Yoga Teacher Training for Nice People

Established 2007

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Greenville Yoga

3221 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, USA

Greenville, SC

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Purpose

Two modules combined that allow you to learn first through your own embodied practice, then apply this to teach individuals and group classes in a skillful way. A program that honors your pace, nurtures your growth, and connects you to a rich community experience.

What to expect

✨ Awake & Aligned (Segment 1):

Each weekend we will flow through six themes to give you a more complete picture of Yoga as it was initially brought into the world and how to incorporate it into your life today.

Regulate ~Yoga as transformation, meditation, connecting breath & body, basics of nervous system regulation

Align ~ Understanding basics of anatomy: bones, muscles, fascia, joint actions

Awaken ~Monthly book club centered around the Bhagavad Gita (yoga as transformation) and practical application of its concepts; Self-inquiry journaling and homework offered.

Integrate ~ Yoga practice (body) as an access point for mind, heart, spirit. Become more embodied.

Connect ~ Understanding the energy body as a way to move injury free and connect to spirit simultaneously.

Belonging ~ Communal discussions & practices with spiritual friends.

Each weekend includes:

Breathwork for energy, focus, and emotional regulation

Monthly asana refinement classes based on YOUR anatomy

Meditation techniques grounded in the Gita & neuroscience

✨ From Instructor to Teacher (Segment 2):

This segment is designed to help you become a more confident, skilled, and grounded yoga teacher. We’ll explore the difference between instructing and truly teaching — moving beyond calling out cues to seeing your students, holding space, and creating meaningful class experiences. As well as learn the business foundations you need to build a sustainable and aligned teaching career.

Deepen your understanding of yoga as a spiritual and embodied practice

Strengthen your communication and teaching skills

Confidently teach students of different levels

Build authentic connection in your classes

Clarify your unique voice and offerings

Understand the business side of yoga

You’ll receive:

Guided practice teaching sessions

Clear and constructive feedback

Support in writing your bio and refining your message

Practical guidance on insurance, Yoga Alliance, and professional foundations

A one-on-one coaching session with Liz

✨ What’s Included in Both Segments:

Study & Reflection

Monthly readings + group discussion (book club style)

Journaling prompts and integration questions

Comprehensive training manual

Optional homework: short podcasts/videos

Community

Private online chat (WhatsApp)

Live virtual Q&A check-ins

Peer support and accountability partners

Style/Lineage

Greenville Yoga is a sanctuary that allows open-hearted seekers (even those who struggle with physical aches / pains, isolation, anxiety, and fear) to slow down, be seen and find belonging in themselves and in community. Through the gift of community and inspiration of our teacher-leaders, our classes will regulate your nervous system so you can connect with that still, quiet space within. This connection allows us to collectively wake up and dream a new way to be in the world: one kind human at a time.

Additional Information

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Describe tadasana from a foundation of anatomical neutral, by verbally describing key alignment relationships, and visually demonstrating alignment Describe the basic biomechanics of joint mobility and stability by explaining how joint structure, muscular control, connective tissue, load, and range of motion interact to support safe, functional movement in yoga practice Describe foundational muscular anatomy by explaining how major muscle groups work together in movement, and identifying their general location in the body Describe the major bodily systems—including the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems by explaining their primary functions and how yoga practices support their health, regulation, and overall benefits to well-being
Yoga History & Theory	Discuss the energy body beginning with the base element of prana / chi to meridians / channels to chakras / wheels and apply this understanding to the how and why of yoga asana and pranayama Apply knowledge of the three gunas (rajas, sattvas, tamas) by recognizing their qualities in personal practice, daily life, and teaching contexts, in order to make informed choices in movement, breath, rest, and intention to support balance Discuss the teachings of the bhagavad gita while exploring key themes —such as bhakti (surrendering all action), dharma (life path / order of the universe), as well as the metaphor of the mind as a battlefield by relating them thoughtfully to personal values, ethical choices, and everyday life experiences in a way that is accessible, reflective, and non-dogmatic
Practice Skills	Demonstrate basic standing and floor poses with good alignment, risk mitigation, and using props safely and effectively Practice shamatha, vipassana, and metta meditation by engaging each approach with appropriate technique and intention, demonstrating the ability to cultivate focused attention, insight through observation, and qualities of kindness and compassion, while clearly understanding and articulating the purpose, method, and effects of each practice within contemplative experience Practice a variety of breathwork techniques—including nadi shodhana, ujjayi, sitali, bhamari, rolling om, sufi hi-ye breath, fountain breath, lion’s breath, breath of fire, box breathing, and the 4-7-8 breath with appropriate technique, pacing, and self-regulation, demonstrating awareness of their effects on energy, focus, and nervous-system state Practice assessing one’s own energy by observing physical sensation, breath, mental focus, and emotional tone, and use this awareness to create an intuitive sequence that supports balance, regulation, and appropriate effort for daily life
Teaching Skills	Teach five, 1.5-hour private sessions for a student or small group of good general health with confidence from start to end with simple, safe cues; include meditation, pranayama and foundational asana in each session Apply purposeful, consent-based hands-on assists, using appropriate pressure, direction, and duration to support functional length, space, or relaxation while maintaining safety and student autonomy Apply observational skills within a classroom setting by attentively noticing student posture, breath, pacing, engagement, and overall group dynamics, and using these observations to inform real-time teaching decisions that support safety, accessibility, and effective learning Teach a variety of breathwork techniques to beginners—including nadi shodhana, ujjayi, sitali, bhamari, rolling om, sufi hi-ye breath, fountain breath, lion’s breath, breath of fire, box breathing, and the 4-7-8 breath by introducing each practice with simple explanations, clear demonstrations, and appropriate pacing, while offering modifications and opt-out options to support comfort, safety, and confidence Cue basic standing and floor poses with simple verbal cues for alignment, risk mitigation, and using props safely and effectively
Other	Create several yoga sequences and templates based on three distinct models -peak pose, general flow for all levels, beginners; addressing a class' general needs and incorporating effective use of foundational asana, pranayama, and meditation techniques
Business Skills	Write a long and short form bio including their personal story, guiding values, scope of practice, and inspiration Develop a class and/or workshop using a backward design methodology by clearly defining intended learning outcomes, identifying what students should know, experience, or be able to do by the end, and intentionally selecting sequencing, practices, and teaching methods Develop awareness of personal skills and potential barriers by engaging in self-reflection to identify strengths, uncover blocks that limit visibility or confidence, and define three actionable next steps toward realizing individual yoga teaching goals

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

Program evaluations

If you wish to complete certification for this training, you will be asked to teach using physical demonstration, clear cuing and hands-on assists in small groups. A rubric will be used for feedback from classmates and teachers. You will also complete a 5-class program to be led on your own, using the same rubric to receive real-time feedback from your students. Following both segments, Awake & Aligned and From Instructor to Teacher, you will be given a take-home, written exam. Please complete two weeks following the training to turn in and complete your program. (I have uploaded the exam, however it says upload failed.)