200 hour teacher training
Since 2011, Laughing River Yoga's 200 Hour Teacher Training Program has inspired leaders and teachers in our community through a journey of personal exploration and evolution. This robust program emphasizes the inner and outer yoga practices to support expansion, growth, and positive change within yourself and the world. Through the power of yoga and community, our teacher training will support you in doing the work necessary to explore deep connection with yourself and with others.
The 2023-2024 program beginning Oct. 2023 is WAITLIST ONLY. Join the waitlist by completing the form below.

"This course changed my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. It's gifted me a more open heart and mind and it's given me a wonderful and supportive spiritual community. Laughing River is such a sacred, special place."
- Erin S.
our 200 hour training program offers two tracks of study:

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Certification Track: become a certified yoga teacher
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Self Study Track: deepen your personal practice and yogic studies
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The only difference between the two tracks is that homework assignments and the final exam are optional for the self study track.
The Teacher Training program is built upon Laughing River Yoga's tenets:
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Your essence is unconditional love.
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We believe in the power of yoga to heal.
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Yoga changes the world through transforming individual lives.
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No one is free until we are all free.

TEACHING
METHODOLOGY:
ANATOMY:
YOGA PHILOSOPHY:
SELF STUDY:
BUSINESS OF YOGA:
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Analytical training in how to teach and practice asana, pranayama, and meditation
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How to instruct, observe, assist and demonstrate asana
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How to use props
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How to work with different body types
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How to create inclusive environments
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Qualities of a yoga teacher
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How to develop your authentic voice as a teacher
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Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal muscular system
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Anatomy of the breath
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Anatomy of the energy body
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Body mechanics
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Awareness of common injuries and how to prevent them
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Application of anatomical principles to posture instruction
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Yoga history and philosophy
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Study of yogic texts and how to apply them to your daily life
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Exploration of Sanskrit chanting and mantra
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Use a yogic lens to look at the root causes of oppression and inequity
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Cultivate a home practice
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Improve and understand your unique physical alignment
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Use your voice as a tool for honest, heart felt communication
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Journaling and Awareness exercises to help let go of limiting stories of self and step into your power
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Getting into teaching
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Marketing yourself as a yoga teacher
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Becoming aware of the commodification of yoga

logistics
The 8 month program includes nine 14-hour weekend sessions with the full group, as well as unlimited drop-in yoga classes at the studio(live and virtual), and optional complimentary workshops and intensives (TBA).
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The weekend session hours are:
Friday 6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday 12 - 6pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm
In addition to the weekends, each participant in the training is required to take at least 35 drop-in classes or a combination of classes and workshop intensives for a total of 35 hours.
2023/2024 Dates
(subject to change):
October 6-8, 2023
November 3-5, 2023
December 8-10, 2023
January 12-14, 2024
February 9-11, 2024
March 1-3, 2024
March 22-24, 2024
April 19-21, 2024
May 17-19, 2024
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If you miss one weekend, you are still eligible for certification. If you miss two or more weekends, you will need to make up one of them in order to be eligible for certification.

prerequisites
This training is open to all students wishing to become yoga teachers as well as all sincere, serious students of yoga who want to take it to the next level. We recommend a daily home yoga practice of at least 20 minutes and at least one group class a week for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
to register
The cost of the 200 hour training is $2,950. A deposit of $600 will save your spot in the program, with the remaining balance due at the start of the program.
If you are seriously considering taking this program, we recommend you review our intake form and make sure it is the right fit for you. All registrants should complete the intake form.
Update 8/31/23: the program is now WAITLIST only. Join the waitlist by completing the form below.
responsibilities
​Teacher Certification Track:
Attendance at monthly sessions. Homework assignments, including journaling, reading, and writing. Monthly small group meetings, minimum 35 classes or 35 hours of classes/workshops (included in tuition), class observation, home yoga and meditation practice. Final exam and final test teach.
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Study Certification Track:
Attendance at monthly sessions. Monthly small group meetings, minimum 35 classes or 35 hours of classes/workshops (included in tuition), class observation, home yoga and meditation practice. Homework, final exam and final test teach are optional, but encouraged.
required reading
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The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V Desikachar
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Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
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Yoga Teacher’s Toolbox by Joseph and Lillian Le Page
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Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyamas by Maetreyii Ma Nolan
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Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
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*We encourage students to have their own books, however the studio also has several copies available for reference.*

"This has been the most valuable learning experience I have ever had."
- Isabella L.
"The 200 hr training is an approachable, yet thorough way to deepen your practice and prepare you to share the gift of yoga."
- Aaron D.
financial aid
VSAC offers an advancement grant for this training. Please note that if you receive a grant from VSAC you will still need to register directly with us. Once you are approved for the grant, send us an email to let us know you would like to register for the training.
Laughing River also offers financial need-based scholarships for the teacher training program. Those who identify as part of marginalized communities; BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), and LGBTQ are encouraged to apply. We also offer one scholarship for those in later stage recovery from opioid addiction.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship through us, please fill out the form below.
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Questions about the training?
Reach out to program Co-Director Christina Fornaciari at christina@laughingriveryoga.com
cancellation policy
More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
"This program will change your life."
- Gabriel C.