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. 5:30-8:30pm at Revive Collective in Lakewood, Sat and Sun. 12:30-8pm at Cultivate Lakewood)

• 11-month journey inclusive of off-site visits

• 8/15/2025, 9/19/2025, 10/17/2025 , 11/14/2025 (Cleveland Offsite Visit), 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, 6/5/2026 (Elmira, NY Offsite Visit), 6/12/2026 (Friday Exam, Westlake, OHH Saturday offsite, and Sunday Graduation)

Graduation Requirements:

• Attend all the scheduled weekend immersions; noting your hours in your provided tracking log

• Capstone Project: Presentation or other creative expression (movie, artwork, pottery, music, book, etc.) on a yoga topic of your choice

• Pass your final exam: not multiple choice (books/notes can be used)

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? Guest Speaker: Dr. Seth Powell (tentative)

• 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

• 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

• In-depth study of yoga philosophy and sacred texts specific to: Bhagavad Gita, Sutras of Patañjali, Amṛtasiddhi Guest Speaker: Swami Tulsidas

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

• 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 Guest Speaker: Dr. Rebecca Rose & Jen

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

• 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

• Pranayama and Chanting: review the 6 guidelines of chanting, basic Sanskrit pronunciation, impact it has on the brain/memory, purpose and intent of chanting mantras 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 Nidra

• 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, diversity, employment considerations, credentials, and software applications Guest Speaker: Colleen Alber

• Understand how to create an inclusive and diverse yoga community through local partnerships, online & 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 weekend, 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)