200 hour yoga teacher training
We are passionate about sharing the timeless teachings of yoga and applying them to daily life for personal and collective transformation.
Since 2011, Laughing River Yoga's 200 Hour Teacher Training Program has inspired leaders and teachers in our community through a journey of personal exploration and evolution. This robust program emphasizes the inner and outer yoga practices to support expansion, growth, and positive change within yourself and the world. You will learn the foundational skills and knowledge of teaching yoga, build community, and learn from experienced teachers that share with love, humility, and a deep respect for yogic wisdom. This program will also provide you with tools and practices to support a lifelong journey of self-discovery, compassion, and connection. We believe that the work we do as individuals is essential for healing the collective, and that yoga is a path for healing. This program is thoughtfully designed to explore this central theme of personal and collective liberation.
The next 200hr program will run October 2024 - May 2025!
2024-2025 Program Dates
October 4-6, 2024
November 1-3
December 6-8
January 10-12, 2025
February 7-9
March 7-9
March 28-30
April 25-27
May 16-18
Have questions? Join us for an Info Session!
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Sunday, July 21st 10:30-11:30am
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Join YTT program co-director Christina Fornaciari to learn more, ask questions and meet others who are interested in the training.
"This course changed my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. It's gifted me a more open heart and mind and it's given me a wonderful and supportive spiritual community. Laughing River is such a sacred, special place."
- Erin S.
Our 200 hour program is open to those wishing to someday teach yoga, as well as sincere students that do not wish to teach but want to deepen their practice. That is why we offer two tracks:
Certification Track: become a certified yoga teacher
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Self Study Track: deepen your personal practice and yogic studies
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The only difference between the two tracks is that homework assignments and the final exam are optional for the Self Study Track.
directors
Emily Garrett
Christina Fornaciari
faculty
Malaika DosRemedios
Kim Jordan
Sofi Dillof
Brian Tobin
The Teacher Training program is built upon Laughing River Yoga's tenets:
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Your essence is unconditional love.
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We believe in the power of yoga to heal.
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Yoga changes the world through transforming individual lives.
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No one is free until we are all free.
TEACHING
METHODOLOGY:
ANATOMY:
YOGA PHILOSOPHY:
SELF STUDY:
BUSINESS OF YOGA:
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Analytical training in how to teach and practice asana, pranayama, and meditation
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How to skillfully instruct, observe, assist and demonstrate yoga asana
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Utilizing props
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How to support different body types and abilities
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How to create a welcoming and inclusive environment
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Embodying the qualities of a yoga teacher
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How to develop your authentic voice as a teacher
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Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems
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Breath mechanics
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Anatomy of the subtle energy body
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Body mechanics
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Awareness of common injuries and how to prevent them
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Applying anatomical principles to posture instruction
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Instructing proper alignment while supporting individual bodies
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The history of yoga
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Fundamentals of yoga philosophy
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Study of key yogic texts and how to apply them to your daily life
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Exploration of Sanskrit mantra and chanting practice
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Using a yogic lens to look at the root causes of oppression and inequity
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The different paths of yoga
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Cultivate a home practice
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Use your yoga practice as a tool for self-knowledge
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Improve and understand your unique physical alignment
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Use your voice as a tool for honest, heart felt communication
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Journaling and awareness exercises to understand your patterns, beliefs, and conditioning ​
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Getting into teaching
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Marketing yourself as a yoga teacher
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Authentically and respectfully embodying yoga
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Honing your personal mission as a yoga teacher
logistics + structure
Over 8 months, this program consists of nine 14-hour weekend sessions that take place in-person at the Chace Mill.
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The weekend session hours are:
Friday 6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday 12 - 6pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm
In addition to the weekends, each participant in the training is required to take at least 35 drop-in classes (included in the price of the program) or a combination of classes and workshop intensives for a total of 35 hours.
Next program:
October 2024-May 2025
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October 4-6, 2024
November 1-3
December 6-8
January 10-12, 2025
February 7-9
March 7-9
March 28-30
April 25-27
May 16-18
responsibilities
​Teacher Certification Track:
Attendance at monthly sessions. Homework assignments, including journaling, reading, and writing. Monthly small group meetings, minimum 35 classes or 35 hours of classes/workshops (included in tuition), class observation, home yoga and meditation practice. Final exam and final test teach.
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Study Certification Track:
Attendance at monthly sessions. Monthly small group meetings, minimum 35 classes or 35 hours of classes/workshops (included in tuition), class observation, home yoga and meditation practice. Homework, final exam and final test teach are optional, but encouraged.
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*If you miss one weekend, you are still eligible for certification. If you miss two weekends, you will need to make up one of them in order to be eligible for either certification. If you miss more than two weekends we cannot guarantee certification.*
prerequisites
This training is open to all students wishing to become yoga teachers as well as sincere practitioners who want to explore yoga's depth but might not wish to teach. Students should expect to be challenged and bring with them an openness to their own potential.
We recommend developing a home yoga practice and attending at least one group class a week for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
to register
Tuition for the 200 hour program is $3,000 when paying in full or receiving a VSAC grant, or $3,050 for a payment plan (more details below). This tuition price includes: unlimited classes throughout the program, several free workshops (TBA), and 20% off additional workshops throughout the program.
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How payment works:
A deposit of $600 at any time will save your spot in the program. This deposit goes towards your tuition balance.
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To pay in full, the remaining balance of $2,400 is due by the start of the program.
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We also offer a payment plan which includes a $600 deposit to save your spot, followed by 4 installments of $612.50 to be paid in November, December, January, and February. Please know that we are open to a conversation about other payment plan options that can make the program more accessible for you.
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See below for VSAC grants, financial aid, and scholarship information.
If you are seriously considering taking this program, we recommend you review our intake form and make sure it is the right fit for you. All registrants must complete the intake form.
Registration for the 2024-2025 program is open! Save your spot today.
required reading
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The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V Desikachar
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Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
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Yoga Teacher’s Toolbox by Joseph and Lillian Le Page
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Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyamas by Maetreyii Ma Nolan
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Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
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*We encourage students to have their own books, however the studio also has several copies to lend out.*
"This has been the most valuable learning experience I have ever had."
- Isabella L.
"The 200 hr training is an approachable, yet thorough way to deepen your practice and prepare you to share the gift of yoga."
- Aaron D.
financial aid
VSAC offers an advancement grant for this training, which many students have used throughout the years. Please use $3,000 as the tuition price when applying for a VSAC grant.
*Very important* -- Please note that if you receive a grant from VSAC, you will still need to register directly with us. Once you are approved for the grant, send us an email to let us know you would like to register for the training.
Laughing River also offers financial need-based scholarships for the teacher training program. Those who identify as part of marginalized communities; BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), and LGBTQ are encouraged to apply. We also offer one scholarship for those in later stage recovery from opioid addiction.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship through us, please fill out the form below.
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Questions about the training?
Reach out to program Co-Director Christina Fornaciari at christina@laughingriveryoga.com
cancellation policy
More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
"This program will change your life."
- Gabriel C.
for current YTT students: