Teacher Training
YOGA ALLIANCE REGISTERED 85-HR PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
Offered ONLINE via YOGA VIDA and TOKYOYOGA. Check back for dates.
This comprehensive program goes beyond simply modifying poses for pregnancy and instead teaches you how to create a nurturing and empowering environment where expectant mothers can tune into their inner wisdom and the yogic teachings to navigate their own unique journey to motherhood. Graduates will be eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance as a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT).
The foundation of this program is an in-depth study of the physiology of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Based on this knowledge we will then utilize critical thinking and embodied exploration to understand how the practice of yoga can support women physically and mentally during this special phase of life. The eight limbs of yoga will provide a framework for meaningfully teaching your pregnant students. You will graduate the program feeling confident in your ability to teach a safe, effective and well-balanced prenatal yoga class to students at all stages of pregnancy and at all levels of yoga experience.
The program includes lecture, group discussion, class observation, reading and independent study. There will be a significant amount of practice teaching and you will teach a final class and take a final exam. Expect to refine your teaching skills, broaden your perspective, develop an authentic voice and embrace your unique role as a prenatal yoga teacher. This program is suitable for teachers who are already certified at the 200-hour level.
Areas of Study Include:
Anatomy & Physiology
• Physiology of pregnancy and changes to the systems and structures of the body
• Common pregnancy discomforts and complications and how yoga may help
• Stages of labor and how yoga can prepare body and mind for the experience
• Postpartum physiology and how yoga can assist with the transition into a new phase of life
• The nervous system, its role in labor and its relationship with yogic practices
Asana & Pranayama Techniques
• Benefits of specific asana and pranayama during pregnancy and in preparation for labor
• Contraindicated poses and practices during pregnancy
• Modifying poses and sequences appropriately for all stages of pregnancy
• Using appropriate language, props and hands-on adjustments
Teaching Methodology & Practicum
• Essential components of a well-balanced prenatal class
• How to conduct circle time and cultivate a community and safe space
• Using dharma and philosophical themes to organize your prenatal class
• Integrating birth preparation into your yoga class
• Role and scope of practice of a prenatal yoga teacher
• Practice teaching and class planning
If you would like to host this training at your studio please contact me directly:
“Clare is such an incredibly thoughtful, effective, and supportive teacher. Despite being in a virtual environment, Clare kept us engaged and connected with the teachings through active dialogue and hands on practice. Throughout the training, she intentionally wove together the factual details of pregnancy, as well as the subtle energetic shifts that our students may be facing. I left the training with the tools and confidence to show up for my students in both a knowledgeable and nurturing way.”
“My heart is filled with gratitude and joy having had the opportunity to be guided by you these last 6 weeks. Despite the challenges of conducting class over Zoom, you held space each class with poise and grace and compassion. Thank you for sharing all of your wisdom and knowledge and encouraging our growth. Thank you for all the time and energy and thoughtfulness. Thank you for your openness and kindness and care. Thank you for the thorough reply to our papers and being so available for everyone. Thank you for inviting Aimee and Maria in for us to learn from. Thank you for all you do for women in the world. I cannot wait to share your next training with all of my friends so they may get to experience your leadership and instruction and goodness”
“Clare is an amazing teacher and an amazing woman. Her prenatal training course teaches you sensitivity to the body, mind, and soul of the pregnant student. She is so full of information and heart. I aspire to be as authentic and helpful to others as she was to me.”
“I had a great experience learning from Clare. Sometimes trainings can feel like an information overload, but Clare skillfully broke down complex information in an organized and easy to understand way. I walked away feeling confident and prepared to work with prenatal clients. ”
“Clare is a wealth of information and a very graceful teacher. She took the time to review what happens to the body and mind during the four stages of pregnancy. I loved how we tackled common misconceptions about pregnancy, holding us accountable for what we should know and how much we should NOT about a students personal experience before they walk into our yoga classes”
“Teaching prenatal yoga could be an intimidating concept; however the faculty at ALSY thoroughly and effectively detailed and instructed us to teach authentically and from the heart, while providing us a vast amount of knowledge and information so that we can relate, educate, support and nurture our students in a safe and loving way. This training has not only helped me in all avenues of instructing fitness, wellness and yoga but also supported me in my personal development. ”
“I loved learning how to teach prenatal yoga. The teachers, Marie and Clare, have a huge amount of knowledge and experience to share. For me it was emotional at times and when this happened, I was offered lots of support and guidance. The course offers many challenges and so much information. I am happy to have the tools to empower women through their pregnancy. ”
“This training came at a perfect time in my life as I am deep into my initiation to womanhood. I feel very confident in my skills to teach pregnant women. More importantly, I feel more in touch with the archetypal feminine wisdom inside me, more inspired to continue my healing work with other women, and more integrated and empowered as a woman.”
“I couldn’t be happier with my Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training experience, and I consider myself fortunate to have studied with Clare Ryan. Throughout the program, Clare brought all of her knowledge and expertise to a fully comprehensive program. The curriculum is very thorough, and the entire training, even during a global pandemic and social justice awakening felt like an extended prenatal class. In addition to formal education, which included guest speakers, each steeped in their own area of expertise, Clare held space for our cohort in a most special way. She was able to honor everyone’s needs, and bring in information after checking in with what we were each mostly curious about. Clare’s program also opened space for finding your authentic voice as a prenatal yoga teacher. With her clear, and warm guidance, and always thoughtful feedback and shares of teaching experience, I left this training feeling very empowered in my ability to offer prenatal classes. I would recommend Clare’s training without hesitation. You will leave with an understanding of pregnancy, labor, prenatal yoga and how to create learning, safety and agency for your prenatal students.”