Teacher Training

2013 Teacher Trainings

About yoga4cancer Teacher Trainings:

Yoga is an obvious step for cancer patients and survivors coping with difficult treatments and ongoing side effects. Doctors are now recommending yoga as a way to manage anxiety and overall wellness. In 2012, the American Cancer Society recommended up to 150 minutes of exercise per week – explicitly mentioning yoga – to reduce chance of cancer and / or defend against reoccurrence.  So more and more cancer survivors are coming to yoga classes to gain these benefits.

But not all yoga is the same and for cancer survivors it needs to be different.  True compassion flows from knowledge and facts. Without specific training, a teacher is not equipped to understand the unique physical and emotional needs and challenges of those touched by cancer.  And cancer survivors come with higher expectations. The y4c training will provide you the knowledge and facts to work with this community by exploring:

  • the science behind yoga
  • the basics of cancer treatments & side effects
  • how and why yoga strengthens the immune system, builds bone, restores strength and flexibility post-surgery, addresses lymphedema, aides relaxation of the nervous system
  • appropriate and inappropriate poses
  • and learn through practice, supervised teaching

The y4c methodology and training is not yoga for one-size-fits-all. Nor is it just a gentle yoga class. It is a specialized training for experienced teachers seeking to learn how to design a healing class for survivors at all stages of their cancer journey.  We focus on providing tools so that yoga teachers can addresses specific physical conditions, inspire hope, invite curiosity and give emotional support by creating a fun and nurturing community.

The y4c methodology was designed, developed and tested by Tari Prinster – cancer survivor and yoga guru – in New York City cancer community. Through her own recovery and then through regularly taught classes in New York City over the past decade, Tari designed, modified and improved her vinyasa training to witness results in the hundreds of cancer survivors that took her classes and privates. These classes have grown from helping handfuls to helping hundreds every week. For more information on NYC classes, see here.

Since 2005, Tari has looked to help other compassionate yoga teachers from all over the world to develop their knowledge and skills. As of today, she has trained over 600 yoga teachers.  The science-based training will provide tools and insight on how to adapt all yoga styles and poses to fit the specific physical and emotional needs of this community.

Yoga Alliance CEU credits are awarded based on length of any of the training. These credits are applicable to most +500 advanced teacher trainings. We recommend y4c trainings for certified yoga teacher at the 200 hour level from any lineage (some exceptions apply).

Training offered in 2013:

Level 1 – Teaching Yoga to Cancer Survivors

This 45 hr training is a basic introduction for those that have a wish to work with the cancer community or are already working with them and require additional training.   Modules include:

  • The physics of yoga
  • Debunking myths of cancer and yoga
  • Facts of Cancer and its treatments.  The harmful and life long side effects
  • Appropriate and inappropriate poses
  • Creating a healing community and class
  • Hands on supervised teaching

This training is offered either over 2 weekends or over a 5 day intensive.  All graduates are able to apply for CEU credits and will be offered the chance to be listed on the y4c trained teacher register.

Level 2 – Teaching Yoga to Cancer Survivors – Coming Fall 2013

This is 30 hour advanced training course for those that have successfully completed Level 1 and are interested in further developing their practice and enriching their skills.  This training includes:

  • Latest facts and research on cancer & yoga
  • Male cancer facts & focus
  • More poses and modifications
  • Compassion fatigue – helping the teacher
  • Making a class work – tips & tools to making your class successful!
  • Many more.

Further details of this training will be communicated in the Spring of 2013.

For more information about any training, please send an email to teachertraining@y4c.com.