Teacher Training 

Yoga for Arthritis was developed at a leading research university by an interdisciplinary team of medical and healing professionals, including rheumatologists, psychologists, public health researchers and yoga therapists. Combining ancient yoga practices with modern medical knowledge, this program offers modifications to address the unique abilities and limitations of persons with rheumatoid and/or osteoarthritis. In a 7-year randomized clinical trial, program participation was associated with improved arthritis symptoms, disease biomarkers, physical fitness, psychological functioning and quality of life.

As a result of taking this Yoga for Arthritis teacher training  program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic differences between rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
• Offer modifications for persons with arthritis attending their yoga classes
• Teach Yoga for Arthritis classes in their communities
• Work individually with arthritic clients of all ability levels

*All students must be a registered yoga teacher to attend Yoga for Arthritis teacher trainings.

Level I Teacher Intensive

This training program qualifies yoga teachers to safely and effectively impart rigorously researched yoga practices, with individually-tailored modifications, to those with arthritis and its related conditions.

Yoga teachers who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of completion, student and teacher manuals for implementing Yoga for Arthritis, a 16-class structure, in their local communities and access to an online community devoted to Yoga for Arthritis intensive graduates. Completion also qualifies a participant for up to 34 hours of Yoga Alliance credit.   Hours may also contribute to training as a yoga therapist in the Integral, Triyoga, and Phoenix Rising programs and future continuing education as a certified-IAYT yoga therapist (please inquire at info@arthritis.yoga if this applies to you)

Level II Teacher Intensive

The prerequisites for this course are:

• Successful completion of the Level I teacher intensive
• 40 hours of teaching experience
• 30 hours of mentored practicum

For more information on mentorship and the practicum, click HERE to be taken to our mentorship page.

After you complete your first Level II course, you are eligible to be a Certified Yoga for Arthritis teacher.  See below for the schedule of Level II trainings.  Certified teachers must stay current by recertifying every three years.  There are multiple ways to recertify:

Option #1 – Attend another Level II YFA training.

Option #2 – Complementary Training

Option #3 – Mini Rementoring Session.

Option #4 - Write up a YFA-related case report.

Option #5 – Assist at a Level I training

Option #6 - If you have an idea that’s not listed here, please reach out to Dr. Moonaz at info@arthritis.yoga to discuss it.

• You can read the full description of the recertification options HERE.

Read the International Association of Yoga Therapists’ review of this program  (Yoga Therapy Today).

Webinar covering our 2017 trainings and venues.  Meet our staff and learn how this training will add to your yoga teaching skillset.