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| Objectives for the 500 Hour Intensive Program
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The Sunstone Yoga® Teacher Training program is designed to expand your understanding of yoga and the teaching techniques required for moving students safely in and out of yoga postures. We cover the core topics required to complete the 500 hour level of training recognized by Yoga Alliance, including technique, teaching methodology, meditation, anatomy and physiology, fitness assessment technique, philosophy, history, ethics, and the spiritual practices of Indic Yoga.
Our goal is to examine yoga from many angles so your personal understanding of the essence of yogic teachings will evolve in a balanced manner. More specifically, by successfully completing the training with Sunstone, you will be able to reflect the safe techniques of teaching a set yoga sequence, and to know the relevance of yoga in today's world.
The Intensive training program allows you to complete virtually all of your hour requirements within 9 weeks, and includes daily yoga practice and a variety of courses from Monday - Sunday, plus self-study, homework assignments, required reading, and regular testing. Online forums, tests, reading materials and information, and regular contact with your teachers and fellow students will be provided on the Teacher Training web portal or in your daily sessions.
See a sample weekly schedule for a more complete understanding of the program and look to the course descriptions below for an more complete explanation of what will be required of you to fulfill your course requirements.
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Focus Level |
Category |
Contact
Hours |
Non-Contact
Hours |
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Foundation |
Technique:
FIRE, WOOD & labs |
200 |
0 |
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Desire |
Methodology Lab |
78 |
51 |
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Practicum |
27 |
24 |
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Purpose |
Anatomy & Physiology |
36 |
20 |
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Nutrition & Health |
3 |
20 |
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Balance |
Philosophy & Lifestyle |
45 |
50 |
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Testing |
26 |
10 |
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Ethics & Operations |
10 |
0 |
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Openness |
Meditation |
25 |
25 |
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Total Hours |
450 |
200 |
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Non-contact study hours are based on estimates only. The minimum requirement to achieve the 500 hour course level is 50 hours, and Meditation and Practicum non-contact hours are mandatory. Some students will naturally require more study and preparation time than others.
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Technique is acquired by attending 90 regular 90-minute classes in 8 intense weeks. Classes included in this category are FIRE, WOOD and the advanced 84 ASANA class, with optional EARTH, METAL and WATER classes. The remaining hours are acquired in weekly Posture labs.
Teaching Methodology is the study of the unique teaching techniques used to successfully guide students into postures. Using a variety of proprietary and stimulating exercises, you will quickly master the teaching dialogue, and you will study demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, personal teaching style, qualities of a teacher, and the student’s process of learning. Stressed are the FIRE and WOOD Series' teaching scripts used to effectively teach individuals or groups, proper pacing for each posture, voice projection, articulation, student inspiration, when to use and how to make safe hands-on corrections, and how to maintain the energy of the group. Non-contact hours are approximate, and based on personal study of the teaching script.
Students in intensive training will attend Methodology lab 3 times a week throughout the 8 week course, with the remaining hours acquired in Saturday WOOD class.
Practicum is based on student teaching in regular Sunstone Yoga Fire Series classes. Hours are a combination of supervised and unsupervised. Trainees do not begin their practicum until they have successfully demonstrated a proven, confident verbal teaching technique and sound knowledge of the Sunstone Yoga Fire Series script. For most students in the intensive training program, their practicum will begin after successfully completing the 8 week course.
Anatomy & Physiology includes physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc), and the techniques to asses muscle strength and overall alignment and balance in the body. Physical anatomy and physiology will be taught by a professional anatomy instructor. Non-contact hours are approximate, and based on personal study in preparation for the final anatomy exam.
Nutrition & Health provides an overview of conventional diets, radical diets, fasting, neti, cleansing, supplements and herbs. It is required that each student in the intensive program keep a food diary throughout the 8 weeks of training, and make a short presentation of your self-study in the final week. A variety of appropriate diet books and resources will be available to enhance your personal journey toward better understanding your own body's nutritional needs.
Philosophy, Ethics & Lifestyle includes a lecture series on Yoga Scriptures, ethics (principles and practicality), and lifestyles of a yogi (subtle anatomy, discipline and personal experience). Philosophy study takes place approximately 3 times per week throughout the 8 week course. Non-contact hours are approximate and based on required reading, keeping a process diary, and personal study.
Testing includes a variety of short answer tests, classroom discussions, and essay questions. Contact hours are based on review and feedback of your submissions by a qualified instructor.
Operations includes presentations in the following subjects: internal operations (computer systems, studio maintenance, etc.) ethics of yoga sales, and business principles. These topics focus primarily on Sunstone Yoga operations and principles. Trainees can fulfill the remaining hours of their 10 hour obligation by helping out behind the front desk before and after regular class hours once they begin their practicum.
Meditation teaches you about meditation, philosophy, practicality, modern methods and ancient techniques. Regular daily meditation will take place throughout the 8 week course. Students will be able to acquire all 50 meditation hours with a combination of mandatory and optional meditation classes. |
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