The ISHTA mission is to blend the ancient and contemporary yoga teachings of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda into a system that caters to individual students’ needs. Our name itself embodies our multi-dimensional approach. ISHTA stands for Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda, or a combination of physical, energetic, and healing practices. But ISHTA has a double meaning that stretches back to the very roots of yoga. ISHTA is also a Sanskrit word translating to “that which resonates with the individual spirit,” emphasizing the personal journey we encourage and guide our students to embrace.

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 learns to teach safely, confidently, and compassionately to the individual. Our philosophy is to recognize the inherent strengths of each student and to enhance these strengths through personal practice. Finally, the ISHTA Teacher Training program was created and is taught in part by Yogiraj Alan Finger, one of the preeminent Western Tantric teachers of our time. Personal study with Alan and his senior teachers offers a wealth of yogic knowledge and experience that is profound and life changing!

Definitely. ISHTA’s 200-Hour teacher training program is a yoga immersion designed to deepen your own practice and your understanding of yoga first. Many trainees enroll in the program without plans to teach. The in-depth experience of yoga will be rewarding 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!

Yes! 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. 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 most important!

Yes. The ISHTA Yoga principles of sequencing create 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 appropriate applications 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.

Yes, 100% attendance is required to successfully complete your training. If you know in advance you will have to miss a session and you would like to receive certification, makeup options are available, though some do incur added cost. Exceptional emergency circumstances are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Detailed makeup procedures are provided upon enrollment; ask us if you have questions.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements of the training (100% attendance or completed makeups, 100% completion and passing grade on homework, passing mark on written final exam, and passing evaluation on final practical exam), you will receive a graduation certificate and the necessary paperwork to register with Yoga Alliance. More information about Yoga Alliance registration is available at www.yogaalliance.org.

After the 200-Hour ISHTA Yoga Training, how can I study ISHTA more deeply?

For the trainee who is serious about teaching as a career or wishes to further commit themselves to study and practice, we offer a 300-Hour advanced training. This program is designed to greatly enhance your understanding of ISHTA Yoga and refine your skills as a teacher. Because ISHTA Yoga encourages individuality in all its forms, we have also developed a series of specialty training programs. We offer a range of intensives in many topics, including Anatomy and Theapeutics, Marma Therapy, Prenatal Yoga, and Restorative Yoga.

For the trainee who is serious about teaching as a career or wishes to further commit themselves to study and practice, we offer a 300-Hour advanced training. This program is designed to greatly enhance your understanding of ISHTA Yoga and refine your skills as a teacher. Because ISHTA Yoga encourages individuality in all its forms, we have also developed a series of specialty training programs. We offer a range of intensives in many topics, including Anatomy and Theapeutics, Marma Therapy, Prenatal Yoga, and Restorative Yoga.

All trainees progress at their own rate given their experience and understanding. Still, 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 training after their 200-Hour program.

ISHTA has a limited number of work-study positions per training. There are two options:

1. Receive a percentage off the training, with the remaining balance to be worked off by joining our desk staff (at the current New York City hourly base wage). Strong computer, organizational, customer service, and Zoom skills required. We ask for around 20 hours of work-study per month in order for the hours to be completed within six months of the start of training.

2. For a tuition discount, trainees serve as In-Training Assistants (ITA) for their training program, performing vital organizational and administrative tasks such as tracking attendance, collecting and tracking homework, and various other duties as assigned. Must be responsible, organized, have an attention to detail, strong interpersonal communication skills, and have a strong competency in Google Docs and Spreadsheets, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Excel.

To apply for a work-study position, please email Melissa Connor (mel@ishtayoga.com) indicating which of the above options you are interested in, and include a resume with all relevant office/administrative experience, as well as general hours of availability.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance. Remaining tuition is due no later than two weeks prior to the training start date. In extenuating circumstances, a payment plan may be arranged. Cancellations more than four weeks before the training start date receive a full tuition refund, less the $500 deposit. Cancellations between two and four weeks before training start receive a 50% tuition refund, less the $500 deposit. In the two weeks prior to the start of training or after training begins, no refunds are available.

Trainees receive six weeks of free classes with which to complete their requirements for the training.

A discounted membership with IN STUDIO, Livestream, and ON DEMAND privileges is available during long-format trainings. The discounted membership runs for six months total.