Anchored in a deep understanding and appreciation of yoga history and philosophy, Uttara Yoga Teacher Training (UYTT) draws upon the streams of Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga, and Ayurveda, offering students a sacred space in which to study the deeper teachings and art of yoga. Whether you are looking to expand your own personal practice or spread the gift of yoga to others, our dynamic approach offers an experience that goes beyond the mat. No matter if you are beginning your journey or are a seasoned practitioner, this training program offers the opportunity to find your voice and cultivate your inner wisdom. With a focus on the complete system of yoga, you will learn ways to inspire others while receiving tools for personal growth. Our program emphasizes spiritual development and empowerment, offering a unique blend of history and philosophy, along with essential components of asana and pranayama (postures and breathwork).
Uttara Yoga Teacher Training (UYTT) is a 200-hour training program approved through Yoga Alliance (YA).
Areas of study include:
- Techniques in Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
- Classical Yoga Philosophy & The Yoga Sutras
- Techniques for intelligent sequencing
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Introduction to Ayurveda
- Adjusts, Assists & Body Observation
- Teaching Methodology, Skills & Communication
- The Ethics of Teaching Yoga
- The Business of Yoga
Schedule & Requirements
The program will meet approximately 2 weekends a month on Saturdays and Sundays, and approximately two Wednesday evenings a month. We will also have a weekend retreat (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) in October 2024.
There are a total of 185 contact hours (face to face) with additional reading, assignments, practice teachings, and observations required.
Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm (7 hours)
Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm (5 hours)
- September 28th & 29th
- October 12th & 13th
- October 26th & 27th
- November 8th - 10th (3 day immersive retreat, begins Friday at 6p and ends Sunday at noon — additional fee possible)
- November 23rd & 24th
- December 14th & 15th
- January 11th & 12th
- January 25th & 26th
- February 8th & 9th
- February 22nd & 23rd
- March 8th & 9th
- March 22nd (Saturday Only)
Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 (3 hours)
- October 9th
- October 23rd
- November 6th
- November 20th
- December 11th
- January 8th
- January 22nd
- February 5th
- February 19th
- March 5th
- March 19th
Pricing
Save your spot by paying the required, non-refundable $100 deposit by September 21st. This payment will be subtracted out of the total amount due.
- Early Bird (before September 1st): $2975
- Regular Pricing (by September 21st) $3325
- Three Month Installments (September 21st; December 1st; February 1st): 3 payments of $1200
A limited amount of scholarship funding is available. Please reach out to us for more information.
Please note: Dependent on the number of participants, retreat costs may be additional to the full price.
In-class participation is expected; absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and students may be subject to a $50 per hour make up fee.
Confirm Your Enrollment
To confirm your enrollment, please submit an application and make your program deposit ($100 - to be applied to total fee). If you would like to pay for the entire program along with the deposit you may do so. Please email us for assistance.
Preparing for Class
Each weekend will be a mix of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and practice. A comprehensive manual will be provided to you along with a list of resources and references. It is strongly suggested that you have a notebook or journal that is just for this training. Please dress comfortably, bring a cushion or bolster if you like, and a water bottle/snacks if needed.
Out of Class Obligations
Beyond the scheduled class time commitments, you will be expected to complete observations of other yoga classes and styles (5); read required texts and sections; and journal about your experience.
In addition, all students will be required to teach five classes prior to receiving their certificate.
With the exception of the class observations & teachings, your out of class “work” shouldn’t take more than two hours per week.
Required Texts
(Additional texts or partial readings may be assigned as needed)
- The Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice - Deborah Adele
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Sri Swami Satchidananda
- Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes- Mark Stephens
- The Heart of Yoga – T.K.V Desikachar
- The Key Muscles of Yoga – Ray Long
- The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book - Kelly Soloway
Yoga Alliance
Uttara Yoga Teacher Training is an approved 200-hour program through Yoga Alliance (YA). This does not mean that you must register with YA, but that you are able to if you want. Registration with YA is not a requirement to be a yoga teacher; you will still be a certified yoga teacher upon completion. YA registration makes you a “registered” teacher (RYT) within their organization. If you choose to register with YA, you will be obligated to pay annual dues, as well as keep up with continuing education and teaching hours. More information about YA and their requirements can be found here.
Teachers
Laura Leonard
Laura began her journey on the yogic path over 15 years ago while living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She knew immediately that the practice of yoga would become a consistent thread weaving throughout the fabric of her life.
Sally Wesley
Sally found inspiration from her very first yoga class. She began a continuous quest for knowledge by completing over 500 hours of yoga teacher training at Uttara, and a 300 hour Ayurvedic Studies Program with Katie Silcox at Shakti School. Her goal was to deepen her understanding of health and wellness from a more holistic viewpoint.
Kimberly Vest
Kimberly has been practicing, studying and teaching yoga for the past 35 years. A Salem, VA native, she lived in Seattle, WA for many years where she owned her own yoga studio. Kimberly teaches many different styles of yoga with her foundational training rooted in the Integral Yoga tradition, and she is a direct student of Sri Swami Satchidananda.
Elizabeth Kolendrianos
Elizabeth received her 200 Yoga Teacher Training certification through a comprehensive program at the Marianne Wells Yoga School in Cahuita, Costa Rica. She then went on to pursue her 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification through Uttara Yoga Studio. She is currently registered through the Yoga Alliance.
Graduate Reviews
"What can be said about giving yourself the gift of 200 hours of yoga teacher training? That you will deepen your yoga practice and understanding of yoga philosophy and learn simple practical ways of applying this philosophy to your every day life. That you will learn how to cherish yourself, you will arrive at a place where you want to cherish yourself, a place where you believe on a visceral level that you are with cherishing. That you will begin a journey of life long learning that may or may not lead to teaching yoga classes, but if your goal is to teach, you will have learned fundamentals of language, instruction, assisting, sequencing, demonstrating and progressing classes for all levels. YTT 200. Be the change."
-Sarah
"I can’t say enough great things about my education experience at Uttara! I feel safe, knowledgeable, and inspired. With constant support from my teachers, I feel confident bringing the sacred teachings to others!"
-Meredith
"This program was incredible, and I could not recommend Sally and Laura more as teachers. They are also some of the best humans I've ever met, and I am just so grateful for them and this experience."
-Mel
"This was such a beautiful program. Laura & Sally were incredible instructors! I got everything I wanted and more from this journey with them."
-Brittany
"Uttara Yoga Studio continues to provide a beautiful community to learn and practice. I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization and am grateful for the education I received there."