Group Fitness Classes Burlington

200-hr Overview

Kerri Sherk at The Studio at The Firm is pleased to be collaborating with Alex Bovkis, Lynn Mighton, and Beth Rutty, for the fourth year, to present Yoga Teacher Training (RYT – 200). Alex has been offering yoga teacher training, (200 hr and 300 hr), since 2012.

The emphasis of the YTT program is on personal development and cultivation of each student’s unique teaching style. This is a Classical Hatha Yoga training, following the lineage of the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga.

Our next Yoga Teacher Training course begins on October 11th, 2023 and takes 8 months to complete.

This program has been approved by the Yoga Alliance. Upon successful completion you will receive an RYT-200 certificate which allows you to teach yoga worldwide.

Program

We will cover the following topics:

Asana, Assisting and Teaching Methodologies
Yoga Philosophy, Ethics and Lifestyle
Yoga Anatomy and Physiology
Understanding Energy: Prana, Chakras, and Major Nadis.
A deep look at yourself, your triggers and your current challenges in life
In order to gain experience, assisting opportunities will be presented, as well as supervised teaching opportunities.

During the program we will meet two Sundays each month from 12:30 - 6:30 pm.

We will also meet every Wednesday evening, from 5:30-8:15 pm.

You are required to attend at least one studio yoga class a week. You are welcome to come to as many studio classes as your times allows. All studio classes are included in the program fee.

Later in the program we will arrange special practicum classes to help you develop your teaching skills.

Please read over the following excerpt on "What to Expect During Our Yoga Teacher Training"

Instructors

Yoga Teacher Training is taught collaboratively by:

Kerri Sherk : RYT 500 , Registered Dietitian, Ayurveda Practitioner Training level 1 (50 hrs)

– Anatomy, Asana, Doshas, Teaching Methodology

Alex Bovkis : E-RYT 500

– Asana, Yoga Philosophy & Psychology, Teaching Methodology, Group Dynamics, Chanting

Lynn Mighton : E-RYT 500, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Reiki Drum Practitioner and Reiki Master

– Asana, Anatomy, Restorative Yoga

Beth Rutty : E-RYT 500, Thai Yoga Massage (60 hrs), Ayurveda Practitioner Training Level 1 (50 hrs)

– Pranayama

Application

The application process includes a personal interview and a completed application form with the deposit.

To request an application form please send Kerri a text from the button below (905-515-1413).

Download the YTT 200 Application

Cost and Payment

Early Bird tuition is $3400 plus HST = $3842. A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 and signed agreement for payment plan is due by September 13th, 2023. Payment plan is $417.75 monthly beginning October 11, 2023 (first class), and then November 1st, 2023 through to May 1st, 2024.

After September 14th, the full cost for the training is $3700 plus HST = $4181. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required upon registration to secure your position as well as a signed agreement for your payment plan. Payment plan is 8 monthly payments of $460.13, starting on October 11, 2023 and then November 1st, 2023 through to May 1st, 2024.

Other payment arrangements are possible. Please speak to us in person.

Fees include unlimited drop-in classes with Kerri and Lynn and other affiliated instructors for the duration of training.

Your application will be reviewed as soon as it is received and you will be requested to attend a one-on-one interview. If you are not admitted to the program, your deposit will be returned to you in full.

To request an application form please contact us below.

Location and Dates

The training takes place at The Studio at the Fitness Firm, 15 Plains Rd. West, Burlington (Plains Rd. and Waterdown Rd.)

We are scheduled to meet:

Every Wednesday, 5:30 - 8:15 pm, starting October 11th, 2023.
Two - three Sundays a month, 12:30 - 6:30 pm, starting October 15th, 2023.

You are expected to attend at least one studio class a week.

There will be practicum sessions set up to assist you in gaining teaching skills.

Below are the dates for our Sundays:

October 15th and 29th
November 5th, 12th and 26th
December 3rd and 17th
January 14th and 28th
February 4th, 11th and 25th
March 10th and 24th
April 7th and 21st

Contact Us About YTT

What Our Graduates Say

Take a look at other people’s experiences to see the value of completing our YTT!

Karen

"If you are in a place in your life where you want to go deeper with understanding who you are in relation to the world around you, I highly recommend taking this YTT course. This is not your average yoga training course. It’s an extensive and wonderful exploration into learning how your mind, heart and body work together. The knowledge level of the instructors is phenomenal, with each of them bringing their expertise to the course: yoga philosophy, yoga nidra and asana.

I was part of a caring group, where I felt safe to share, practice and go further with my learning. YTT was a life changer! Thank you Alex, Kerri and Lynn!"

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Stacey M., 2018 Graduate

“2018 meant the completion of my Yoga teacher training. Something I have talked about for easily 5 years or more, but was always “too busy” to do. The choice to do my training through Shanti Yoga Hamilton was an easy one. This meant an opportunity for training with Alex Bovkis, which I will forever be grateful for. I was provided not only the necessary components to create and teach a safe and balanced sequence, but was also allowed the creative freedom to develop a teaching style of my own. Throughout the entire process, I felt more like I was being guided than “taught” and in doing so was able to experience more growth and self development than I would have ever considered possible (or at times, would have ever thought necessary) So, while others say good riddance to 2018 in hope for a better 2019, I will sit in gratitude for a year that brought growth. Growth in health, growth in knowledge and growth in love. I look forward not to a better 2019, but to whatever 2019 decides to throw at me.”

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Kathy H., 2017 Graduate

“This program has been so healing for me. I was able to work on myself, step by step and slowly regain some energy but more importantly, connection with myself. I resonated with the richness of Alex’s approach to teaching which includes asana practise of course, but also story-telling which made the philosophy both accessible and entertaining. We discussed the significance of ancient texts through the lens of our personal experiences. This small group of students became trusted friends with whom I shared my journey.

I was astounded by the generosity of Alex, Jay and Lynne over and over again. I’ve grown in my spiritual life in a way that I never knew I wanted or had thought about in connection to Yoga teaching. I have great gratitude to Alex, Jay, Lynne and to Shanti Yoga studios and Regent studios for this experience of a lifetime. ”

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S.M., 2016 Graduate

“Thank you for providing me with sacred space to be with all the parts of myself.

For gently watching over me with wisdom as I struggled, sorted, sank and swam into both darkness and light.

For making it safe for me to be with emptiness and fear.

For making it possible for me to find my inner strength and peacefulness.”

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Christina M., 2015 Graduate

"The course offered so much more than I ever expected. I don’t even know where to begin… It changed my life. I feel so incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity. I feel confident in the knowledge I acquired from this course to start teaching. I also feel lighter, yet more full. Full of love, life, and acceptance. This course would benefit someone looking to teach as well as someone who is looking to deepen their own practice.

For giving me a chance – I thank you. For holding a space that healed me, I thank you. For providing me with the tools I need to be a good teacher, I thank you. For being such an amazing person to learn from and to look up to on this journey, I thank you. For everything I thank you."

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Min P., 2015 Graduate

"I absolutely loved it! I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about yoga and/or about themselves. The journey is so full of twists of turns – and when you hit a pit-stop, you end up finding the most amazing gift of truthfulness and realness!!

I really truly appreciate what you and Jay do for YTT – what you have done for me! You both really put yourselves out there for others and truly give – you have created an amazing space for individuals to open up and learn about themselves and make it safe and comfortable to do so!!!

Thank you so very much!"

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Ann M., 2014 Graduate

"After years of enjoying the physical and emotional benefits of Yoga, I had a burning desire to take my experience to the next level. I investigated several YTT options and after a single conversation with Alex, I sensed a rare authenticity and I knew I had found the right YTT instructor for me.

As a gifted YTT instructor, Alex has boundless energy and generosity of spirit. She is continually expanding her own wealth of knowledge and enthusiastically shares her own growth and insights. Alex is the embodiment of grace, dedication and passion and is a constant source of inspiration every step of the way on this incredible journey. With Jay’s nurturing support, Shanti Yoga Studio offers a holistic and comprehensive YTT program that I would highly recommend to anyone fortunate enough to consider this wonderful opportunity. My fellow YTT students have become part of my extended family and our connection has enriched my life beyond all expectation. The decision to do YTT at Shanti is among the best choices I have ever made."

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Kim T.

"Whether or not you are looking to teach yoga Alex Bovkis of Shanti Yoga Hamilton provides a magical life long learning opportunity in the Yoga Teach Training offered at her studio. It is so much more than a cookie cutter course to teach the physical aspects of yoga.
Alex introduces the participant to the eight limbs of a yoga, paying special attention to the philosophies of the ancient yoga sutras, as well as the physical aspects of the practice. Journal writing is encouraged and is an integral aspect of the journey you take through your life as you participating in the course. Alex makes herself available to thoughtfully discuss the writing process as well as supporting the student in the planning and building of class material .
I can’t recommend the course highly enough, as a personal trainer I have been able to incorporate much of the learning into my practice and will be continuing to the next level in January 2015. Thanks to Alex and Jay for providing the space and passion for such important teachings."

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Magda, 2020 Graduate

"The 200 RYT teacher training program with Alex, Kerri and Lynn through Shanti yoga was, simply said, illuminating! If you are looking for a program that takes you further into your physical practice and deeper into the more philosophical and mystical side of Yoga, then I believe this is the best place to begin your journey. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of such and generous and supportive group of students and teachers. I witnessed an immensely positive shift in myself relative to the time we spent studying all the rich aspects of Yoga. Thank you A, K & L for what you do, and how you support your students toward becoming stronger and braver, with every passing week.

I am especially thankful to Alex, whose knowledge and dedication to the teaching of Yoga is a true validation of what it means to truly bring Yoga off the mat into our life’s practice.

Thank you all, I will never forget the experience. Namaste!"

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Rhoda R., 2022 Graduate

"I started my yoga teacher training at the Fitness Firm as a senior and the rewards have been amazing. The teaching team bring a wealth of experience, skill, practicality, and wisdom. They have refined the content and pacing of the program to ensure ample time to absorb, reflect and practice new skills and awareness. My confidence to lead yoga practice has grown enormously and I recommend the Fitness Firm YTT to anyone who seeks to go deeper into yoga practice and become an instructor."

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Erin H., 2022 Graduate

"The Fitness Firm offers a YTT Teacher "trifecta" of expertise, offering a well-rounded introduction to yoga concepts.
Kerri, Lynn and Alex, each augment yoga teachings by bringing their individual perspectives, areas of knowledge and interest to the lessons. As the YTT 200-hour level spans 8 months, the time frame and pacing allow for deep consideration and integration of yoga concepts through regular reflection and practice via weekly assignments. My personal journey led to expanded and subtle shifts in my world view, as yoga philosophy discussions elicited further questioning of many held assumptions based in western philosophy.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to continue their personal journey via yoga and become an accredited YTT teacher along the way!"

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