300 Hour Advanced Functional Yoga Certification
with Ahna Hoke & Michelle Finch
October 2022-June 2023
About the Program
The Exalt Yoga 300hr Advanced Teacher Certification program provides you with a unique opportunity to hone your existing teaching skills while developing an who new perspective of what it means to practice yoga. You will have the opportunity to learn about yoga equally balanced between three different avenues: Yin, Vinyasa and Philosophy/Meditation. With this, you will graduate with distinct skills that set you apart of the rest!
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Yin Yoga
What is Covered
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Vinyasa Yoga
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Foundational principles, history & philosophy
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40+ Yin asana and their many variations
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Teaching methodology, theming & sequencing
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Over five hours of practice teaching time
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Nearly 50 Vinyasa asana from the functional perspective
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Teaching methodology, theming & sequencing
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Over five hours of practice teaching time
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Energy Body
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The location & qualities of the Tantric yoga chakras as well as the TCM meridians & sinews
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Pranayama & meditation techniques to cultivate greater harmony in the energy body
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Brain & spinal cord anatomy & their correlation with the chakra system
Anatomy
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Experience a unique & enjoyable approach to learning about human anatomy
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Explore structural & soft tissue anatomy of the legs, hips, spine, shoulders & arms
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Understand how everyone is unique on a structural level & gather the skills to lead public classes in a way that honors their individuality
Tantric Philosophy
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Explore the sacred texts of the Bhagavad Gita & the Patanjali's Sutras
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Dive into the Gunas, Koshas, Yamas & Niyamas learning how to apply them to your life & teaching
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Deepen spiritual connection through techniques that can be applied to all wisdom traditions
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Yoga Beyond the Mat
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Integrate key teachings of the various wisdom traditions into your life
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Develop an on-going meditation & pranayama practice to further your personal development
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Become inspired to take your practice beyond your mat & into the world to increase the positive impact on your community
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Learn the Functional Approach to Yoga Asana
The functional approach to yoga is an approach where we prioritize what a pose should do over how it looks. We are all unique: our skeletal structure, muscular flexibility, emotional response, mental organization and psychological inclination is all unique to each of us. Our practice should express this individuality. Instead of trying to perform a pose from the outside, copying a shape, we strive to understand what the purpose of the pose is and then adapt it's shape to our unique needs and abilities.
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In this unique advanced training program, you will learn to apply the principles of the functional approach to both Yin and Hatha yoga asana (vinyasa, slow flow, power, etc.). By doing so, your teaching will naturally become much more accessible and trauma informed.
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The Training Modules & Schedule
MODULE 1
Yin Yoga Foundations and Teaching Methodology + Hip Anatomy
In-person - October 21-23 & 28-30, 2022
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Virtual - January 13-15 & 20-22, 2023
Choose one, either October or January
Led by Michelle Finch, this module will provide you with all of the foundational knowledge you will need to become a confident and skilled Yin teacher. Throughout this training you will dive deep into the primary principles of Yin yoga theory, asana, teaching methodology and sequencing, the functional approach to Yin asana, and the four foundations of mindfulness. Included in this course is lifetime access to approximately eight hours of on-demand mini courses that support the material taught in the training module.
You can learn more about this module by clicking here.
MODULE 2
Tantric Philosophy and Chakras + Brain and Spinal Cord Anatomy
In-person or Virtual - November 4-6 & 11-13, 2022
Led by Ahna Hoke, in this moudle you will take an in-depth look into Tantric philosophy, tools and techniques (chakras, mantras and mudras), Bhagavad Gita, Karma, Dharma, Tatvas, Gunas, Koshas, Yamas and Niyamas. In this training, you will be required to read The Bhagavad Gita prior to the onset of training.
You can learn more about this module by clicking here.
MODULE 3
Yin-Yang Qi Cultivation + Torso and Spine Anatomy
In-person or Virtual - February 10-12 & 17-19, 2023
Led by Michelle Finch, this module covers the fundamentals of the energy body and how it is affected by the various practice of yoga (Yin & Yang asana, pranayama & meditation). In this training you will learn about the interconnection of the Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians and the Tantric chakras. Exploring the location and anatomy of the meridians, sinews and chakras of the body. You'll also explore the Taoist Yang Flows (as taught by Paul & Suzee Grilley), Qi cultivation mediations and torso anatomy.
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You can learn more abou this module by clicking here.
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MODULE 4
Functional Vinyasa Foundations
In-person or Virtual - March 10-12 & 24-26, 2023
Led by Ahna Hoke & Michelle Finch, this foundations course will introduce you to practicing and teaching a slow flow vinyasa class functionally. You will learn how to adapt all of the foundational asana (poses like Warrior II, Triangle, Wide Leg Fold, etc.) to be functionally effective to all students in your classes. In this training you will revist the variable anatomy of the hips and add on knowledge of the knee, lower leg and feet.
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You can learn more about this module by clicking here.
MODULE 5
Meditation and Pranayama Training + Silent Retreat
Virtual Training - April 22 & 23, 2023
Residential Silent Retreat - May 18-21, 2023
Led by Michelle Finch & Ahna Hoke, this course serves as a comprehensive study of several different approaches to loving-kindness meditation derived from both Buddhist and Tantric teachings in addition to various pranayama practices. Additionally, you will learn how to practice and teach several forms of pranayama and meditation.
This module is held over two weekends. The first weekend will cover the philosophies that drive meditation and pranayama and how to teach both in a public setting. The second weekend will be held in a silent residential retreat that takes place in New Harmony, IN format to give participants to opportunity to dive deep into the experience of meditation & pranayama.
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You can learn more about the retreat by clicking here.
MODULE 6
Functional Vinyasa Inversions & Arm Balances + Upper Body Anatomy
In-person or Virtual - June 16-18 & 23-25, 2023
Led by Ahna Hoke & Michelle Finch, this course builds on the Functional Vinyasa principles and applies them to all poses that rely heavily on the arms and shoulder (e.g. Down Dog, Chaturanga, Crow, etc.). You will learn variable anatomy of the shoulder and arm and how to best honor the unique structure of both yourself and your students through new cues and teaching techniques. Included in this course is lifetime access to one on-demand mini course that supports the material taught in the live training.
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You can learn more about this module by clicking here.
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For those who desire to focus their certification in Yin Yoga, You may take the Fascia & Myofascial Release course in September 2023 in place of the upper body functional vinyasa course.
All modules are available for both in-person & virtual attendance*
*The silent retreat requires in-person attendance (i.e. there is no virtual attendance option)
Final Practice Teach Project
Within six months of the completion of the full 300 hours of training, all students are subject to a final practice teach project. In this project, students are required to teach a 75 minute class that includes 60 minutes of asana practice (style depends on chosen elective path) and 10 minutes of pranayama and meditation. Included with this portion of the course is one 60 minute mentoring session with Michelle and/or Ahna to offer any guidance desired to ensure a successful final teach project is completed.
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NOTE: Full requirements will be covered with the student at least one month prior to the execution of the final practice teach project. Students are expected to display proficiency in all required areas in order to receive their certificate of completion for the program. If the student's skills are not initially deemed sufficient, each student may re-submit their final teach project one time for an additional fee of $150.
Investment
$4,200 USD
Can be paid as one lump sum or in nine installments of $475 each (October 2022 through June 2023).
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Those who have previously studied with Exalt Yoga are eligible to count prior courses toward the completion of the 300hr certification and, in turn, will receive discounted pricing. Please inquire with Michelle for further details.
Price covers all six training modules, meals & accommodations for the silent retreat and a single one hour private mentoring session with Ahna or Michelle.
Sample Training Time Table
All courses will take place over two weekends*
Fridays 5:30p-9:30p | Saturdays & Sundays 9:00a-6:00p EST
Fridays
5:30-7:15 – Meditation & Lecture (Yin)/Asana Practice (Vinyasa)
10:15-10:30 - Break
8:00-9:30 – Asana Practice (Yin)/Meditation & Lecture (Vinyasa)
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Saturdays & Sundays
9:00-10:15 – Meditation & Lecture
10:15-10:30 - Break
10:30-1:00 – Asana Breakdown & Asana Practice
1:00-2:00 - Lunch
2:00-4:00 – Anatomy & Compression Tests
4:00-4:15 - Break
4:15-6:00 – Lecture & Group Teaching Activites
*The silent retreat has a unique schedule and takes place over four consecutive calendar days.
How to Apply
Please use the link below to complete the application for the Exalt Yoga 300hr Advanced Certification Program.
Once your application has been received, you will be invited to a Zoom based interview with both Ahna and Michelle. The goal of this interview is to allow us to get to know each other in order to assure all parties are a good fit for one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of yoga is this advanced training? What will I learn?
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Michelle Finch and Ahna Hoke have partnered up to bring you an inspiring and balanced advanced training. Our training integrates the two complimentary practices of Yin and Yang (in the form of Vinyasa), the fundamental primary forces of the Universe. Yang is characterized by strength, rhythm, and repetition, Yin by softness, stillness and ease.
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A truly fulfilling life contains a healthy balance of both Yin and Yang; too much Yang can lead to rigidity and aggression where too much Yin may result in weakness or depression. A benefit to the practice of yoga is to develop the intuition and the wisdom to know what we need and when we need it. Some people are more drawn to yin, others to yang, but everybody needs a balance of both energies. The practice of yoga asana is simply a stepping-stone toward greater harmony. As the mind calms and the body opens, a well of vibrant energy emerges, allowing us to explore our full potential as human beings.
What is functional yoga?
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The functional approach to yoga is an approach where we prioritize what a pose should do over how it looks. We are all unique: our skeletal structure, muscular flexibility, emotional response, mental organization and psychological inclination is all unique to each of us. Our practice should express this individuality. Instead of trying to perform a pose from the outside, copying a shape, we strive to understand what the purpose of the pose is and then adapt it's shape to our unique needs and abilities.
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Where is the training held? What is the format of the training? What is the schedule?
Location: For the foreseeable future, this certification program will be offered in a hybrid setting with both virtual and non-virtual participation options. If in-person attendance is desired, we are located on the northeast side of Indianapolis, IN USA. All of offerings are 90% live (in-person or via Zoom) and accompanied by pre-recorded or other self-led material for the other 10%.
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Format: All of our trainings take place over two weekends. With exception of the silent retreat, all training courses meet on Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday.
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Schedule: You can find our most up to date schedule by clicking here.
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How/where do I apply? How/where do I sign up for the modules?
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You can sign up online. The general application for the overall 300hr program can be found by clicking here. Once you complete this application, we will notify you within 14 days of your acceptance status.
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Once accepted, you may then proceed to apply to the training course you wish to attend first. Note that there are separate applications for the Yin, Vinyasa, Philosophy and Meditation modules. Once we receive the correlating application for each training, we will send you registration information for enrollment. In order to guarantee your place in any desired training courses, you will need to register for that specific module, and pay in full online, via the link provided in your acceptance letter.
What is Exalt Yoga’s Teacher Training refund and cancellation policy?
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If you have been accepted into a training but are no longer able to attend, cancellations must be made in writing to exaltyinyoga@gmail.com.
For cancellations on courses within the continental United States more than 90 days prior to the training, we will refund whatever you have paid minus a $100 processing fee. For cancellations 90-31 days prior to the onset of training, refunds will issued minus a $250 processing fee. For cancellations less than 31 days prior to the onset of training, refunds will only be possible if we are able to fill your place from our waiting list. Please be aware that there is no guarantee that we will be able to fill your place, since as time goes by, people from the waiting list often times make other commitments for the training dates. No refunds will be given for failure to attend or failure to complete the training.
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For cancellations on courses outside of the continental United States more than 120 days prior to the training, we will refund whatever you have paid minus a $100 processing fee. For cancellations 120-60 days prior to the onset of training, refunds will issued minus a $250 processing fee. For cancellations less than 60 days prior to the onset of training, refunds will only be possible if we are able to fill your place from our waiting list. Please be aware that there is no guarantee that we will be able to fill your place, since as time goes by, people from the waiting list often times make other commitments for the training dates. No refunds will be given for failure to attend or failure to complete the training.
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If you do not finish the full 300hr Advanced Certification Program, all hours completed will be considered continued eduction and an appropriate certificate will be issued for those hours to be submitted to Yoga Alliance, if desired.
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Do you help organize accommodations for traveling students?
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No, we do not. However, we do highly recommend Airbnb for cost effective accommodations.
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How many students are enrolled in each module at one time?
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We embrace smaller learning environments as we want you to feel you receive a personalized learning experience. Therefore, all courses are limited to the first 10-15 registered students.
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What is the attendance and class make up policy?
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You are required to attend 100% all sessions in order to receive your certificate. With this said, we understand that life happens and may require you to miss some time. In these instances, you may miss up to four ours per module, if necessary. All time, must be made up via the recorded content and/or additional homework assignments from the lead trainer.