FAQs

Why become a yoga teacher?
How do I choose a Teacher training Program?
What if I don’t intend to be a yoga teacher?
What are the requirements?
What skills are taught?
Who will Benefit?
Why is IYTT different?
Who is Dana Rae Paré?
What style of yoga is taught?
Why restorative yoga?
What about yoga philosophy?
Will I learn about the yoga business?
What happens after I complete the training?
Are there Job Opportunities?
Are there Scholarships available?
Is there a manual?
Is there a video?
How do I keep my qualification current?
What makes a good yoga teacher?
Where does the training take place?
What are people saying about this training?
Are there nearby accommodations?
Will I learn adjustments?
What is the cancellation policy?
What are students saying about IYTT?
Where do I sign up?

Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training Program:
There are many different yoga teacher trainings you can take. Here is a quick guide on what to look for:

Qualifications: Make sure the school and the individual(s) leading the training are both qualified. (Here is a link to the Yoga Alliance list of Schools and Teachers). Check out the background and experience of the teacher(s) and review their biographies. (Dana’s Bio.) If specialists are used to teach aspects of the training they should also be qualified.

Program: Look for a well structured, well planned program and make sure it fits with your schedule. You’ll need to devote a lot of time to your education and you don’t want to miss anything.

Style of Yoga & Teaching: Take some classes from the main teacher before you commit. It is essential that you ‘resonate’ with both the style and teacher if you are to get the most out of the training and become a competent teacher.

Content: Read the description of the course and make sure it covers all the aspects that you need to know. All trainings cover postures, anatomy and some philosophy, but you also need to know how to teach; how to communicate and how to inspire your students. You’re entering a new field and a new business. Look for programs that will help you succeed!

Price: As in all areas of life, you get what you pay for. Shop around by all means, but avoid being impulsive as you may end up learning little and getting nowhere.

You: Teacher training is a huge commitment on you, your body and your mind. It is an intense experience that is unlike anything you have ever done before. Allow yourself time to enjoy the experience. If the program is an intense multi-day program (like ours), make sure that you clear your agenda for the time you are training. You will need the time off to relax and unwind, and allow the discovery and the experience to sink in. If you choose wisely and do it right, you’ll have a great learning experience and build the confidence to launch yourself into a new career.

Just interested in a Yoga Immersion?
Even if you currently have no plans or interest in becoming a yoga teacher, the knowledge and techniques you will learn in IY Teacher Training will help to deepen your yoga practice, and give you skills and confidence that you can use in many other aspects of your life.

Yoga Teacher Training Requirements:
Before commencing training all applicants are required to complete and submit the IYTT application form and be approved. All trainees are required to sign the IYTT liability form and training guidelines.
In order to qualify for a training completion certificate (required for Yoga Alliance certification) the following must be met:
– Both Modules (200hr – TTA & TTB; 500hr – TTC & TTD) must be completed within a 12 month period. (They may be completed in any order)
– Full attendance each day for both modules (Lateness and/or leaving early are not acceptable).
– Completion of additional workshops at Infinite Yoga (see 200hr or 500hr training pages for details).
– The 500 hour teacher training requires that you must already be an RYT-200 level in order to obtain the RYT-500 certification from Yoga Alliance.
Request application form

Who will Benefit?
Aspiring Yoga Teachers: Get qualified and have the confidence to teach.
In addition to obtaining Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher accreditation, this program will help you become a more ’rounded’ yoga teacher. IYTT will teach you not just the fundamentals of teaching yoga postures on a physical (anatomic) level, but also how to effectively communicate with confidence – whether you want to teach at a yoga studio, sports club, at work to your colleagues or at home to your friends.

Students: Immerse yourself deeper in yoga and holistic living.
If you love yoga, our training programs offer you the opportunity for total immersion, to gain a greater appreciation and get a deeper understanding of both yoga and yourself. Even if you don’t want to teach, the vocal exercises and vocal training skills will give you more confidence in communicating more effectively in every aspects of your life. And if you love the yoga lifestyle this is a great way to meet new people and make firm friendships with others who share common interest and values.

Yoga Teachers: Take your teaching to the next level.
IYTT will teach you how to make your classes more dynamic, more inspiring and more popular. Learn how to build classes and retain numbers by understanding how students develop and learn (aurally, visually or kinesthetically) and how to effectively communicate. At the same time give yourself the gift of re-connecting or deepening your personal practice under Dana personal guidance and upgrade to RYT-500. IY’s 300 hour Advanced Teacher Training will take your teaching skills to new levels. Dana shares her knowledge & experience of 20+ years of creating workshops, organizing retreats, producing DVD’s & iTunes downloads and owning and operating yoga studios.

Style of Yoga:
IYTT asana practice is based on yoga that comes from the lineage of Krishnamacharya including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar and Yoga Therapy (Viniyoga) methods. However, the philosophy, anatomy & physiology; teaching and business skills apply to any style. Teacher training students are welcome from any style of traditional yoga.

Restorative Yoga:
Each day finishes with restorative yoga to balance, stretch and relax your body, rejuvenate your spirit and bring peace of mind. After eight hours of concentrated effort you need to learn how to relax – to ‘restore’ and be ready for the next day. Experience the benefit of Restorative Yoga first hand and learn where and when to apply these techniques to yourself and to the students in your classes.

Going back to the Roots:
Yoga’s 4000 year old history is documented in the ancient texts of India – the Vedas, the Upanishads and, more recently the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. IYTT will give you an appreciation and understanding of these remarkable texts, their interpretations and the practical aspects that apply to both yoga and your lifestyle. Through lectures, discussion, chanting and self study, you will gain sufficient knowledge to understand the philosophical basis of yoga and the tools to help you learn more.

Business of Yoga:
Success at being yoga teacher doesn’t begin and end with a good class. You have to be ‘business savvy’, to be able to attract and retain students. You need learn the self-discipline necessary to run and maintain your own business. At IYTT, Dana will share the knowledge she has gained in over 20 years experience as a teacher and as a business owner.

Teaching Skills:
Teaching is more than demonstrating or calling out the names of the postures and expecting everyone to follow along, it’s about reaching people in a way and in a language that resonates with them. Along with teaching you the postures and correct alignment; and how to safely, efficiently and appropriately adjust, you will find out how people learn and discover practical techniques that help you communicate and motivate students effectively. You’ll learn how to ‘see the room’ how to observe carefully and ‘read’ individuals – physically and energetically. Through vocal skills training and exercises, you’ll learn how to find and develop your own unique voice – in itself is empowering, whether or not you choose to become a Yoga Teacher. You’ll discover how to become present and be in the moment as you teach. And you’ll have an opportunity to see and judge yourself in action using video playback.

Training Manual: the Language of Yoga
Our IYTT 200 hour training provides a manual for each module that includes the language of yoga – clear and precise instructions to guide students in and out of each posture. Our 300 hour Advanced Teacher Training does not provide a manual. Instead, as the advanced training focuses more on the “practice” of advancing in your “language of yoga” skills. Each day throughout the training you will practice these skills. Both trainings teach how and why to use alternative language when dealing with different levels of students. And, combining this with our unique vocal exercises, you’ll learn to empower your students with the power of your words and your voice.

Walking the Talk:
If you choose to become a yoga teacher, you are choosing a lifestyle, not a job. If you expect your students to respect you, you have to be authentic, to emulate everything that yoga represents. You have to respect your own body by making sure you have the right nutrition, by maintaining a daily yoga practice, by managing your energy levels and giving yourself recovery time. You need to respect others and choose a healthy lifestyle that supports you. IYTT addresses each of these topics in turn and provides useful techniques to keep you ‘walking the talk’.

Dana Rae Paré:
Dana is the owner and studio director of Infinite Yoga based in San Diego, California, where she offers classes, workshops and retreats worldwide. She is a Registered with Yoga Alliance at their highest level: E-RYT500 and has been teaching for two decades. A gifted entrepreneur and exceptional teacher, Dana creates a safe place where students can confidently explore their limits, inspired by her motivating guidance. She brings her knowledge, experience and her calming presence as course director of IYTT. More details on Dana.

Teaching Location:
Infinite Yoga’ studio is located in sunny San Diego’s hip Little Italy neighborhood, filled with art galleries and outdoor cafés. The studio is 10 minutes from the airport, close to downtown. There are a number of hotels within walking distance of the studio, so it is possible for out-of-towners to attend teacher training without even renting a car.

Hotels within walking distance of Infinite Yoga:
Vantaggio Suites
Porto Vista
Hampton Inn
Four Points by Sheraton
DoubleTree by Hilton
Days Inn
Air BnB

What’s unique about IYTT?
IYTT not only covers the basics – anatomy & physiology, asana training, philosophy, teaching methodology etc., but introduces you to a number of advanced techniques and skills that are rarely available in other yoga teacher training courses. These skills and techniques come from Dana’s remarkable background as a professional entertainer; as a seasoned yoga teacher and as a successful entrepreneur. Unique aspects include:
– Voice Skills Training
– Video Playback
– Learning to “Read the Room”
– Intuitive adjustments
– The business of yoga

IYTT Alumni:
IYTT Alumni are entitled to discounts on a variety of workshops, retreats and events. Some are even free!

Mentorship Program & Job Opportunities:
When you have completed IYTT you don’t have to fend for yourself to find a job. We offer guidance and the opportunity to gain work experience for your resumé. Our mentorship program is free to all IYTT alumni. It includes unlimited email advice and up to two 30 min phone calls (or Skype) per year with Dana Rae Paré for the two years immediately following IYTT. In addition, we offer works experience through assisting in workshops and retreats once you have received your Yoga Alliance certification. Assisting in workshops and retreats exposes you to all aspects of presenting these types of events and is an excellent way to experience the ‘business of yoga’ first hand. There are also a few apprenticeship positions available for assisting in Mysore classes and for teaching Community Classes at Infinite Yoga.

Infinite Yoga Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for IY’s 200 hr Teacher Training. We support aspiring teachers who demonstrate the need for financial aid and/or intend to teach yoga to under-privileged communities and have the energy and focus to assist (as work exchange) during the training at the studio. We offer a 20-30% discount off the tuition fee along with a payment plan for qualified individuals. A maximum of two scholarships are available for each training. Please contact us if you believe you qualify for a scholarship.

Yoga Alliance & Continuing Education:
Infinite Yoga is a Registered School with Yoga Alliance, and Dana Rae Paré is registered at their highest level – E-RYT500. In addition to IYTT, Dana offers workshops that earn continuing education credits (CEU’s) that are required to maintain your accreditation with Yoga Alliance.

Cancellation Policy:
A full refund, less the $500 non-refundable deposit, requires at least 30 days notice prior to the start date of the program. No refund, credit or transfer will be allowed within 30 days of the start date of the program.

What do I do Next?
As places for IYTT are limited, we strongly recommend you:

Step 1. Place a deposit to reserve a provisional place. (you’ll find this at the bottom of the 200hr & 500hr training page)
Please Note: Your credit card will not be processed until you have been accepted on the training.
Step 2. Click here to request an application form.
The application form will be sent to you by email unless you request it is mailed.
Step 3. Complete and return the application form.
Scan and email back or mail to IY at 113 West G Street #517, SD CA 92101. Please enclose a check if you did not pay by credit card.
Step 4. You should receive written confirmation that you have been accepted within 10 working days of IY’s receipt of your application form.