Aerial Yoga Teacher Training

Become an aerial yoga instructor!

Certified by Yoga Alliance as a Continuing Education Program

Mel offers in-person aerial yoga teacher training and workshops worldwide. While this program is built off theory and practice of traditional yoga teacher training, students can participate in this course without being a registered yoga teacher (RYT). YACEP courses are designed to provide continuing education for yoga teachers, but are also open to anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of yoga. Note: this is a "yoga" based program and is different than aerial dance hammock that is more acrobatically oriented.

Mel generally works directly with studios to organize times and locations that works best for the studio and prospective students. Studios do not need to be Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) to offer this program. Studios and students interested in booking a teacher training program can email Mel directly at info@acromel.ca.

Previous aerial yoga teacher training programs offered to Anytime Fitness, YMCA Canada, Steve Nash Fitness Clubs, and Yama Yoga Bulgaria and Yama Yoga Qatar,

The Aerial Yoga Teacher Training program includes the following:

Total of 48 hours of instruction, with 35 contact hours (can be adjusted as per studio, student, and other needs)
Instruction in practice, methodology, anatomy, and ethics
Rigging requirements for aerial yoga including how to tie aerial fabrics, what type of rigging equipment is used and the safety regulations, such as working load limits
Student expectations when beginning aerial yoga, discussing inversions and pain tolerance on the fabric
How to use aerial yoga to support yoga practice and development
How to lead an aerial yoga class, provide modifications, and support student development
Understanding how the fabric supports alignment and physical adjustments in the body
Understanding the differences between aerial yoga classes elsewhere and how aerial yoga can be demonstrated as part of the greater yoga philosophy
Liability, sign up, insurance Info and sample forms

Students will be provided with an aerial yoga manual detailing posture information and teaching methodology. Students are able to refer to this booklet as necessary throughout their practice and can keep it upon completion of the program. If students are working or planning to work with specific demographics, the teacher training program can be tailored toward these demographics (e.g. overweight students, Olympic-level fitness, fitness based studios, etc.).

Studio Rigging:

It is recommended that aerial hooks, ceiling rigging, pulley system, etc., is rigged for a one ton, 2000 pounds, or 1000 kg amount of weight. Static aerials is generally applied with a 4:1 ratio for safety, e.g. one ton is equivalent to 2200 pounds or 1000 kg, dividing this by four is 550 pounds or 250 kg. We would then recommend that students in the fabric weigh no more than 550 pounds or 250 kg for safety reasons. For dynamic aerials (e.g. jumping or swinging in the fabric), the safe dynamic working load that is used is generally a 10:1, meaning a one ton could carry up to 220 pounds or 100 kg. Aerial yoga is not considered a dynamic practice, but it is possible for students to swing or jump into the fabric which is why a one ton is recommended.

Certification:

A Yoga Alliance recognized certification will be issued upon completion. This is recognized by Yoga Alliance as a continuing education program and certified instructors can receive training credits toward their continuing education requirements. Non-certified instructors will also receive the same certificate, however, please note that some strict studios may not recognized the certificate until a yoga teacher training program has been completed.

Time Commitment:

While the program is designed for 48 hours with 35 contact hours, there is flexibility on the number of contact and practical hours versus theoretical at home hours as per the needs of the students and requirements and time limitations of both studio, students, and instructors. Generally this program can be complete between 6 and 14 days. Students will also be expected to complete assignments following practical work.

Costs:

1-5 students registered = 6000 USD

6+ students = 1200 USD per student

*for 10+ students, the program cannot be condensed into less than 7 days as each student requires practical experience to meet the certificate requirements. Depending on student numbers and incidental instructor costs, overall costs can be negotiated.

These costs are competitive with the cost of other aerial yoga teacher training programs. This is one of the only Yoga Alliance certified aerial yoga teacher training programs, and the only one available to be delivered locally at your studio. As this program is delivered as a local program, students will be able to learn in the comfort of their own studio and have no miscellaneous travel costs for students. Other studios may be available if your studio or facility is not rigged to requirements.

About Yoga Alliance...

Yoga Alliance is "the largest nonprofit association of yoga professionals, practitioners, and advocates across the globe." Yoga Alliance offers resources, support and professional development to empower yoga providers in their work with students and their ongoing professional growth. This includes globally recognized credentials for yoga teachers and schools to validate their expertise and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and quality yoga education. More information is available here:

Frequently Asked Questions...

Question: do I have to be an advanced practitioner to be a teacher/instructor?

Answer: NO! Teaching and doing are two very different skill sets. Being good at one does NOT automatically mean you are good at the other (for any discipline). If teaching is your calling, then you always have something to offer your students. For example, if you started your fitness journey late in life and have worked for every inch of flexibility and strength, you know what went into your training and your unique experiences provide you with tools to support your students. Similarly, having gone through bodily changes, such as motherhood, menopause, illness, or injury, you can use these experiences to empathize and support your students. If teaching is your calling - embrace it!

Question: I just started my discipline and would like to start teaching, is this okay?

Answer: there is no one answer fits all to this question. As an instructor you should be confident in your knowledge of your chosen discipline, and therefore experience as a practitioner or within the industry is crucial. However, your ability to understand your discipline also rests on your previous experiences and your ability to learn. For example, gymnasts generally have an easier time moving into new physical disciplines like yoga, pole, and aerial because they have a strong background in movement with the necessary strength and flexibility to succeed. This being said, teacher training programs never hurt and can enrich your practice even if you decide not to teach. The best answer is to work with your own instructors, take part, and then see where it takes you.

Question: I want to take the program, but I don't want to teach, is this okay?

Answer: absolutely! Teacher training programs are fantastic ways to enrich your own practice and guide you on better training habits and self-training. Teacher training programs provide insight into breaking down skills, creating progressions, and delving into theory. All this can be applied to your own practice!

Question: I am interested in teaching, but I don't want to step on my own teacher's toes, what should I do?

Answer: this one can be tricky... If your instructors are supportive of your learning journey, and you want to take a teacher training program, your instructors should support you. Learning has no bounds and as much as we instructors like to sometimes think we are the "be all, end all," we're not. Sometimes it takes a different teaching style or method to be successful at something you're working on - so exposing yourself to as many learning tools will only help your practice. This includes taking classes with different instructors, studios, students, and industry professionals. Teacher training programs can only enhance your opportunity to learn, and instructors should support your journey and interests as well. If there are concerns about replacement or income, this can be a conversation with your studio as well as an opportunity for your instructors to expand their experience and portfolio - in business, nothing is static and professional development and pivoting is crucial to any instructor and studio's success. Having said this, I truly believe collaboration over competition is the key to success and strongly encourage students to speak to their instructors/studios if they have concerns and avoid overt competition and misalignment while remaining professional. Our industry thrives when we have strong supportive communities around us.