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 January 2024.
There are a total of 200 contact hours (face to face) with additional reading, assignments, practice teachings, and observations require
Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm (6 hours)
Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm (4 hours)
- October 7th & 8th
- October 21st & 22nd
- November 4th & 5th
- November 18th & 19th
- December 2nd & 3rd
- December 16th & 17th
- WEEKEND RETREAT: January 5th, 6th, and 7th [25 hours]
- January 20th & 21st
- February 3rd & 4th
- February 17th & 18th
- March 2nd & 3rd
- March 16th & 17th
- April 6th & 7th
- April 20th & 21st
- May 4th & 5th
Wednesdays from 5:30-8:00 (2.5 hours)
- October 18th
- November 1st
- November 15th
- November 29th
- December 13th
- January 3rd
- January 17th
- January 31st
- February 14th
- February 28th
- March 13th
- April 3rd
- April 17th
- May 1st
Pricing
Save your spot by paying the required, non-refundable $100 deposit by October 1st. This payment will be subtracted out of the total amount due.
- Early Bird (before September 15th): $2975
- Regular Pricing (by October 1st) $3325
- Three Month Installments (October 1st; 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
"Before beginning my yoga teacher training with Uttara, I was in a transitional time in my life. I had recently moved to Roanoke and was a new mother. I was searching for meaning and purpose after deciding to leave my career to stay at home with my daughter. Uttara Yoga Studio completely fulfilled my high hopes and I couldn’t be happier with the great deal of knowledge I acquired throughout this training. The topics covered, including philosophy, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, asana, hands-on assisting, the Yoga Sutras, and much more, were so throughly and carefully taught it amazes me how much we were able to learn in 200 hours.I have a handful of friends who are yoga teachers and they were blown away how unique and elevated the topics covered during the training. I am extremely happy with this program and feel truly proud to be able to call myself a graduate. There is something so special when like-minded people come together and grow in every aspect of life. I feel so fortunate to have found Uttara, a safe and accepting place, and to have such wise teachers like Jill and Wendi. Thank you!"
-Nicole
"It changed my life ..the way I see the world and beyond. I made connections that I hope will last the rest of my days and beyond. It was more they I could every of thought or imagined….I humbly thank Jill and all the others that took the time to co-create that space for me…and so many others."
-Gwen
"I can’t say enough fabulous things about my teacher training at Uttara. I’m in my 50’s and had been wanting to take teacher training to delve deeper into the many aspects of Yoga (not just the asana practice) for many years. The teacher training was everything I had hoped for and even more. I looked into various local and international TT programs and am so very glad that I chose this program. Jill and Wendi are wonderful, knowledgeable, inspiring ladies who worked very hard to assist each of us, as individuals, to grow and get out of the program what we individually wanted. It’s obvious that they had to cover certain topics for Yoga Alliance, but I was super pleased when they adjusted topics based on student interest many times throughout our 6 months together. The classes in Anatomy and Physiology were excellent and easy to follow and apply, and the Ayurvedic training phenomenal. Equally wonderful was the diverse mix of TT students – each very different (age, practice level, education, experience, goals), but each aspiring to learn and grow. Participating in the UYTT Program was a gift that I gave myself. It was a “life changer,” and I am so happy that I did it. Peace and Love."