New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise: Yoga
The Yoga elective is designed to be completed as part of the New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4).
Completing the Yoga elective will prepare you with foundational knowledge and skills to help continue your journey towards becoming a yoga instructor.
To enrol in this programme, you need to be working in a paid job with an exercise facility or organisation, self-employed, or a volunteer with regular and consistent shifts.
If you don't have a role lined up, contact us to talk about how we can help.
It's important to be aware that the Yoga elective has special requirements for the learner. It requires a high degree of self-directed learning, and you will need the support of a qualified and experienced yoga teacher, for face-to-face support and mentoring.
As this elective has additional requirements, please start by contacting our exercise sector specialist to find out if it's right for you.
This 12-credit elective is part of the New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4), which is designed to be completed in 8 to 12 months.
You'll be trained and observed in the workplace. Your assessments will be completed online.
Key learning areas include:
- The underlying philosophy of yoga: Yoga terms, yogic body, key texts, yoga practice methods, yoga lineage
- Basic yoga practice: Asana (techniques, benefits, and limitations), pranayama techniques, use of props
- Health and safety requirements: Pre-screening and class planning
- Instructing yoga as a holistic exercise class (practical): Asana demonstration and guidance, modifications based on ability, cueing and class management, participant safety, participant self-reflection and post class interaction.
After completing the Te Mahi Ako yoga strand, if you wish you can do further training (up to a maximum of 12 hours) to become eligible to register with Yoga New Zealand, at Yoga Instructor level.