100 hours of Asana, Pranayama and Meditation
Knowledge of alignment principles, details of individual poses, awareness of breath, and the art of sitting provides the ability to demonstrate and teach with inspiration and clarity.

• Physical adjustments
• Breath awareness
• General touch principles
• Use of Props and pose modifications
• Special populations
• Injuries
• Using the bandhas
• Breath ratios
  

20 hours of Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy will be taught from a functional perspective of the body in asana.

• Alignment principles
• Core stabilization
• Kinesiology
• Body systems and biomechanics (skeletal, muscular, nervous etc.)
• Physiology of breathing
  

25 hours dedicated to "The Art of Teaching"
A skilled yoga teacher creates an atmosphere of awareness for the group while remaining sensitive to the individual student.

• Observation: seeing, reading and understanding bodies
• Verbal skills
• Role of teacher
• The art of sequencing
• Effective presentation techniques
• Teaching ethics
• Teaching curriculum
• Practice teaching for beginning students
• Question & answer sessions
  

30 hours Yoga Philosophy and Self Study
The vast and inspiring texts of yoga have traditionally been an integral part of yoga study from its spiritual foundation. We will explore major yoga systems, the yoga sutras, the language of Sanskrit, and the Bhagavad Gita. The use of asana, pranayama, and meditation are presented as tools to achieve self-awareness. An attempt to instill a practice of "off the mat" awareness skills will also be encouraged.

20 hours developing/expanding a personal practice
The power behind effective teaching comes from the embodiment of the practice. The more insights and knowledge you gather walking your own yoga path, the more wisdom you are able to offer to others in their own transformations.

10 hours assisting and/or student teaching
Assisting and practice teaching opportunities will be assigned on an individual basis.

10 hours miscellaneous category
This will include the introduction of the Ayurveda doshas, the chakra system, chanting and the business of teaching yoga.

Training dates
The program will meet one weekend each month, from begins September 2008- May 2009

Payment Options

Fees include all instruction and training manual. Textbooks are not included (approximate cost $130).

Another option may be discussed on an individual basis.

Refund policy: There are no cash refunds or credits on any payment after a training session begins. This includes full or partial payments. If the program is full or your application is denied, all money will be refunded. Verification of your acceptance will be mailed to you along with the required reading list.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the following criteria:

• Showing a commitment to the course with a demonstrated understanding and proficiency of materials presented.
• 90% or better attendance.
• Maintaining a daily record of your personal practice.
• Attend two additional 1.5 hour weekly sessions per month (time TBA)
• Attend an additional 1.5 hour weekly session (time TBA)
  
• Successful completion of a practice teaching session.

About the Instructor:

Kimberlee Orenstein, M.S., E-RYT is the founding director of Yoga Loka. She has a Master’s Degree from UNR in Exercise Science and Wellness and has been instructing people In the movement of their bodies for over 25 years. Kim’s yoga practice began in 1992 following a knee surgery that suspended her mountain bike racing and professional dancing. It continues with 15 years of study in the Krishnamacharia tradition (Astanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga), plus Forrest Yoga, Yin Yoga and Pilates. She is also a certified Yoga of the Heart® instructor, a program that adapts yoga for people with heart disease, cancer and other debilitating diseases. “My intent in teaching yoga is to inspire people to discover how to move through life effectively and gracefully by learning to dissolve the disconnections to themselves and others.”

Here are some of the things graduates have said about their experience…

“The teacher training course at Yoga Loka has greatly enriched my life. The readings and discussions we had had an impact on me and inspired me to change my life for the better.” Micki Lewis

“I am very pleased that we have such a high quality and challenging school right here in Reno. I attended the eight-month program and enjoyed every aspect of my learning. I find the [Loka] setting very pleasant and appropriate and Kim very professional and caring.” Mariam Ghandi

This course has taught me to deal and cope with chronic illness, frustration, and depression. It has been an incredible learning experience about myself. I learned about patience, peace, and perseverance. Good teachers are willing to go the extra mile if you ask for help.” Andrea Whittemore\

An enlightening, powerful, and useful training that is comprehensive, hands-on and well taught by one of the finest yoga instructors on the west coast, Kim Orenstein.” Ashley Moore

“Kim brings together her professional training and personal experiences into a comprehensive study of Yoga as a personal practice and as a path to share with others. The interactive environment of this training encourages open discussion, direct experience and shared knowledge between all course members. The students not only learn from Kim, but also from each other. I would strongly recommend the Yoga Loka Advanced Study and Teacher Training program to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of yoga or become a Yoga teacher.” Amy Monette

“It was everything I expected and so much more. A journey into Yoga, well rounded and complete, in a word “enlightening.” Whether you take the training to become a teacher or to deepen your own wisdom of your personal practice, the training was superb.” Cheryl Bruce

Please feel free to download a printable version of our teacher training training brochure and application. If you do not have Adobe's Acrobat Reader, you may download a free version on their site.