46 Day 500-Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Palamos, Spain

Prerequisites

Before signing up for the 500-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher training course, Nydum asks that you have an intermediate or advanced level of yoga practice, and have practiced Ashtanga or Vinyasa yoga regularly for at least six months to a year. Nydum welcomes dedicated yoga students from around the world who are ready to transform and grow their yoga practice on and off the mat whilst embracing community-focused life experiences. They ask that you come with an open and free mind so you are receptive to learning new knowledge as well as a will to support yourself and others.

About the training

Join Nydum in the breathtaking setting of Costa Brava, Spain for immersive in-person and practice sessions that will deepen your understanding and connection to the practice. Whether you are seeking to deepen your personal practice, enhance your teaching skills, or both, this course provides the perfect blend of flexibility and structure. Experienced instructors will guide you through every step of your journey, offering personalized attention and support to help you reach your goals.

Join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals as you embark on this life-changing experience. Connect with fellow students from around the world, share insights and experiences, and build lifelong friendships. At Nydum Yoga, they believe that yoga is not just a physical practice, but a path to self-discovery and transformation. The program is designed to empower you to become the best version of yourself, both on and off the mat. Open to both dedicated practitioners and aspiring teachers, this program at Nydum Yoga offers excellence in yoga education.

With over a decade of experience and more than 500 certified graduates, they are committed to upholding the highest international standards. Whether you are looking to deepen your personal practice, expand your teaching skills, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of yoga, the full-spectrum Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher training is the perfect choice for your journey.

As part of the yoga teacher training intensive course, you can expect:

• Immersive Ashtanga yoga training: Experience a comprehensive blend of traditional Ashtanga yoga and dynamic Ashtanga Vinyasa. Deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy while enhancing physical strength and flexibility.
• Safe, nurturing environment: Learn in a peaceful villa, fully equipped to meet your needs. Focus on practice in a supportive space where daily requirements are carefully attended to.
• Nourishing Mediterranean cuisine: Enjoy three delicious vegetarian meals daily, made from locally sourced ingredients. Accommodating various dietary needs, the menu includes delightful Spanish recipes.
• Comprehensive manual: Receive a complimentary yoga manual to aid in your learning process. Enhance your practice with ease and confidence.
• Empowerment and support: Boost confidence in your teaching abilities and clarify your path. Receive expert guidance from a dedicated team of internationally-trained yoga teachers with extensive teaching experience.
• Comfortable accommodation: Rest amidst a stunning natural place, providing the perfect setting for your transformative journey.

Course content

1. Philosophy

The Sutras of Patanjali describe the theory and practice of yoga. This philosophy addresses the living principles of yoga and the science of the mind. Whilst asana has become the most well-known element of yoga, the philosophical elements are the true essence of the practice. You will learn:

• Evolution of yoga: Delve into the origins of yoga and its journey to modern practices, uncovering its transformative power through history.
• Yoga in Indian philosophy: Explore yoga's profound place in the historical lineage of Indian philosophy, with a focus on the timeless wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
• Integration of Ashtanga yoga: Learn to embody the holistic approach of Ashtanga yoga by incorporating its 8 limbs into your practice, both on and off the mat.
• Philosophical depth: Deepen your understanding of yoga's philosophical underpinnings, enriching your practice with insights into its spiritual and philosophical dimensions.
• Practical application: Discover practical techniques and methods to apply the principles of yoga philosophy into your everyday life, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

2. Anatomy and alignment

Nydum wants you to go beyond memorizing the crazy names of body parts. They want you to understand the musculoskeletal system and biomechanics so you can adapt your classes according to your student’s needs. You will learn:

• Understanding vulnerable poses: Identify the poses most susceptible to causing injury and learn essential techniques to safely modify and reposition to prevent harm.
• Exploring movement planes: Gain an introduction to biomechanics, including an understanding of movement planes and how different areas of the body interact during yoga practice.
• Unveiling fascial anatomy: Explore the world of fascia and fascial planes, delving into Thomas Meyers' Anatomy Trains methodology and its relevance to yoga practice.
• Breath anatomy: Explore the anatomy of breath, understanding how different parts of the body contribute to the breath cycle and its profound impact on physical and mental health.
• Prioritizing safety: Learn strategies for injury prevention and considerations for special populations, ensuring a safe and inclusive yoga practice for all.
• Unlocking Sanskrit: Begin your journey into the language of Sanskrit by memorizing the names of key postures in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, deepening your connection to the ancient roots of the practice.

3. Teaching methodology

This module will prepare you to teach a 60-minute yoga class to your peer group which includes asana, meditation, and pranayama. You can choose to teach either an Ashtanga or Vinyasa style of class. You will learn:

• Effective voice utilization: Learn to harness the power of your voice to convey your message and guide the energy within your class, creating a transformative experience for your students.
• Articulate instruction: Develop the ability to articulate yourself clearly and directly, providing accurate cues that guide students through their practice with confidence and precision.
• Asana alignment: Gain proficiency in teaching asana with correct alignment, offering effective reminders to help students maintain proper form and prevent injuries.
• Observational skills: Hone your skill of observing alignment in diverse bodies, adapting your cues and adjustments to suit the individual needs of your students.
• Ashtanga vs. Vinyasa: Explore the nuances of teaching Ashtanga yoga compared to Vinyasa styles, understanding the differences in sequencing, pacing, and emphasis on breath-led movement.
• Yogic philosophy infusion: Learn how to infuse yogic philosophy into your classes, weaving themes and insights seamlessly into your teachings to inspire and uplift your students.
• Anatomical knowledge integration: Integrate anatomical knowledge into your teaching, sequencing, and cuing, enhancing students' understanding of their bodies and movement patterns.
• Whole-body sequencing: Develop the skills to create yoga sequences that address the entire body, balancing strength, flexibility, and energetic flow for a holistic practice experience.

4. Adjustments

One of Nydum's favorite modules is adjustments. Once you have spent time understanding the anatomy and alignment of the postures, you take some time to learn how to touch, where to apply pressure, and how to assist and support your students to go further in their own practice. You will learn:

• Establishing consent: Master the art of gaining consent and approaching students in a safe and respectful manner, ensuring that their boundaries and comfort levels are always honored.
• Definition and usage: Learn what adjustments entail and when to use them effectively in class to enhance alignment, deepen stretches, and provide support to students in their practice.
• Recognizing needs: Develop the ability to recognize when a student may require assistance to advance in their practice, and learn the best approaches to offer support, encouragement, and guidance.
• Working with variations: Cultivate the skills to work with and understand different bodies, adapting your adjustments and teaching style to suit various body types, abilities, and levels of experience.
• Sensitivity to styles: Gain insight into how to adjust effectively in different styles of yoga, recognizing the unique demands and alignment principles of each practice, from gentle Hatha to dynamic Power yoga.
• Promoting inclusivity: Foster an environment of inclusivity and safety within your classes, where all students feel welcome, respected, and supported regardless of their background, abilities, or limitations.
• Commitment to growth: Embrace a mindset of continual learning and adaptation, seeking opportunities to deepen your understanding of adjustments, consent, and student support, and refining your skills through practice and feedback.

5. Practice

The asana practice at Nydum is centered around the Ashtanga primary series. During the intensive four weeks, you will be prepared for Mysore practice (self-led Ashtanga). You will also sit in meditation and practice pranayama every morning. You can expect:

• Ashtanga yoga immersion: Immerse yourself in traditional Ashtanga yoga, focusing on alignment, breath, and mindful movement to cultivate strength, flexibility, and inner harmony through four weekly sessions.
• Self-practice development: Build confidence and skills over two weeks to establish a personalized self-practice, receiving guidance and support tailored to your unique needs and goals.
• Dynamic Vinyasa flows: Enhance your practice with two weekly Vinyasa flow classes featuring creative sequences and advanced poses, including opportunities to challenge yourself with peak postures.
• Pranayama and meditation: Cultivate a deep connection to breath and mindfulness through dedicated pranayama and daily meditation sessions, exploring various techniques for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Reflection and integration: Reflect on your practice and life experiences through the program.

6. Much more

There are many workshops waiting for you at Nydum. Some are intended to support you in developing your own practice, while some will further develop you as a teacher. Diverse workshop offerings:

• Backbending or heart opening: Explore techniques to safely and effectively deepen backbends while opening the heart center, fostering both physical and emotional release.
• Inversions: Learn the mechanics and alignment principles behind inversions, building strength and confidence to safely explore poses like headstand, handstand, and forearm stand.
• Acroyoga: Experience the joy of partner-based practice through Acroyoga, combining elements of yoga, acrobatics, and Thai massage to cultivate trust, communication, and connection.
• Yin yoga: Delve into the meditative practice of Yin yoga, holding passive poses for extended periods to target the deep connective tissues and promote relaxation and release.
• Transitions of Ashtanga: Break down the dynamic transitions between poses in the Ashtanga yoga sequence, refining your technique and enhancing the fluidity of your practice.
• Introduction to Ayurveda: Gain insight into the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, exploring the doshas, diet, and lifestyle recommendations, and practical applications for enhancing well-being.
• What is next - exploring your options: Navigate the post-training landscape as a yoga teacher, exploring career opportunities.

Example daily schedule

• 07:30 - 09:30 Asana practice: Ashtanga or Vinyasa
• 09:30 - 10:15 Pranayama or meditation
• 10:15 - 11:15 Breakfast
• 11:15 - 12:45 Teaching methodology or philosophy
• 13:00 - 14:30 Adjustments
• 14:30 - 16:00 Lunch
• 16:00 - 17:30 Workshop or Yin yoga
• 19:30 Dinner

This is an example schedule and is subject to change depending on the needs of students and the lead teacher. Classes are all held Monday to Saturday morning, with Saturday afternoon and Sunday off.

Recommended readings

Nydum recommends that you start reading the books listed in the reading list when you sign up as they are going to be used during the course.

• Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy by Gregor Maehle
• Yoga mala by Pattabhi Jois