Soma Erie Yoga - Level 1 YTT

Established 2026

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Soma Erie Yoga

Erie, PA

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Purpose

We aim to develop confident, and compassionate instructors in both the practical and philosophical aspects of yoga. We provide a firm foundation in asana practice, anatomy, teaching methodology and yoga philosophy and provide opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness.

What to expect

The ways we learn/study/practice:

Lectures

Group and partner work and discussions

Quizzes and exams (oral and written)

Online assignments

Demonstrations

Reading assignments

Writing assignments, journaling

Yoga practice assignments

What we study:

Asana clinics

anatomy

Pranayama/Meditation (personal practice and cueing)

Hands on adjustments and the power of touch

Sequencing

Development of your own way of teaching

Teaching partners, peers, and also public classes

The business of yoga

Yoga ethics

Yoga mythology and philosophy (Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita)

Style/Lineage

Yoga is a practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit, building a sense of unity and purpose beyond individual concerns. Through yoga, we seek harmony not only within ourselves but also with the world around us.

The lineage and style of our yoga teacher training program are rooted in the traditions of ashtanga, hatha, iyengar, and anusara yoga. We also integrate current influences that emphasize personalized alignment, as well as modern strength and mobility techniques. This unique blend allows our training to honor classical yoga while supporting innovative approaches that address the needs of today’s practitioners.

Additional Information

Prerequisites: a regular yoga practice of at least 1 year and a love of yoga

Required materials:

Tantra of the Yoga Sutras by Alan Finger

The Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele

Bhagavad Gita by Stephen Mitchell

Poised for Grace by Douglas Brooks

Hatha Yoga Illustrated by Martin Kirk, Brooke Boon, Daniel DiTuro

Core competencies

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

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Describe the physiological benefits of the five pranayama practices taught in the program including the impact on the nervous system, impact on blood chemistry and overall health. Discuss the impact that human variation may have on the individual expression of asana including variations in range of motion in movement such as hip flexion, spinal flexion, spinal extension, and hip rotation. Identify the major bones and muscles of the body by accuratenly labelling them on a picture and identifying them on their own body or a peer's. Describe the structures involved in the anatomy of breathing include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, nose/mouth, trachea, bronchi, lungs.alveoli Explain types of muscles contractions and demonstrate the difference between isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions Explain vagal tone by mapping and discussing the role of the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system and identifying yoga practices that increase vagal tone
Yoga History & Theory	Explain the overall message of the bhagavad gita including the role of dharma and describing the main characters (arjuna and krishna and others). Discuss key concepts from the yoga sutra from the first two padas including the obstacles, the definition of yoga, the gunas, the yamas, and the niyamas. Describe the subtle body elements of the body (chakras, primary nadis) knowing the sanskrit name and their location. Describe the history of the yoga practice by discussing how the practice and role of asana has changed over the years. Discuss the doshas by explaining your own dosha (or doshic combination) and describing its primary characteristics. Discuss characters from yoga mythology summarizing the stories about the easiest mythological figures to theme in a yoga class (ganesha, hanuman, virabhadra, for example) Describe the impact of your daily self-guided yoga practice by incorporating what they have learned in this teacher training or on their own, even if only a short practice, and journaling about it daily.
Practice Skills	Practice nadi shodana and kapalabhati breathing using good posture, suitable breath counts, and appropriate pacing. Practice foundational postures from the curriculum safely and effectively, balancing muscular engagement with ease, demonstrating good posture and spinal alignment, and adapting each posture to work specifically for their own body. Discuss how acroyoga may enhance trust and connection with others through exploring taking on the roles of base, flyer, and spotter Compare and contrast aerial yoga with traditional yoga including its physiological benefits such as increased grip strength, increased support for postures, and facilitation of inversions. Discuss the universal principles of alignmnent, focal points or energy hubs, and energy loops by defining each and demonstrating their use in the yoga practice.
Teaching Skills	Plan a yoga class sequence to create a specific outcome or experience for their students that includes explaining each pose's category and detailing how and why they have placed your postures in a certain order. Teach a heart-centered class theme effectively making the theme relatable and integrating the theme throughout the class experience. Describe how the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) can inform and be used in the yoga practice to effectively create an intentional energetic class experience. Cue the bandhas effectively by accurately explaining and demonstrating mula bandha, uddiyana bandha, and jalandhara bandha Compare yoga for pregnancy, kid's yoga, and chair yoga and describe teaching skill adaptations and considerations for each. Teach foundational pranayama practices such as adham (belly breath), sama vritti (equal holding), box breathing, dirgha (three-part breath) viloma, and ujjayi, ensuring each participant is seated comfortably, using a soft and calm vocal tone, and adapting the practice to the needs of the students in the room. Teach postures from the curriculum concisely and clearly, cuing the breath appropriately, using sanskrit as well as english, teaching from the ground up and incorporating the universal principles of alignment: foundation/opening to grace, muscular energy, inner spiral, outer spiral and organic energy. Demonstrate the ability to offer appropriate and safe hands on assists with the client's permission, with a clear intention, gentle and mindful pressure, appropriate body language, staying with student as long as needed, and doing both sides (when appropriate). Lead demonstrate ability to move through the class space effectively and intentionally, giving equal attention to all areas of the room and modeling postures where students can see them.
Lifestyle & Ethics	Discuss the benefits of essential oils including how they may be applied for personal and studio use to enhance the asana practice, promote self-regulation and potentially support the nervous system.
Business Skills	Describe some of the common issues that impact starting a professional teaching career, including getting insurance, teaching part time versus full time, acknowledging one's scope of practice, membership in professional organizations, and the importance of continuing education.