Why Spry?

The Spry Mind+Body methodology was developed by Kate Doran to meet the growing need for powerful yet safe and medically informed yoga classes for older students.

Kate began teaching seniors in 2009 at the Senior Citizens, Inc. in Savannah, Georgia. After almost ten years working with seniors she decided to bring her experience and knowledge to a larger community and developed the Spry Mind+Body methodology. This method brings together the principles of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga and the Integrative Yoga for Seniors Professional Training at Duke Integrative Medicine.

Adults over 55 are the fastest growing segment of the population and the fastest growing segment of the yoga market. Our Spry Mind+Body teacher training program will equip you with the tools, knowledge and sequences to deliver a powerful and safe class to seniors and/or those struggling with illness or injury.

A Modular Approach

Our teacher training program is divided into two modules, designed for both new and existing yoga teachers. Yoga 101 focuses on the core curriculum required for all certified yoga teachers. Our Spry Teacher Training module is both a leadership program and in-depth training to be an inspiring and safe teacher. Students may enroll in the entire 200 hour program or take just one of the modules at a time. If you are already a certified yoga instructor and interested in learning how to teach seniors using the Spry Methodology, we offer a 30 Hour program that will teach you the fundamentals. 

READ MORE HERE

2024 Programs

If you are a certified yoga teacher looking to grow your skills and learn to safely teach older adults, we offer 30 and 50 Hour Spry Teacher Kickstart Programs to ground you in the methodology and give you the tools you need to safely teach seniors. These online course are offered on an ongoing basis on our Teachable platform. Read more here.

If you prefer in-person, hands-on learning, we have a 100 hour training program that includes live coaching and practice teaching. See below for our 100 hour Spry Teacher Training program.

If you have not taken any yoga teacher training, our 200 Hour Program is the place to start.

200 Hour Program

Our 200 Hour Spry Mind+Body Teacher raining program consists of 100 hours of core curriculum, which we call "Yoga 101" plus our 100 Hour Spry Teacher Training Module, which focuses on the techniques and practices for teaching Spry yoga classes.

Yoga 101 Module

Read about the Yoga 101 curriculum here. 

2024 Schedule

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Spry 100 Hour Teacher Training Module

2024 Dates TBD

Our Spry Teacher Training module consists of 5 weekends during which participants learn the following:

Teaching Methodology

Includes principles of demonstration, observation, hands-on assisting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student's process of learning and business aspects of teaching yoga.

• Sensitivity Training: Bunions, Bellies and Blindfolds
• Baptiste Methodology
• 5 Pillars
• Art and Mastery
• 10 Tenets
• Use of Voice, Mirroring

Anatomy and Physiology
Includes both human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.). Includes both the study of the subject and application of its principles to yoga practice (benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc).

• Health Considerations When Teaching Seniors
• Yoga for Osteoporosis
• Yoga for Arthritis
• Shoulder Workshop

Techniques Training/Practice
These hours include: 1) analytical training in how to teach and practice the techniques and 2) guided practice of the techniques themselves.

• The Spry Blueprint
• Teaching the Chair Sequence
• Teaching the Chair+Mat Sequence
• Teaching the Mat Sequence
• Teaching the Spry Power Sequence
• How to Give and Receive Feedback
• Practice Teaching and Feedback

Required Reading: Journey Into Power, by Baron Baptiste

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers
Includes the study of yoga philosophies, yoga lifestyle and ethics for yoga teachers.

• Spry Community Process and Group Inquiry Work
• Ethics for Yoga Teachers

Practicum
Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teaching and hearing and giving feedback. Also includes assisting students while someone else is teaching.

• Practice Teaching Outside of Training (2 hours per week, minimum of 24 hours)
• Videotaping and Review
• Final Exam

Required Reading: Relax into Yoga for Seniors, Carson and Krucoff

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