Yoga Teacher Training
Complete Guide to Getting Your Yoga Teaching Certification
How to Become a Certified Yoga Instructor in Canada
Becoming a certified yoga instructor in Canada is a rewarding journey that combines passion, knowledge, and practice. Here’s how you can achieve this goal:
Choose the Right Program
Select a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) course registered with Yoga Alliance. This is the global standard for foundational yoga teaching credentials. Look for programs offering trauma-informed practices, anatomy training, and cultural appreciation.Meet Admission Requirements
Most programs require students to have a dedicated yoga practice and a willingness to learn. Some programs require a personal statement or interview, but we have an online application form to simplify the process.Complete the Training
Training typically includes in-depth instruction on:- Yoga philosophy and history
- Anatomy and physiology
- Sequencing and teaching techniques
- Practical teaching experience
Many programs offer part-time, full-time, or hybrid schedules to suit your needs.
Register with Yoga Alliance
Upon completion of your training, register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance. This certification increases credibility and opens doors to teaching opportunities across Canada and globally.Start Teaching
Begin teaching at local studios, community centers, or even start your own classes. Many new instructors start with part-time work to build confidence and experience.Pursue Advanced Certifications
As you grow in your practice, consider advanced certifications such as the 300-hour YTT. Specializations in areas like prenatal yoga, yoga therapy, or children’s yoga can also enhance your skills.
Canada offers a supportive and thriving yoga community, with many accredited schools and experienced mentors. By following these steps, you can turn your passion for yoga into a fulfilling career.
Ready to start your teaching journey? Book a chat with me to reserve your spot!
Registration for our next course in Spring 2025 has begun. Spots are on a first-come-first-serve basis!
Transform Your Life With Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Ready to deepen your practice and share the ancient wisdom of Yoga with others? Our upcoming Spring 2025 program offers an immersive experience taught by teachers who have dedicated their lives to Yoga. Join us on the unceded Coast Salish territory known as Granville Island, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and step into the next chapter of your spiritual and professional journey.
Program Highlights
- Multi-Lineage & Trauma-Informed: Learn foundational concepts from multiple Yoga traditions with a focus on biotensegrity and somatic awareness.
- Culturally Appreciative & Social Justice-Minded: Practice Yoga in a way that honors its roots and fosters a more inclusive, equitable world.
- Experienced Faculty: Collectively, we have over 60 years of teaching experience and have led over 50 programs.
- Flexible Learning: 6 weekends in-person (every other weekend) and live online Wednesday evenings, plus weekly self-paced content.
Dates & Times
- Weekend Sessions (In-Person, 9am–4pm)
May 10/11 & 24/25
June 7/8 & 21/22
July 5/6 & 19/20 - Wednesdays (Live Online, 6pm–9pm)
May 21, June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16
Location
Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
Tuition & Scholarships
- Total Tuition: $3,500 + 5% GST ($175) = $3,675 CAD
- Scholarships: $250 – $1,000 off (contact us for details)
- Payment Plans Available: See our FAQ for the refund policy or reach out directly to discuss options.
How to Secure Your Spot
- Register using the button below.
- Pay Your Deposit: A non-refundable $100 deposit is required to hold your place. We keep class sizes small, so spots are limited!
Suggested Reading
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Commentary by Swami Satchitananda)
- Embrace Yoga’s Roots by Susanna Barkataki
- The Mahabharata by William Buck
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita, Chapters 1–6
- Plus a continuing education reading list (contact us for details)
Ready to begin your journey? Register now to reserve your space, and take the first step toward transforming your life through the true ancient teachings of Yoga. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Curriculum
1
History of Yoga
- 5000 years timeline
- How we arrived here
- Significant moments in history
- Female yoginins
- Introduction to Sanskrit
2
Philosophy
- Patanjali Yoga Sutras
- Kleshas / Koshas / The Hatha Pradipika
- The Bhagavad-Gita
- Understanding the many traditions
- Introduction to Ayurveda
3
Anatomy
- Understand what the body and mind is doing in asana
- The muscles and fascia in poses
- Understand the diaphragm and Pranayama/breathing
- The Nervous System and Yoga
- Injuries & scope of practice
4
Meditation
- Common misconceptions
- How to develop a personal practice
- Intro to types
- Benefits & contraindications
- How to develop your practice successfully
5
Business of Yoga
- Your authentic teaching style
- Introduction to heart-centered marketing
- Studio/Corporate
/Outreach options - Resume tips & confidence
- How to get work
6
Teaching Methodology
- Sequencing & Theming
- Class Structure
- Trauma-informed
- Qualities of a great teacher
- Cueing techniques
- Inclusivity practices
7
Asana & Alignment
- 3 Variations for every asana
- Modifications for pregnancy, injury & skeletal variation
- Understanding the purpose of Asana
- Understanding Major joint movements
8
8 Limbs
- Pranayama – breath techniques & purpose
- Pratyahara – focus techniques & mudras
- Dharana – concentration techniques
- Samadhi – unity consciousness
9
Ethics
- Yamas & niyamas – Ethical observances
- Boundaries for teachers and students
- Spiritual bypassing & Gaslighting
- Cultural Appreciation vs appropriation
10
Energetics
- Chakras & the subtle body
- Benefits of savasana
- Yoga nidra
- Associated Asanas & Pranayamas
Still curious? Contact us!
I’d be happy to chat to answer any questions. Book a call or me at lucystjohn108@gmail.com 🙂
Lead Teachers
Lucy St John
Lucy St John

She has been practicing Yoga & Ayurveda ever since. She has led more than 40+ Teacher Training Programs bringing a wealth of experience, story, and curiosity into the teachings. As the Program Director of 200 & 300 hour programs both at her own school and at the leading non-profit Yoga school in Canada as well as other schools, she has developed curriculum that both honours the tradition and integrates the current challenges in cultural appropriation, trauma sensitivity and yoga anatomy. She has worked as a Yoga Therapist at physiotherapy clinics and graduated with a Masters in Education in 2021. She is a Integrated Body Psychotherapist and is IAYT certified.
“Every day is a chance to accept the Self. To receive, let go and grieve, play, fail, learn, and rest. I bow in reverence to the “householder” yogi’s who inspire me to remember my true identity: Oneness.”
Niki Inglis
Niki Inglis

Informed by the new paradigm of Biotensegrity, Niki encourages all students to interact with the mind/body as an integrated whole instead of the machine-like image of levers and pulleys that traditional Anatomy has provided us.
Niki has built the curriculum for and taught two 50 Hour Yoga Alliance-recognized Embodied Biotensegrity Yoga Teacher Trainings in Vancouver in 2016 and 2017. She has been teaching Vijnana-influenced classes, Retreats and Trainings in Vancouver and around the world since 2003 and is the inventor of the Myofascial Flow style. A passionate educator at heart, she earned her Masters Degree in Education in 2017 from the University of British Columbia and advocates strongly for good Pedagogy in Yoga teaching, as well as for the status of Yoga as an important Wellness Art and Science. She is currently taking her Masters in Counselling.
“I teach and practice Yoga in an inquiry-based style. I help students to become deeply present in their Practice and to explore what their individual bodies need on an ever-evolving daily basis. In my teaching, Vijnana-inspired Asana are punctuated by Myofascial Manipulation, Somatics, Meditation and reflective practice. All are always linked with the mindful breath, felt instantly and everywhere.”
Guest Teachers
Clara Roberts-Oss

My transformational yoga journey began in 2005 and I’ve been teaching in one capacity or another since 2011. Yoga has been a catalyst for self-study, connecting with others, meaningful travel, and keeping myself grounded and healthy emotionally, spiritually and physically. I’m very grateful to have served a grassroots non-profit yoga studio and college from 2012 to 2020 as both a volunteer teacher and board member. I see teaching as a way to serve my community and have some fun along the way!
I teach vinyasa yoga with a focus on conscious breathing and movement. While I have traditional vinyasa “roots” I also like to mix it up, weaving in functional movement, Chi Gong- inspired movement and breath, and deeper yin-style holds. A central theme to my classes is quieting the external and focussing on the internal, cultivating ease, to connect with our true selves, or at the very least, have a much-needed break from the demands of our busy external lives. Students should expect to breathe, feel and sweat…it’s all yoga!
When I’m not in the yoga studio, you’ll find me busy in my career as an environmental scientist, or playing in nature.
Anoo Kartika Mammen
Anoo Kartika Mammen

Anoo was raised in a family and culture immersed in yoga’s physical and philosophical aspects and has been practicing yoga in one form or another since childhood. She deepened her practice after having children and formalized her years of study with a certification in adult yoga (RYT 200) and specialty certification in children’s yoga (RCYT).
Anoo believes in the transformative benefits of introducing yoga to children and is committed to helping them improve learning and focus, handle stress, practice acceptance and compassion, be physically active, and of course get silly and have fun through a unique and playful child-centred approach to yoga.
Hazel Hunter
Yogacharini Maitreyi

Born and raised in Toronto, ON, yoga has been a part of my life since birth. Both of my parents were born in India, and I was raised on the teachings of the Vedas. Yoga, for me, has always been about healing, and this happens through deepening our experience of relaxation in the body and mind, and ultimately letting go of pain and thoughts that no longer serve us. Yoga has allowed me to dive deeper into my soul and to grow spiritually. My practice of yoga is one of self-discovery through moments of love. It is overcoming challenges, and negative thoughts, with strength and resilience. Through yoga I have discovered awareness and courage to love myself when it is difficult to do so, because that is when it is needed the most. The motive behind every class I teach is pain management. I found such deep healing in my practice: both emotional and physical, that I want to share this knowledge with others. I completed my first 200 hour Hatha and Ashtanga training with Shiva Yoga Peeth in Rishikesh, India, and I did a second 200 hour yoga teacher training with Karma Teachers in Vancouver, BC. I recently completed my 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training with Karma Teachers where I learned Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Mantra and Origin Stories, and Ayurveda for yoga teachers. The learning never ends! I will always be a student of the practice. Yogic and Vedic philosophy is very much integrated within Indian culture, and the more I learn, the deeper connected I feel to my ancestral roots. In my classes, I strive to be authentic and traditional to the teachings of the ancient tradition and practice. I love to combine mantra and storytelling, with body-intuitive sequencing, an engagement of playfulness and laughter, and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice both on and off the mat.
Please go to arkaya.net for free resources or email infoarkaya@gmail.com, arkaya.net
Katie Connolly
Katie Connolly

I was given the gift of breathwork and meditation as a child by my Mother, and discovered what I now knows as Somato-Emotional Release (moving emotions through our body). Having these tools enabled me to stay present in my body and work through experiences as they came, so as to not store them in my body. My purpose is to share these simple, powerful life-skills with others, so we can individually and collectively create peace, love, and joy!” With a Bachelor’s in business, Katie owned and operated a yoga studio in North Vancouver, is a Craniosacral practitioner, is E-RYT 500 YA certified & has a Yoga alliance registered school for Children’s Yoga. She is now pursuing her Master’s in Counselling.
Nicole Marcia
Nicole Marcia

My name is Nicole Marcia (pronouns she/her) and I’m the founder and director of Fine Balance Yoga. Since 2004 I’ve taught therapeutic yoga classes and offered individual sessions to trauma survivors, teaching them healthy self-regulation strategies to empower them to live connected and embodied lives. I also train yoga and health care professionals in the trauma-informed, healing centered yoga theory and techniques required to support trauma survivors in their healing, long-term stability and recovery. I acknowledge with respect that I work, live, and play as a guest on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded Indigenous territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
FAQs
$100 registration fee is non-refundable for the 200 hour yoga teacher training
- Up to two weeks prior to training, any payments (except the $100 non-refundable deposit) will be fully refunded.
- If you withdraw within two weeks prior to training start date, we will refund all but $500 (which includes the registration fee)
- If you leave part way through training, you will need to pay 75% of the training fee.
- If you leave after the halfway mark in training, no refunds will be issued.
*Exceptions may be made, at the discretion of the school.
Both Intensive and Modular options are available – in other words students can complete the full program or pick and choose the modules as is convenient. However, you save approx. $1500 by doing the Intensive Program each month, which you can start at any time. If you cannot attend the consecutive intensive training, there will be a $100 change fee to attend the next one.
All of our programs are Yoga Alliance registered. You will receive a complete Yoga Alliance 300 hour certification upon completion. And all modules qualify for YACEP hours separately.
- $100 administrative fee
- a completed registration form
- an interview with one of our team
- minimum age is 17 with a parent/guardian’s signature
*The full 300 hour program requires the completion of a 200 hour yoga teacher training program with either Whole Body Paradigm School of Yoga or an approved school.
Individual modules do not require a 200 hour yoga teacher training certification but it is recommended.
If you cannot attend some days in the schedule, you are still required to fulfill those hours in one of three ways. You can attend the subsequent module in the future with a $100 change fee. You can make up the time in a private session at a reduced teacher’s fee of $75/hour. There may be some curriculum that can be viewed in the live recorded sessions in which you will answer questions after at a $25/session fee for administrative time and marking.
Scholarships and bursaries are available if we have enough students in training. Payment plans are available. Request our application form wholebodyparadigm@gmail.com
Required reading varies for each module. You will receive an email in advance with suggestions. All modules come with a manual or handout.
Yes, this is a Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Training and the modules can be used for continuing education credits called YACEP
We keep our training cohorts small – usually around 6-16 students.
We do not lecture or sit for long periods of time. We believe in an equity-based classroom. We are trained with Masters in Education & Pedagogy for a more embodied and creative learning environment.
We are actively working to decolonize yoga and create inclusive and trauma-informed spaces. We are LGBTQ-friendly, pro-diversity in body, mind and ability.
Yes, we have further Mentorship opportunities to keep you growing both as a teacher and a student. Some students come as assistants in further training. Some students want to delve into a certain area with a certain teacher. We have 5 & 10 session packages for personal mentorship.
Sometimes when we partner with a studio, you will receive a pass for their regular classes. Often, we will give free classes and workshops or updated .pdf manuals to graduates. We are building a video recorded library of programming for your viewing.
We care deeply about the participants and the program so we take care to make sure you are ready for this transformation.
If you have more questions, email us. We can set up a time to talk or email you the relevant information.
STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Caoimhe O’Halloran
RYT-200
“Kind, patient, supportive and entertaining, I enjoyed every moment of my teacher training and I highly recommend it to anyone.”
Anita Roop
“Dhanyavad, Lucy for spreading authentic, powerful yoga teachings. My nature ahs been transformed. Forever grateful.”
Aarti Trivedi
Elham Sazegar
@yogawith_elham
“I could trust Lucy when I met her for the first time.
From her teaching method, you can realize that she has fully understood yoga.
I am so grateful to find her and I did my YTT with her.”
Farah Motani
R.H.N, RYT-500, B.E.S
Words and actions alone cannot describe the amount of gratitude, love, and reverence I have for my favourite teacher, Lucy. She goes above and beyond to ensure her students are learning in a way that is meaningful to them. Lucy has an authentic way of sharing knowledge, as she herself is immersed in the learnings in such a holistic way. Her way of teaching and facilitating is very exploratory, that appeals to all learning styles, and allows for a deeper grasp of the material. Her thirst for knowledge, humility, and passion for sharing is evident in all that she does. Lucy’s teaching style has influenced mine in so many ways, and I always hear her voice in the back of my head, especially around using alternative pedagogy, now that I teach and facilitate. I am so blessed to have met Lucy so early on in my journey, as she has made a tremendous impact in both my personal and professional life, and setting me up for success.
Caoimhe O’Halloran
RYT-200
“Kind, patient, supportive and entertaining, I enjoyed every moment of my teacher training and I highly recommend it to anyone.”
Whitney Tfankedjian
RYT-200 tulayogacommunity
“Lucy is an incredible teacher in which I feel honoured to be in the presence of. During my 200 Hour YTT I felt she was deeply knowledgeable, expressed and passed along Yogic teachings humbly and with such grace and authenticity. Lucy completely pivoted my views and understanding towards Yoga practice for the better and it’s stuck with me ever since. She’s a beautiful soul with strong roots and I’d highly recommend sharing space with her and learning from the curriculum she’s built.”
Anoo Kartika Mammen
Melissa Smith
www.melissainteriordesign.com | @melissa_holistic
“Lucy has a very reverent teaching style which is apparent in her passion for the ancient Vedic philosophies and practices she shares with her students. Any interaction with Lucy is steeped in compassion, patience and understanding. Her deep respect and thorough understanding of yoga is contagious. She has had a profound impact on my life and has helped to shape me, not only as a yoga teacher but as a person. I feel very privileged to have her as my teacher and honoured to call her my friend.”
Hazel Hunter
RYT-200 @heyzel
“I truly mean this – Lucy St. John is a deep source of light and love. She is a knowledge seeker and holder. She has inspired me in endless ways through her openness and inclusion, and overall the way she carries and presents herself. When Lucy looks at you, like into your eyes, she really reaches your soul. There is nothing more special when your yoga teacher really SEES you. I highly recommend all her trainings (I’ve done them all!) And I especially loved the mantra class, because when Lucy chants Sanskrit, you will feel the vibrations in heart, past your body, and up into the cosmos.”
Sara Vafaei
RYT-200
“I went into my yoga training excited and not knowing what to expect. Immediately you are greeted with love (and lots of jokes) in the presence of Lucy. The 200 hour training we did together was very informative and detailed. The material that Lucy teaches goes above and beyond the standards of the class, she has incorporated her own research and experience with many other wonderful teachers to also share with her students. I am definitely interested in other areas of Yoga covered and taught by Lucy. I am forever grateful for the light and space she held for myself and my beautiful classmates.”

