Specialty Training Programs

Because ISHTA Yoga encourages individuality in all its forms, we have developed a series of specialty trainings for teachers, trainees, and curious practitioners to find their niches. Under the guidance of our expert specialty faculty, these trainings offer approximately 17-25 hours of comprehensive study that leaves one feeling confident in that area of expertise. We strongly recommend that applicants have at least a 200-Hour teacher training certification. Please note: the rates listed below are the only available rates for ISHTA specialty courses.

Anatomy and Therapeutics Training for Teachers and Students: June 15 – 17, 2012

Marma Therapy Course: August 20 - 24, 2012

Prenatal Teacher Training: September 21 – 23, 2012

Restorative Teacher Training: January 25 – 27, 2013

Anatomy and Therapeutics Training for Teachers and Students

with Kristin Leal

Join senior ISHTA teacher Kristin Leal for this fun, practical exploration of the uniqueness of the human form. Learn why no two people will ever experience the same yoga posture in the same way! As a student and teacher of yoga, Kristin firmly believes that it is imperative to appreciate the differences in our own bodies. The liberation, freedom, and balance we are looking for can be found by understanding our anatomical individuality. The weekend will begin with a review of the general anatomy of major muscles and joints. Then, through comparing anatomical differences we will find practical therapeutic approaches to prevent injury and bring balance into your practice. For those who have studied anatomy with Kristin before, this will be a brand new training utilizing new techniques and practical skills to view your body and the bodies of your students as they move through this dynamic and transformative practice.

Dates/Times:
Friday, June 15, 2012, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 16, 2012, 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 17, 2012, 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Location: ISHTA Yoga Union Square

Early Bird Rate*: $375 (paid by May 4, 2012) | Regular Tuition: $475

For more information and to register: Email Julia Haramis

Soon after moving to New York City in 1993, Kristin Leal was dragged by a friend to her first yoga class. While she had no idea what anyone was talking about, she immediately fell in love with the poetry of meditation in movement. She studied with her first teachers - Sharon Gannon, David Life, and Katchie Ananda - for many years, trying to discover and understand herself and this transformative practice. In 1995, she graduated from the Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy and became a licensed massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. She holds additional certifications in Thai massage and neuromuscular and myofascial release. In 2005, Kristin created the Kaya Yoga 200- and 300-Hour teacher trainings to share her passion for the miracle of the human body and the liberating potential of movement. In 2006, her life changed yet again when she met her teacher Yogiraj Alan Finger. Kristin has since helped him further translate his teachings and co-create the ISHTA Marma Therapy Course. She is a co-author of the book The Yoga Fan, which has been reviewed as being “an indispensable guide for the serious yoga student.” Kristin is currently writing her second book with Alan Finger correlating the physical and energetic bodies.

Marma Therapy Course

with Alan Finger, Kara Sekuler and Kristin Leal

We all know how it feels to be in tune with ourselves and the universe – to be ‘in the flow.’ We are also familiar with the opposite feeling, to be out of synch with ourselves and the environment. Yoga practice makes us feel good because we stretch muscles and joints and release stress from our bodies. ISHTA Marma goes even deeper, addressing stress whether its origins were emotional, mental, chemical, or physical.

Marma points are like “little brains” that feed the organs, glands, nerves, and cells of the body with the intelligence they need to function efficiently. Most Marma points lie in the midst of soft tissue. When stress invades the body, Marma points can become strangled. Marma therapy frees strangled Marma points, cleansing stress from soft tissue and allowing the intelligence of the bodily systems to regain homeostasis. ISHTA Marma also restores one’s perspective on life to a point of clarity, insight and inspiration. Learn to practice this technique from Yogiraj Alan Finger, developer of the ISHTA Marma system, and Senior ISHTA teachers, Kristin Leal and Kara Sekuler.

Each day of the Marma Therapy Course is filled with lectures on Marma and yoga, demonstrations by Alan Finger, and basic anatomy and physiology taught by Kristin Leal and Kara Sekuler. There is plenty of hands-on practice under their guidance. And as you release blocked energy, you will surely have lots of fun!

Dates/Times: August 20 - 24, 2012, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location: ISHTA Yoga Union Square

Early Bird Rate*: $800 (paid by July 2, 2012) | Regular Tuition: $950

For more information: Email Kara Sekuler | To register: Email Julia Haramis

In the ISHTA Marma Course you will:

deepen your knowledge of yoga philosophy and Tantra
explore the muscular, nervous, digestive, endocrine systems of the human body
enhance your yoga teaching skills
learn the ancient technique of releasing energy blockages scientifically
discover the healing ability in your hands

This course is open to everyone. Some knowledge and experience of yoga is recommended, but not required. No certificates given. This is learning for the sake of learning. Have fun!

Prenatal Teacher Training
with Gina Menza

Join Gina Menza for ISHTA Prenatal training. Our 20-hour course will equip you with the tools necessary to lead a woman through a safe, thorough, invigorating yoga practice throughout her pregnancy. Topics will include the changing anatomy of the mother-to-be, and basic fetal development and its important, influential changes in her yoga practice. The course will also cover appropriate pranayama, meditation, asana, and restorative poses. These poses and techniques will be explored, discussed and practiced. Labor preparation, including anxiety and stress reduction, will be examined, as well as how to apply the correlating ISHTA techniques. Lastly, the postnatal period will be investigated, including new weaknesses, strength-building and sleep deprivation. Whether you’ve witnessed a birth, given birth or are just interested, this weekend training will leave you happily welcoming and appreciating pregnant yogis into your classes and into your life with a newfound respect and joy.

Dates/Times:
Friday, September 21, 2012, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 22, 2012, 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 23, 2012, 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Location: ISHTA Yoga Union Square

Early Bird Rate*: $375 (paid by August 10, 2012) | Regular Tuition: $475

For more information and to register: Email Julia Haramis

Gina Menza, RYT has been practicing and teaching yoga for over 20 years and has multiple certifications. She has been teaching prenatal yoga for over fifteen years with joyful and heartfelt enthusiasm. Gina creates an intimate, supportive environment for any level of expectant yogi. Her classes include toning, strengthening, breath work and labor preparation - all while keeping the balance between the miracle of pregnancy and the importance of a sense of humor.

Restorative Teacher Training with Yoga Nidra
with Mona Anand and Gina Menza

This training is for teachers, teacher trainees and students interested in delving deeper into restorative yoga and yoga nidra. Participants will learn how to teach restorative yoga classes and how to incorporate restorative yoga into asana group classes and privates. Students will learn how to develop a restorative home practice and how to apply it therapeutically for stress related illnesses such as anxiety, asthma, high blood pressure, etc.

The training will cover:

the science behind restorative yoga and yoga nidra
benefits and contraindications of key restorative poses
how to work with a variety of props to set up key restorative poses for classes,
privates, and home practice
hands-on adjustments
class sequencing
how to design a restorative practice for specific ailments, such as anxiety, high blood pressure, grief, or asthma
how to teach yoga nidra
how to incorporate yoga nidra into your own home practice

This training will focus on developing practical skills. Trainees will work with fellow students to develop an "eye" to see physical misalignments and know how to adjust them. Trainees will practice tuning into the subtle energetic field of their students, learn hands on adjustments, practice teach restorative poses and yoga nidra, and also experience two restorative classes, one with Gina and one with Mona.

Dates:
Friday, January 25, 2013, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday, January 26, 2013, 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 27, 2013, 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Location: ISHTA Yoga Union Square

Early Bird Rate*: $375 (paid by December 14, 2012) | Regular Tuition: $475

For more information and to register: Email Julia Haramis

*No further discounts are available for this training.