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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
» What is ISHTA Yoga?
» Can I teach at ISHTA Yoga after completing the 200-hour training
» What are the payment and refund policies for the ISHTA Training?
» Does this training include Vinyasa Yoga?
» New to yoga and am not able to do some advanced postures.
» Is the ISHTA Program appropriate for me if not teaching?
» What makes the ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training Program unique?
» Do teachers correct our postures?
» How do your memberships and pass cards work and differ?
» Should pregnant women practice yoga?
» Is it necessary to add cardio exercise to my yoga practice?
» How often should I practice and how long should my practice be?
What is ISHTA Yoga?
   See “About ISHTA Yoga” at www.ishtayoga.com
Can I teach at ISHTA Yoga after completing the 200-hour training
   All trainees progress at their own rate given their experience and understanding. However, it is our strong belief that most trainees are not yet fully ready to teach after a 200-hour training. We require all our teachers to be 500-hour certified, meaning that they have completed the ISHTA 300-hour Professional Training after their 200-hour training program. It is very rare for a standard class or a reference for another studio to be provided to a trainee that has not yet achieved her 500-hour status. Student teacher classes are generally offered to 300-hour trainees at the appropriate point in their Professional Training studies.
What are the payment and refund policies for the ISHTA Training?
   A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance of your place in the training. The balance is due on July 15, 2010. Cancellations more than two months before the training start date receive a full tuition refund, less the $500 deposit. Cancellations less than two weeks before training start receive a 50% tuition refund, less the $500 deposit. After training begins, no refunds are available.
Does this training include Vinyasa Yoga?
   Yes. The ISHTA Yoga Principles of Sequencing creates a well-rounded practice that will encourage you to explore the yoga that suits you and your students. You will learn the basic tools and correct application of asana, pranayama and meditation for creating a well-balanced practice that leads to a balanced life. Vinyasa is an extraordinary tool for the mind, body and spirit and is an essential component of these tools.
New to yoga and am not able to do some advanced postures.
   While this training is not suitable for the brand-new yogi, we welcome all serious students with a minimum of 6 months of consistent practice. The Teacher Training Program is an inclusive program and since yoga is an individual practice, we expect and welcome different levels of physical ability. Your commitment and desire to deepen your understanding of yoga are what is most important!
Is the ISHTA Program appropriate for me if not teaching?
   Definitely. The ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training is a yoga immersion designed to deepen your own practice and your own understanding of yoga first. Many trainees enroll in the program without plans to teach. The in-depth experience of yoga will be life-changing for you regardless of your future intentions. We encourage all trainees to simply take this step on their journey and see where it leads them!
What makes the ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training Program unique?
   The lineage and teaching of ISHTA Yoga is a uniquely modern, individualized and integrated approach to the ancient science of yoga. While the body is studied and experienced in detail through in-depth daily practice, posture labs and studies of anatomy and asana, ISHTA provides a comprehensive foundation for all aspects of yoga, including thorough studies of the practice and teaching of subtle and causal body anatomies; pranayama and kriya; meditation; Tantric philosophy; and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian life science. The ISHTA-trained practitioner is able to approach and embrace yoga in all its forms, from mantra to vinyasa. In addition, our rich content, proven Yoga Alliance-registered curriculum, exclusive training manuals, and focused practice teaching ensure that every trainee has a personalized and enriching experience of their own yoga and the opportunity to teach, learn and explore. Finally, the ISHTA Teacher Training program was created by Yogiraj Alan Finger, one of the preeminent Western Tantric teachers of our time.
Do teachers correct our postures?
   Our teachers want you to further understand your practise. They may help with your alignment to either help you prevent injury or to simply connect on a deeper level. If you would not like to be adjusted or have an injury, please tell the teacher before they may have a chance to correct you.
How do your memberships and pass cards work and differ?
   Pass cards can be bought in 5, 10 or 20 passes. There is nothing to hang onto, the computer automatically deducts one pass off your account for every class you attend. Memberships are bought as time series. You can go to as many drop in classes as you would like during that time series. You can attend 3 classes a day if you wish! Generally, if you are coming to class 2 or more times a week, it is beneficial to purchase a membership.
Should pregnant women practice yoga?
   From a doctor’s point of view, we've heard everything from, "don't do yoga" to "do whatever you want to do as long as it feels right." Clearly a responsible doctor would not want to give permission to partake in something he or she does not understand which probably would lead to the conservative instruction to not partake. We have had many pregnant women continue with classes and have seen a few go through most or all of the full term of their pregnancy while practicing at least 3 times per week with very good results. Of course, pregnancy poses certain vulnerabilities and conditions that need to be assessed and addressed. The abdominal region needs to be protected from stress, strain and compression. So, we suggest avoiding all poses that have you lay on your stomach.

Similarly, as you get bigger avoid forward bends that compress the stomach region. To avoid this compression as you get bigger, spread your legs more and more, creating room for the stomach. Also avoid stomach exercises that strain the stomach region. In terms of inversions, we are not aware of any problems or negative effects, although some may need to be modified to avoid compression, such as halasana (plough pose), as well as the added pressure on the head, neck and spine because of the extra weight you are carrying. If something does not feel right, don't second guess yourself. Skip it or modify it. The larger you get the more you will need to modify most poses to fit your size, needs and energy levels.

After intuition, your breathing is your greatest ally. Make sure your breathing is calm and even at all times. If your breath is strained or becomes erratic, it is a sure sign that you are becoming stressed, which usually always attacks your most vulnerable link. In this case that would be your abdominal region. We are NOT doctors. Listen to yourself and empower yourself with knowledge by reading and getting to know your body as it changes. Good luck & congratulations if you are pregnant!!
Is it necessary to add cardio exercise to my yoga practice?
   The breath control in yoga does provide enough to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. However, you may feel on an individual basis that you would like more cardio exercise, walking or running regularly outside is a wonderful addition to your yoga practice it is great for meditation, and simply for getting some fresh air.
How often should I practice and how long should my practice be?
   These are personal questions with personal answers. Yet, obviously the more you practice, the more you benefit. The practice needs to happen with wisdom. Becoming extreme will definitely not benefit you. Practicing often does not mean practicing aggressively. The practice will need to be modified according to your energy level and level of fatigue. Maybe practicing a little every day is your thing; maybe practicing strongly just three times a week is most optimal for you. Use your intuition to guide you.

*Content inspired from Bryan Kest at www.poweryoga.com*