200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Awakenings at Vida Asana 200-Hour Teacher Training

Awakenings 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training at Vida Asana is a one-of-a-kind experience that will change your life. Designed to lead participants through a path of insights and transformation. Developed so that students can experience yoga in an authentic way, students build incredible connections with other like-minded individuals, themselves, and nature. More than a Vinyasa training, you will leave with a sense of self-love, unity, community, a deeper understanding of yourself and sense of self worth.

The Program

Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program is 20 days long (19 nights) and broken up into specific modules so that students experience yoga in an authentic way.

Are you passionate about yoga and interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise with others? Our Awakenings Yoga Teacher Training program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, asanas, and meditation practices, as well as teaching techniques and business management skills.

Our program is led by experienced yoga instructors who are dedicated to helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to become an effective and inspiring yoga teacher. You'll learn how to sequence classes, use props, provide modifications, and offer hands-on adjustments, as well as develop your own unique teaching style.

Our program is registered with Yoga Alliance, which means that upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and teach yoga worldwide.

We offer ongoing support and mentorship to ensure that you have the skills and resources needed to succeed as a yoga teacher.

Whether you're looking to deepen your personal practice or start a new career as a yoga teacher, our yoga teacher training program can help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact in the lives of your students.

Our mission is to provide an immersive and transformative experience for students who are seeking to deepen their yoga practice and become certified yoga teachers. Led by our experienced and knowledgeable lead instructor, Alejandra Torres, we believe that yoga is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, and we are dedicated to sharing this practice with others in a supportive and empowering environment.

Through our comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, and the serene surroundings of Vida Asana, we aim to create a space where students can develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence as yoga teachers. We strive to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for yoga and a commitment to personal growth.

We believe that yoga is a journey, and our program is designed to provide students with the tools they need to continue on this path long after their training is complete. Our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to share the benefits of yoga with others and to make a positive impact in their communities.

At Vida Asana, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in yoga education, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Alejandra Torres and our team of experienced teachers are committed to supporting each student on their unique journey and to providing personalized guidance and feedback throughout the program.

Curriculum:

• Techniques Training/Practice (100 hours)

• Teaching Methodology (25 hours)

• Anatomy and Physiology (20 hours)

• Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers (30 hours)

• Practicum (25hours)

Learn to feel safe in your body, by aligning the mind and souls’ body. We will study the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, we will explore moving from the dark to the light. You will learn how to teach a 90-minute Vinyasa Yoga Class, with good alignment, and connection.

What Your Tuition Includes:

An incredible three weeks of yoga teacher training, fully certified by Yoga Alliance, with free time to explore the gorgeous rainforest and local beaches.

Lodging and all meals daily at Vida Asana in Costa Rica, with lodging package 

Roundtrip group Transport from San Jose Airport.

We are teachers who are eager to share the transformation and wonders yoga has done for our lives. Come and experience the shift of living from fear to pure LOVE. This will be a beautiful journey and we are super excited to meet you! Vida Asana is known for our family atmosphere and in particular our food. Everyone here is family and we can wait to have you join us. We encourage you to check out our reviews on Tripadvisor and Yoga Alliance to read directly from former students and guests about the experience here.

• 5:30am - Wake up to the sounds of nature and start your day with a refreshing morning yoga practice in our outdoor yoga shala.

• 6:00am - Morning pranayama, meditation, and yoga practice.

• 8:30am - Enjoy a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced and organic ingredients, followed by some free time to relax, journal, or explore the surrounding area.

• 9:30am - Gather for a morning lecture or workshop with one of our experienced teachers. Topics might include yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, or business management.

• 11:30am - Practice teaching session, where you'll have the opportunity to apply what you've learned in a supportive and encouraging environment. Receive feedback from your teachers and fellow students to help you refine your teaching skills.

• 1:00pm - Enjoy a healthy and nourishing lunch, followed by some free time to rest, connect with others, or explore the area.

• 2:00pm - Afternoon lecture or workshop, focusing on a different aspect of yoga or teaching. These sessions may be more interactive and may include group discussions, partner work, or other activities

• 5:00pm - Evening yoga practice, focused on different aspects of yoga such as meditation, pranayama, or restorative yoga.

• 6:30pm - Enjoy a delicious vegetarian or vegan dinner with your fellow students and teachers, followed by some free time to socialize, study, or relax.

• 7:30pm - Optional evening activity, such as a group meditation, yoga nidra, or movie night.

Location

Vida Asana is located in the beautiful coastal town of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, surrounded by lush jungle and just a short walk from the beach. The peaceful and serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for deepening your yoga practice and connecting with nature.

Playa Hermosa is truly a special place, and the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle and beach provides a unique and inspiring setting for yoga practice and personal growth. The tranquil atmosphere and connection with nature can help students to deepen their yoga practice, quiet their minds, and find inner peace. At Vida Asana, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive community that encourages personal growth and transformation in this beautiful natural setting.

The Modules

Module 2: Teaching Methodology (25 hours)

In our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, we focus on empowering you with the essential skills necessary to thrive as a successful yoga teacher. Throughout the course, you will gain knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

Sequencing: You will learn how to effectively structure a yoga class in a safe and intelligent manner. Through various exercises and drills, you will have ample opportunities to practice the sequencing skills taught during the lecture sessions.

Finding Your Voice: Our verbal skills workshops will help you discover and cultivate your unique teaching style. You will identify common mistakes and receive guidance on delivering impactful verbal instructions during a yoga class.

Demonstrations: You will be trained on different modalities for demonstrating yoga postures. You will learn how to effectively execute demonstrations, explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and receive valuable feedback from your peers.

Additionally, you will acquire techniques for adjusting basic poses and gain a thorough understanding of the important considerations related to adjustments.

To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, all classes follow a format that includes both lectures and practical sessions. This allows you to integrate the teachings, receive feedback from your fellow trainees, as well as your assigned teachers.

Module 3: Anatomy and Physiology (20 hours)

Prepare for engaging and enjoyable anatomy and physiology workshops that go beyond the typical lecture format. Our experienced instructors are known for their ability to make these sessions both educational and fun. They will provide you with a solid foundation in applying anatomy to yoga asanas.

During these workshops, you will embark on an exciting journey through the intricate world of bones, joints, and muscles. The learning experience will be dynamic and interactive as you explore the alignment of poses. You will gain insights into why certain asanas can be challenging and discover effective strategies for addressing common injuries that may arise in a yoga practice.

Be prepared to delve into fascinating topics such as the mechanics of the human body, functional anatomy, and the interplay between physical alignment and yoga postures. Our goal is to ensure that you develop a comprehensive understanding of how anatomy influences yoga, empowering you to guide your future students with expertise and confidence.

Module 4: Philosophy (30 hours)

Embark on a captivating journey through time as we explore the evolution of yoga and its profound impact on the present. Discover the roots of this ancient practice and gain a deep understanding of its core teachings and philosophy.

In our program, you will have the opportunity to delve into the essence of yoga philosophy, immersing yourself in its authentic wisdom. Learn about the fundamental principles and concepts that form the foundation of yoga philosophy, enabling you to embrace its transformative power.

Through immersive and enlightening sessions, you will explore the rich tapestry of yoga's historical development, tracing its evolution from ancient traditions to the modern-day practice. By engaging with the teachings of yoga philosophy, you will uncover profound insights that can be applied not only to your personal practice but also to your role as a yoga teacher.

Prepare to embark on an enlightening journey, expanding your knowledge and connecting with the timeless wisdom that continues to shape yoga into what it is today.

Your Yoga Teachers

Alejandra Torres

Ale, a native of Costa Rica, resides in the picturesque region of Playa Hermosa in the Central Pacific.

In 2006, Ale's transformative journey with yoga began, providing her with the guidance she sought during a period of darkness and self-discovery. Through yoga, she found solace, overcoming anxiety, sexual abuse, and trauma, and rediscovering her true self.

To Ale, yoga is a sacred ritual that honors the body as a temple, a pathway to reconnecting with our authentic selves and experiencing the vastness of Absolute Reality. This profound joy ignited within her a passion for sharing the practice and serving others, making it her life's mission.

Even before her yoga journey commenced, India beckoned to Ale's heart. Answering the call, she ventured to India in 2011 and returned three more times, spending several months during each visit. This humbling journey immersed her in intensive studies of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Kashmir Shaivism under the guidance of esteemed masters.

Driven by her dedication as both a practitioner and teacher, Ale continues to deepen her knowledge through constant study under renowned teachers. She has completed numerous trainings and workshops in Costa Rica and India. Presently, she teaches weekly group and private classes, hosts transformative retreats, and leads comprehensive teacher training programs in Costa Rica. With every ounce of her being, she pours her heart and soul into her teaching, delivering profound, insightful, and enjoyable experiences to devoted students and fellow teachers.

Today, Ale's unique style transcends traditional yoga classes. She skillfully combines modern postural yoga with mobility drills and various approaches to flexibility and stability. Through her yoga teacher training programs, Ale equips aspiring teachers with the tools to nurture their inner teacher and unleash their creativity through thoughtful class planning.

For Ale, yoga is a path of embracing one's true self without apology, a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Adriana Leiva

Adriana started to practice and teach yoga 19 + years ago, back in 2002 while studying in Centro de Balance Integral Gaia where as well she studied Holistic massage, Reiki and others. She studies two years of Anthropology before she finally got her litentiate degree in Physiotherapy. This background made her teaching approach deeply focused in asana alignment, smart sequencing and biomechanics. She did more than 200 hrs of Anusara Yoga training from 2004 to 2008 which empowered her alignment based practice.

In 2011 she travels in India during 5 months and gets immersed in the devotional practice of mantra chanting, harmonium playing and in Benares she meets her philosophy, Kashmiri shaivaism, Anuttara Trika Tantra teacher Dr. Mark Dyczcowski with whom she still studies on a weekly basis. As well in this travel she did her first Ayurveda massage training and Ashtanga Yoga immersion.

In 2013 Adriana further her yoga studies doing a 500 hr. training with italian Hari Om Yoga school, after which she joins as a teacher for their YTT’s in Costa Rica and Italy until 2015. Then she joins as a guest teacher for teacher trainings for the Caribe Yoga Academy in 2016 and Awakening Teacher Trainings in 2017.

In 2018 she moves fro 1 year to Buenos Aires, Argentina to pursue studies in Ayurvedic Medicine and becomes Ayurveda consultant and therapist. In early 2020 she travels to India and undergoes a Clinical Training in Ayurvedic Medicine in the Gujarat Ayurveda University.

Since 2020 Adriana has dedicated to an in depth scholar study of Yoga, yoga history and Sanskrit.

Adriana lives her passion as she continues to spread the teachings of yoga after all this years. She lives in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica with her partner and her 6 year old son, where she co/owns  Samadhi Wellness Temple where she practices bodywork and soulwork.  Her yoga practice consists in Ashtanga yoga, pranayama, meditation, chanting and more.

Marco Amador

Marco Amador has been involved into movement and meditation since very young. Raced in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, running, cycling and surfing came natural for him. And at the same time he felt inclination for meditation since he was young. At the age of 18 years old he discovered yoga, but it was not until 24 when he decided to dig deep into the “yoga world”.

For more than 14 years he has studied and practiced yoga in Central America, India and USA. He has studied with great teachers as Saraswati (Ashtanga, in Mysore), Richard Freeman (Ashtanga), Tim Miller (Ashtanga), John Friend (Anusara), amongst others.

He has found the balance between yoga and sport lifestyle. For that reason ESPN chose him to film a special edition of Yoga and sports in 2016.

Marco is now an sponsored athlete of various sports such as Mountain bike, Trail Running and Triathlon.

Currently, he is the director of ZENFIT where he coaches amateur and elite athletes. He is also a Crossfit Level 1 certified teacher, massage therapist and graduated physiotherapist. Nowadays he regularly appears in national TV as a movement and physiotherapy expert.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the duration of the Awakenings Yoga Teacher Training at Vida Asana? Our residential intensive Yoga Teacher Training program runs for 20 days.

What is the format of the program? The program is a residential intensive, which means that you'll be living on-site for the duration of the program and participating in daily yoga classes, workshops, lectures, and self-study sessions.

What kind of yoga styles are covered in the program? Our program covers a variety of yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative yoga.

What is the maximum number of participants in the program? Our program is limited to a maximum of 24 participants to ensure personalized attention and an intimate learning environment.

What is included in the program fee? The program fee includes accommodations for the duration of the program, all meals (vegetarian, pescatarian, plant-based, and locally sourced), daily yoga classes, workshops, lectures, and course materials. Roundtrip Group Transport from San Jose Airport.

Is the program registered with Yoga Alliance? Yes, our program is registered with Yoga Alliance, which means that upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

What are the facilities like at Vida Asana? Vida Asana is a beautiful eco-retreat center located in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica. The center features comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, a yoga shala, a meditation garden, and a farm-to-table restaurant.

What is the daily schedule like for the program? The daily schedule varies, but typically includes morning meditation and pranayama practice, asana practice, breakfast, lectures and workshops on yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and business management, lunch, self-study and practice teaching sessions, afternoon asana practice, and dinner.

What is the accommodation like at Vida Asana? Vida Asana offers a range of comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation options, including shared and private rooms. All rooms are equipped with fans, AC, bathroom, and comfortable beds.

What kind of food is served at Vida Asana? Vida Asana offers delicious and healthy vegetarian, pescatarian, and plant-based meals made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. The menu is designed to support the yoga practice and includes a variety of plant-based dishes, juices, smoothies, and teas.

Is the program suitable for beginners? Our program is designed for students with a consistent yoga practice of at least one year. That said, if you're a beginner with a strong commitment to learning, please reach out to us for more information.

What kind of certification will I receive upon completion of the program? Upon completion of the program, you'll receive a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate that is recognized by Yoga Alliance.

Is there an opportunity to teach during the program? Yes, we provide opportunities for practice teaching during the program to help you develop your teaching skills and confidence.

What kind of teaching resources and materials are provided? We provide a comprehensive manual that covers all aspects of the program, including yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and business management

What kind of payment plans are available? We offer payment plans to make the program more accessible for our students. Please reach out to us for more information.

What kind of visa do I need to attend the program in Costa Rica? Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes. However, we recommend that you check with your local embassy or consulate to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation to enter the country.

Will I have any free time? Yes, there is one totally free day each week to go to the beach, explore the local community, go for an adventure, or curl-up in a hammock and rest.