BASIC YOGA INSTRUCTOR (BEGINNER)

UNIT 1 – Introduction to Yoga & Basic Principles

Theory Module

1. Introduction and history of Yoga
2. Meaning and philosophy of Yoga
3. Benefits of regular yoga practice
4. Basic principles of yoga practice
5. Introduction to Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation
6. Importance of discipline and consistency
7. Basic body awareness and posture
8. Yoga practice environment and preparation
9. Safety guidelines and precautions
10. Role and responsibilities of a beginner yoga instructor

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Prepare a safe yoga practice space
2. Practice basic standing posture
3. Learn simple warm-up movements
4. Practice body awareness exercises
5. Perform basic stretching techniques
6. Practice correct breathing awareness
7. Develop proper posture and alignment
8. Learn basic relaxation techniques
9. Practice a short beginner warm-up routine
10. Conduct a basic guided practice session

UNIT 2 – Basic Yoga Asanas & Alignment

Theory Module

1. Introduction to basic Yoga Asanas
2. Standing, sitting and lying postures
3. Correct alignment principles
4. Balance and flexibility
5. Strength and mobility through Asanas
6. Common beginner mistakes
7. Modifications for different abilities
8. Safe use of props
9. Benefits and precautions of basic Asanas
10. Sequencing beginner-level postures

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Practice Tadasana
2. Practice Vrikshasana
3. Practice Trikonasana
4. Practice Bhujangasana
5. Practice Vajrasana
6. Practice Balasana
7. Practice Setu Bandhasana
8. Practice Pawanmuktasana
9. Practice simple Surya Namaskar
10. Correct posture and alignment
11. Practice using yoga blocks, straps and mats
12. Create a basic beginner Asana sequence

UNIT 3 – Pranayama, Relaxation & Basic Meditation

Theory Module

1. Introduction to Pranayama
2. Importance of breath awareness
3. Breathing patterns and techniques
4. Benefits and precautions of Pranayama
5. Introduction to relaxation practices
6. Stress management through yoga
7. Introduction to meditation
8. Concentration and mindfulness
9. Guided relaxation techniques
10. Creating a safe breathing and meditation practice

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Practice natural breathing awareness
2. Practice abdominal breathing
3. Practice Dirga/three-part breathing
4. Practice Anulom Vilom
5. Practice simple Bhramari
6. Practice breath coordination with movement
7. Perform guided relaxation
8. Practice basic mindfulness
9. Conduct a short meditation
10. Combine breathing, relaxation and meditation into a routine

UNIT 4 – Yoga Teaching Skills & Beginner Class Planning

Theory Module

1. Qualities of an effective yoga instructor
2. Communication and demonstration skills
3. Giving clear verbal instructions
4. Correcting posture safely
5. Class structure and sequencing
6. Warm-up, Asana, Pranayama and relaxation flow
7. Time management during classes
8. Beginner modifications and alternatives
9. Basic precautions and when to avoid certain practices
10. Professional conduct and instructor responsibilities

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Prepare a 30-minute beginner class plan
2. Demonstrate basic warm-up exercises
3. Give clear posture instructions
4. Demonstrate selected Asanas
5. Guide students through breathing exercises
6. Practice safe alignment corrections
7. Introduce modifications and props
8. Conduct a guided relaxation
9. Lead a complete beginner sequence
10. Receive feedback and improve teaching technique

UNIT 5 – Beginner Yoga Teaching Practicum & Final Project

Theory Module

1. Complete beginner yoga class structure
2. Lesson planning and preparation
3. Student communication and observation
4. Safe teaching practices
5. Managing a group yoga session
6. Adapting sequences for beginners
7. Instructor presentation and professionalism
8. Basic documentation and class records
9. Building a beginner yoga teaching portfolio
10. Career opportunities and continuing yoga education

Practical Module – Step by Step

Stage 1 – Planning

1. Select the target beginner group
2. Prepare class objectives
3. Create a warm-up sequence
4. Select suitable Asanas
5. Plan Pranayama and relaxation
6. Prepare a complete class schedule

Stage 2 – Teaching Practice

7. Introduce the session

8. Demonstrate each posture

9. Guide students through the sequence

10. Give verbal instructions and corrections

11. Monitor posture and breathing

12. Maintain appropriate class pace

Stage 3 – Complete Teaching Session

13. Conduct a 30–45 minute beginner yoga class

14. Include warm-up and Asanas

15. Include basic Pranayama

16. Conduct relaxation/meditation

17. Conclude the session appropriately

Stage 4 – Final Evaluation

18. Receive instructor feedback

19. Correct teaching mistakes

20. Repeat and improve the session

21. Prepare a teaching portfolio

22. Complete final practical demonstration and viva

FINAL PROJECT

Beginner Yoga Instruction Project

Students will plan and conduct a complete 30–45 minute beginner-level yoga session, including:

• Class objectives
• Warm-up routine
• Basic Asana sequence
• Alignment and modifications
• Pranayama
• Relaxation
• Basic meditation
• Safe teaching instructions
• Class conclusion
• Lesson plan/documentation
• Practical teaching demonstration