difference between unconscious and conscious breathing and techniques for guiding students in conscious breathing that slows their breathing rate and expands respiratory capacity.
5. Yogic Breathing – Understand the differences between clavicular, thoracic and diaphragmatic breathing and become knowledgeable about conscious exhalation and diaphragmatic rib cage breathing.
6. Pranayama Teaching Foundations – Understand the parts of the breath cycle, what is necessary for safely teaching kumbhaka and which practices serve different energetic purposes.

Pranayama Techniques

1. Ujjayi – Be familiar with teaching considerations and instructions for Ujjayi Pranayama, also known as Victorious Breath.
2. Nadi Shodhana – Be familiar with teaching considerations and instructions for Nadi Shodhana, also known as Anuloma Viloma and Alternate Nostril Breathing.
3. Sama Vritti – Be familiar with teaching considerations and instructions for Sama Vritti Pranayama, also known as Equal Breathing, Harmonious Breathing, Balanced Breathing, Box Breathing and Square Breath.
4. Kapalabhati & Bhastrika – Be familiar with teaching considerations and instructions for kapalabhati, a kriyaknown as skull shining breath, and review an introduction to bhastrika (bellows breath).

Poses

Asana Foundations

1. Mudras Introduction – Be familiar with the five classes of mudras, plus their historical and philosophical context, purpose, and significance in Hatha Yoga and Tantra Yoga.
2. Bandhas Introduction – Be familiar with the purpose of bandhas and why it’s inadvisable to teach bandhas in most drop-in classes.
3. Asana Philosophy & Purpose – Memorize and understand sutras 2.46 to 2.49 and become familiar with philosophical perspectives regarding the purpose and benefits of asana.
4. Drishti Introduction – Gain a fundamental understanding of drishti, the gazing direction associated with asana, kriyas, meditation and other yoga practices.
5. Pose Families Introduction – Understand the importance of function over form and how knowledge of pose categories and families informs teaching.
6. Asana Category Characteristics – Know the common physical and energetic effects of each major pose category, and build proficiency in applying this knowledge to sequencing.

Poses

Be familiar with the qualities and sequencing considerations of each category of asana, plus naming, effects, cautions, basic form, cueing and variations of individual poses within each category:

1. Standing Poses
2. Surya Namaskar & Vinyasa Yoga
3. Balancing Poses
4. Core Strengthening Poses
5. Arm Balancing Poses
6. Backbending Poses
7. Forward Bending & Hip Stretching Poses
8. Twisting Poses
9. Inversion Poses
10. Lateral & Asymmetrical
11. Meditation Seats
12. Chair Yoga
13. Restorative Yoga
14. Yin Yoga

Mantras and Meditation

Meditation & Mantra

1. Mantras & Chanting Introduction – Be aware of the central role and importance of mantras in yoga practice.
2. Meditation & Mindfulness Introduction – Have a foundational understanding of meditation from a yogic perspective.
3. Meditation Effects – Be knowledgeable about the many potential effects of meditation and become proficient in explaining yoga philosophy related to thoughts, sensations, suffering, absorption (samadhi) and meditation.
4. Teaching Meditation – Be knowledgeable in how to apply the philosophy and knowledge of meditation to practical and effective teaching.

Next Steps

1. To view self-assessments, go to the Standards & Self-Assessment Hub.
2. Members, view this clear and concise resource:  Themes & Topics Index, Yoga Vocabulary & Glossary of Terms

Practice vs. Knowledge

Yoga is a lifelong path of learning and practice — and so is the teaching of yoga.

Teachers develop and evolve over time through personal practice, teaching experience, mentoring or coaching, transmission, and ongoing study. These can be understood within two broad categories:

• Practice, and
• Knowledge acquisition

Here, we use “practice” to include all real-time, embodied experiences — personal practice (including self-study and reflection), practice teaching, and receiving guidance through coaching or mentorship.

Both practice and knowledge are essential. Teaching is not simply the delivery of information, nor just the facilitation of experience; it is the integration of both, expressed through the teacher’s presence, experience, and ability to transmit understanding.

• A teacher without sufficient practice may lack the depth and lived experience that supports meaningful transmission.
• A teacher without sufficient knowledge may be limited in their ability to draw from the full scope of teachings or to adapt skillfully to the diverse needs of students.

While growth as a practitioner and teacher is often organic and non-linear, both practice and knowledge benefit from a methodical approach. One reason teacher trainings can be so impactful is that they support disciplined engagement in both practice and knowledge acquisition.

To summarize, we recommend distinguishing knowledge acquisition from practice and thoughtfully dedicating time to both, recognizing that they are approached differently:

• Many aspects of practice cannot be fully captured in written form — they must be experienced. Knowledge, however, can be systematically studied, making it an accessible and efficient way to build a strong teaching foundation.
• Practice supports personal evolution in an ongoing, organic way. Knowledge, by contrast, can be developed methodically at a pace that suits you. Lifelong study is therefore a central component of effective teaching.

When it comes to the knowledge component, the more we learn, the more we realize there is to learn. As you immerse in the breadth and depth of yoga-related knowledge, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. A few guiding approaches can help:

• Study methodically rather than relying on scattered or reactive learning.
• Honor your own learning style and move at the optimum pace for you — there is no endpoint, so there is no need to rush.
• It’s ethically advisable to meet a foundational level of knowledge and integrate it before teaching others.
• Teach within the scope of what you truly understand, and refer out when appropriate.
• Use structured learning for foundational knowledge, and let curiosity and interest guide more advanced exploration.

Over time, this balanced approach helps develop both depth of experience and clarity of understanding — supporting more grounded, effective, and responsive teaching.

Sample Support

Here you’ll find examples of the lesson support behind each standard.

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange

In this lesson, we differentiate cultural appropriation from cultural exchange and explain the significant reasons for honoring the roots of yoga.

• Objective: Be aware of what cultural appropriation looks like; the historical context that explains the significance of honoring the roots of yoga; and how to mindfully and ethically do so.
• Description: Define cultural exchange and cultural appropriation, and explain the key differentiators between them. Describe the vital significance of the roots of yoga and what appropriation of yoga looks like
• Free Sample Lesson: Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange

Defining & Teaching Alignment

In this lesson, we introduce alignment and a general approach to teaching it.

• Objective: Understand the goal and priorities of teaching alignment and how to empower students to learn alignment “from the inside.”
• Description: Define “alignment.” Explain the goal of alignment and how alignment and prana are said to relate. Explain why no alignment teaching works for all students and provide priorities in teaching alignment. Explore the value in empowering students to learn alignment “from the inside” and how this can be accomplished.
• Free Sample Lesson: Defining & Teaching Alignment