Myofascial Yoga Teacher Training FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Myofascial Yoga Teacher Training:

Read the section in purple if your question is regarding the 2023 online program

Q: Is this really the final round of online teacher training programs?
A: At this moment in time, Yoga Alliance has indicated that there will be no more online exemptions offered, so my best guess is yes. 2023 will be the final round of online myofascial yoga teacher training programs.

Q: When do I need to finish the training to be certified as an RYT with Yoga Alliance?
A: The 2023 program is set to be completed by December 2023. You will have a short grace period after the course completion to hand in all remaining assignments so that we can make the certification deadline.

Q: What do I need to do to graduate?
A: The 200- and 300-hour programs are designed to be a combination of synchronous (live workshops) and asynchronous (online self-paced) learning. You will be required to attend some of the online training live sessions via Zoom. If you can’t make all the live class options, you are able to watch the replay at your own pace. However, if you miss a live class you will need to hand in the assignment for that module by December 2023.

Q: Why are there so many different prices? Are these all for the same modules?
A: Yes, during the pandemic I created sliding scale pricing to make the course more affordable for people who lost their jobs or were finically struggling. For each module, you can select your sliding scale option and pay what you can afford. There is no difference in content if you pay the lowest tier or the highest tier, and you can still graduate and be certified even if you pay at the lowest tier.
I do ask that you select the appropriate fee for your income level so that we can continue offering scholarships and a sliding scale fee service for many years to come. Myofascial Yoga Institute hires incredibly gifted guest teachers who are internationally respected experts in their various fields. We always appreciate when those who have the ability to pay the full price do so. You are helping us to make this calibre of training available to those with more limited financial resources and contributing to the rich diversity of our community, which benefits everyone.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes, you can find the various payment options on this myofascial yoga teacher training payment options page. Please keep in mind the refund policy for payment plans is the same policy as if you paid all at once.

Q: What is required for the self-study portion? 
A: There are many options available for you to choose from for your self-study hours. Material is provided for you to read, watch videos, listen to audio recordings, or to teach your own classes and write up your learnings on them. Think of the self-study portion like a myofascial yoga buffet: you get to choose the topics you are most interested in and then go through them at your own pace.

Q: Is there help for me if I get lost or have questions
A: YES! Your lead trainer will be with you every step of the way. You will also be included in the myofascial yoga community forum to connect with peers and ask questions there. Our amazing faculty are all regular members of the forum and often chime in with answers to questions that arise along the way. We also have a beautiful staff of assistants who have completed the program in previous years and continue to stay connected to the community and help new students like you navigate the unfamiliar waters of online learning.

Q: What is the time commitment required to complete the 200-hour program? 
A: Did you know that there are 8,760 hours in a year? OK, we sleep for approximately 3,000 of those hours, but that still leaves 5,760 awake hours. I thought I would let you in on this fun fact before I answer this question.

The time commitment for the full 200-hour program is 200 hours spread out over a year. Let’s look at a bit more math. If you spend 2 hours a week practicing fun, pain-reducing, stress-reducing myofascial yoga sequences, plus one hour of reading or watching tutorial videos, you are already at 156 hours. There are also many livestream (via Zoom) workshops and practice sessions for you to choose from to make up the remaining hours.

In short, the average time commitment you will be expected to complete in this program averages:

  • 2 hours myofascial yoga practice per week.
  • 1 hour self-study learning per week.
  • 3 hours (of the 6 available) livestream participation per month (there are alternatives granted if there happens to be a month you can not attend the livestream).

You will also need to allocate some time in the year to complete a few short assignments and attend a practicum livestream (via Zoom) weekend.

Read the section in blue if your question is regarding the 2021/2022 or other training programs you began prior to 2023

Q: Can I still apply for RYT status if I attend all modules online? 

A: Yes, Yoga Alliance has offered an exemption option for schools that have had to switch to an online platform due to COVID-19. Once this exemption is lifted in December 2023, you will need to attend classes in person again to receive your RYT status. 

Q: If I started the program in 2021 and don’t finish untill 2023, can I still qualify if I attend only online classes? 

A: Yes, as long as you complete your training by December 2023.

Q: Can I make monthly payments or pay for each module individually if I am committed to the full 200-hour program? Or do I need to pay for the full training upfront? 

A: Because this year’s training is being offered on a sliding scale, you have options. You can pay for the full training upfront OR you can choose your sliding scale fee for the full program and make monthly payments for the year. However, IF the training fills to capacity, you will need to make one payment as a deposit to secure your spot in the full training. 

Q: If I have paid for the full year training, how do I register with Zoom for the login codes? Do I need to do this for each module? 

A: Yes, you will receive a private link via email that is updated each month with new Zoom login codes. However, once you have paid the full price you do not need to send any more money. You are only registering via Zoom so I can keep track of attendance and for the convivence of you receiving your login codes in a timely manner.

Q: What is the requirement to certify and receive an RYT certificate? 

A: According to Yoga Alliance guidelines, you will need to attend as many hours live via Zoom as you can. Classes will be recorded, so you can catch the replay if you miss one or two, but we ask that you attend as many modules as possible live so you can ask questions and be supervised. You will also need to hand in assignments and do one non-formal research paper on a topic of your choice. (You will be fully supported in this process!) You will also need to teach classes under supervision and attend the feedback circles live to complete the program. There will be multiple opportunities to accomplish this in addition to the dates set up on the website! There will also be live practice sessions offered on Wednesday morning for the members of the myofascial yoga community. These classes can be used to make up any live classes you may have missed. 

Q: What if I don’t want to become an RYT, but am interested in this program simply for my personal development or to support myself in healing from chronic pain? 

A: You are most welcome to still attend this program for self development purposes! If you are not certifying, you can stretch out the self-paced style of learning to a more leisurely pace than the one-year set up has now. You will still receive a certificate of completion if you finish the program within a 5 year period, but will not be able to register with Yoga Alliance specifically if you do not attend classes in person after December of 2023. 

General Questions about the myofascial yoga training programs

Q: What is a modular style program?
A: This teacher training program consists of 11 modules. Each module is a lesson on an aspect of the myofascial yoga system.

Q: Do I have to take the modules in order?
A: The Myofascial Yoga Training Program has been designed so that new students can jump in at any time and begin their training. You can take the modules in any order, but all 11 need to be completed before you are eligible to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). It is recommended that you begin with modules 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. For your convenience, those modules are offered more frequently than others. It is our goal to make this program accessible to any aspiring yoga teacher, and to be a practical fit with your busy schedule.

Q: Can I become a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) doing the modular program?
A: Yes. Once you have completed all 11 modules and your written assignments, you are fully qualified to obtain RYT status with Yoga Alliance (USA).

Q: Why are the modules not listed in order on your website?
A: This is a non-linear style program. The modules are offered in order of popularity and demand. Think of it like a puzzle with 11 pieces: some people like to begin with the corners and then fill in the rest, and others prefer to begin with the edges. Still others would rather begin in the center and move out from there. You are welcome to complete your puzzle in any way that is convenient for you. The main thing is that you eventually fill in all the pieces so that you can see the whole picture. Once you have all 11 pieces, we are confident that you will have both the understanding and skill to successfully teach myofascial yoga.

Q: Will I be able to teach yoga after I graduate?
A: While it is not required, it is highly encouraged that all recent graduates participate in the Get Started/Get Well yoga mentorship program. This will give you confidence in your new skills while allowing you to build a clientele base and get your name out there in the yoga community. It is recommended that you teach for approximately six weeks or longer under the supervision of a senior teacher before going out and teaching on your own. You can read more about this program here.

Q: Once I graduate, can I take some seminars on myofascial release with John Barnes?
A: Yes, once you are an RYT you will have the pre-requisite required to attend John Barnes seminars. These seminars can be used to deepen your understanding of fascia and healing, and can be applied to your yoga practice. However, an RYT status does not give you a license to touch in Canada for manual therapy. You will need to check your state or province licensing board to be able to provide hands-on services to your yoga students. The ‘license to touch’ laws vary from state to state and province to province. Myofascial Yoga Institute of Canada does not provide a license to touch upon graduation. Your certificate will allow you to join NHPC (Natural Health Practitioners of Canada) or YA (Yoga Alliance), which offers liability for fitness instruction, not soft tissue-based manipulation.

Q: Is there a 300-hour myofascia yoga teacher training?
A: Yes, the 300-hour program will begin in September of 2023. You will need to have a 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate to enroll.

Q: Is myofascial yoga the same as yin yoga?
A: No. While there are a number of similarities in the approach to stretching, and the overall idea of releasing fascia, myofascial yoga is a different style of yoga than yin yoga.

Myofascial yoga is based on the principles of John Barnes myofascial release. After several years of mentoring with John, I put together this program inspired by the combination of his teachings and the results I was getting in my myofascial release practice.

Similarities between myofascial yoga and yin yoga include the long-held postures about the attitude of entering and exiting yoga poses, and the length of time held in each pose. However, in myofascial yoga, some poses are not done as long-held. The differences between myofascial and yin yoga relate mostly to the fluid aspect of the fascial system. In addition to holding the poses for long periods of time (for some poses) myofascial yoga also engages the fluid aspect using balls, unwinding (pandiculation), and rebounding. It emphasizes the importance of the use of these tactics in order to not only soften and hydrate the ground substance, but also to retrain the elasticity back into over-stretched tissues. You can read more about the importance of unwinding and rebounding here.

Myofascial Yoga is a combination of the time-tested wisdom of yogic principles with the most recent scientific research of the fascia system.

Lead teacher Christine Wushke frequently consults with many of the leaders in the field of fascia research in order to bring you the latest and most effective ways to release your fascia and bring more freedom into your life.

 

Hawaii yoga class

 

E-RYT500

nhpc_stacked_bold-colour-1

yacep-1

IAYT logo-web
Disclaimer: The yoga therapy components of myofascial yoga are based on my expertise as a Myofascial Release Therapist and RMT, and are not derived from my status as an RYS with Yoga Alliance Registry.