The Cultivate Yoga 300-hour program was established as a response to support a collective community with an ever-growing interest in the ancient message of humanity combined with modern knowledge and practical application of yoga. Our team comprises Yoga Alliance approved trainers and engaging doctors, speakers, and professionals in their respective fields, along with a couple offsite visits.

Dates & Offsites

• Weekend immersions (Fri. 6-8:30pm.; Sat. and Sun. 12:30-8pm at Cultivate Yoga in Lakewood)

• 11-month journey inclusive of off-site visits based on the following weekend dates:

• 8/15/2025, 9/19/2025, 10/17/2025 , 11/14/2025 (Museum off-site), 11/21/2025, 12/19/2025, and

• 1/16/2026, 1/30/2026, 2/20/2026, 3/20/2026, 4/17/2026, 4/24/2026, 5/15/2026 (Elmira, NY off-site ashram visit & hiking trip)

• 6/5/2026 (with Saturday exam & offsite temple visit, Sunday graduation)

Graduation Requirements:

• Attend all the scheduled weekend immersions; noting your hours in your provided tracking log (And we all get sick or obligations come up with the family, so there are plenty of make-up hours/options)

• Personal sharing experience to your peers: a formal creative expression on a yoga topic and how that ties to yoga off the mat (e.g. movie, meal, artwork, pottery, music, book, etc.) Please, no death by PowerPoint.

• One Teach-out session to the group: (there will be plenty of prep and practice time to support you)

• Pass your final exam: Books and reference notes can be used. Once you pass, turn in all homework, and calculate your logged training hours, your certification will be presented during graduation ceremony.

Yoga Philosophy/Lifestyle/Ethics (50 hours)

• History of Āsana and Going Beyond: understanding how yoga has evolved, tracing its roots from ascetic yogis to modern day householders, why follow these practices/guidelines, and how is it really shaping our minds and bodies?

• Myths & Mythology: Understanding the links between yoga postures and various energy forces specific to spiritual life lessons and daily self-improvement. Guest Speaker: Dr. Raj Balkaran, Indian Wisdom School

• Righteous Rāma: Virtues from the Rāmāyaṇa: commencing with the poet’s seminal question “Who in the world is truly virtuous? Who is mighty and yet also knows the ways of righteousness?” The answer to this, according to the ancient epic, is the hero-prince Rāma, an incarnation of Viṣṇu himself. Learn the deep meaning beyond war ethics, Shakti power of his wife Sita, links to how exiled kings maintain restraints, balance karma, and justify war for protection of children and society. Guest Speaker: Dr. Raj Balkaran, Indian Wisdom School

• In-depth study of yoga philosophy and sacred texts: Bhagavad Gīta, Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad, Rāmāyaṇa, Amṛtasiddhi, and Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali (Sūtras are often covered in a 200-level program yet will be explore a few verses)Guest Speaker: Swami Tulsidas or Swami Chidanada (Bhagavad Gita)

• Yantras & Māntras: understand how these tools aid in meditation, support visualization, integrate common practices, and increase memory capacity while enhancing spiritual goals

• Nāda Yoga: the science of sound, music, vibrations and its application to physics. This is how yoga adapts to non-linear and non-localized movement of energy, thought, and much more to bring heighten states of consciousness.

• Develop your teaching skills in relation to mental health awareness, cognitive training, neuroscience principles, behavioral patterns, and other holistic tools. Guest Speaker: Valarie Endemann

• Emphasis on cultivating a deeper yogic lifestyle by knowing your values “on and off the mat”, personal development and daily self-reflection.

Yoga Anatomy & Physiology: (40 hours)

• Yoga Therapy and Applied anatomy specific to functional movements, controlled articular rotation (CARs), hands-on assisting, learning different body systems, mitigating injury, and adaptability

• Linking Physiology to Yoga: understanding nervous system regulation, toxicology, stress responses, cranial nerves, hormone regulation, and nutrition Guest Speaker: Gretchen Spetz - Functional Kitchen Nutrition

• Learn proper asana modifications specific to yoga anatomy, joint stabilization, and biomechanics for all body types and specialities (e.g. pregnancy, disability, trauma, aging populations, etc.) Guest Speaker: Dr. Rebecca Rose

• Learn how to offer firm and secure hands-on assists with proper intent, safety, and security combined with direct, clear verbal cues

Techniques and Training: (120 hours)

• In-depth study of various yoga styles: Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Jivamukti, Yin, and Iyengar 

• Learn biomechanics of sun salutations, standing, balance, seated postures, twists, inversions, backbends, and relaxation based postures

• Learn advanced pranayama inclusive of opening chants, retention techniques, principles, benefits, and contradictions

• Deeper application of Ayurveda (sister science of yoga) and its principles specific to how we fuel our bodies with proper prāṇa, food, social relationships, energetic balancing, and practical hygiene methods for cleansing and detoxification Guest Speaker: Shannon Sabol, Ayruveda Wellness Counselor

• Prāṇāyāma and Chanting: review the 6 guidelines of chanting, basic Sanskrit pronunciation, impact it has on memory, purpose, and intent of chanting māntras and ślokas Guest Speaker: Tara Mitra, Yoga Therapist and Vedic Chanting Expert

• Thorough understanding of various meditation methods: Vipassana, Transcendental Meditation (TM), Japa (māntra meditation) and many more; how to incorporate at home and in daily living, and discuss elements for maintaining a mediation practice

• Deeper understanding of the subtle energetic body: Cakras, Nadis, Vayus, Koshas, Kleshas, and Yoga Nidrā

• Review the links between Iyengar Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, and Ashtanga Vinyasa specific to alignment, modifications, props, and mudras.

Teaching Methods & Practicum: (65 hours)

• Learn to enhance your qualities as a teacher and deepen your sādhanā: daily home practice that includes your rituals and routines for developing, sustaining, and nourishing your physical & mental well-being

• Practice teaching, mentoring, and feedback sessions

• Learn to enhance the principles of accurate demonstration, observing, teaching, and correcting students through physical adjustments, conscious communication, and creating safe environments for active learning

• Offer hands-on assisting in Cultivate Yoga weekly classes (min. of 30 hours, 60% of your time)

• Observational sessions of your cohort groups (min. of 15 hours, 30% of your time)

• Learn different yoga classes: beginners, vinyasa, yin/restorative (limited attention will be outlined for kids, chair, and pre-natal speciality yoga)

• Understanding the business of yoga: liability, marketing, employment, credentials, and software applications Guest Speaker: Colleen Alber

• Understand how to create an inclusive and diverse yoga community through local partnerships, on & offline marketing, non-profit organizations, grant seeking, and more. Guest Speaker: Evan Scharfeld

Contact Hours: (30 hours)

• 30 hours: attend any yoga class, followed by a short write up on your observations, experience, “ah-ha” moments, and more. (e.g. 20 hours can be at Cultivate and 10 at any studio, or some combination/mix of your choice). This program offers you 270-hours in-person, and your responsibility is the remaining 30-hours of observing, assisting, and expanding your practice.

• If you miss the Cleveland offsite visit or any immersion weekends, then 20 hours can be made up via the Yogic Studies Platform (2 classes = 20 hours, YS 101 & 105). You will register under your email ($120-$200 personal investment)