FAQ’s

Since 2006. Our program has been led by Sid McNairy. In order to provide the highest quality of training, or program has evolved extensively, and continues to do so. Each class may have a slight adaptation than the previous one, as we maintain a goal with the highest quality of standards.

While there are no specific requirements, we value those who are demonstrating a commitment to their yoga practice, are practicing on how to live with an open heart, and have a desire to grow.

There are two levels of 500 hour training:

1. Those who wish to gain all 500 teaching hours through Sid Yoga. One will complete our 200 hour program, along with the 300 hours of advanced training.

2. Those who have completed a 200 hour teacher training through an approved program, and wish to do 300 hours of advanced training.

While there are no specific requirements, we value those who seek a deeper understanding of yoga through personal empowerment, empowerment for the world, spirituality, and the goal to teach and inspire others for life.

Yes, yet it must first be approved by the program director, Sid McNairy.

Applications are typically due 2 weeks prior to the start date of our teacher training programs. Deadlines for paying the $500 deposit are due upon acceptance. Remaining tuition balance is due the day of the first meeting. Review the training dates on the website for upcoming application deadline dates.

Download our application, complete this in full. You may e-mail, mail, or personally hand-in your application. You application must also be accompanied by your $50 non-refundable application fee.

All applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If your application is received after the deadline, it will be reviewed if space is available. There is also a $100 late-application fee.

The nature of our trainings are kept to a number that keeps the group cohesive and personal during the training. We accept students based on the quality of the student, rather than on the numbers. We generally accept up to 20 students each training group.

No. During the intensives each student is responsible for their own food. Snacks may be eaten during short breaks. There will be a one-hour break for lunch during long Saturday trainings. Students typically prepare food to bring with them, or walk to a near cafe.

Yes. We encourage everyone to apply, no matter their ultimate goals from completing the program. You can gain experience to become an authentic and powerful teacher, or choose to immerse yourself deeper into yoga.

Students are responsible for their own housing. There are several hotels or motels conveniently in the area. We are happy to recommend some for you. However, other teachers in training are usually very generous to open their home to their fellow trainees. This can be addressed during the first meeting upon meeting one another.

Yes. There are additional components of the training which can be completed around ones personal schedule. There is weekly meditation, karma yoga (selfless service), book readings, Assisting practicum, and a teaching internship. There is also a final requirement paper and evaluation for the 500 hour program.

Yes, there are required readings that are completed throughout the training course. Book list is given upon program acceptance. Discussions (in-person or online) may be held, including review of material.

Each trainee is assigned a “mentor”, which is a current teacher, or one who recently completed their teacher training, who is there to support your process. They are here for questions, feedback, meetings if needed to review material, and anything else. Also, your staff and instructors are available.

A $500 deposit is due upon program acceptance. The remaining balance is due at the first meeting. Special circumstances are reviewed on an individual basis.

Along with your acceptance letter, you will be e-mailed a reading list. While you have throughout the training to complete book readings, you may begin these as soon as you want. Some students wish to do this early, as a foundation for their training. Also, schedule the dates in your calendar, to ensure you are available for all intensive times.

The difference is in the structure of the program. Although we have two different program outlines, the course content covered is the same, and the requirements for program completion are the same. No matter which type of training they attend, each student will complete the same amount of classroom learning, and complete the same additional program requirements such as book readings, teaching internships, Karma duties, and assisting practicum, in order to graduate from our training program. The choice is up to the student to what he/she would like to commit.

Faculty is devoting 100% of their time, and it is required the student do as well. Students should plan ahead accordingly to make 100% of all session times. Absence is discouraged, as the student is responsible for any missed hours and will have to pay extra out-of-pocket for private sessions to make-up the difference.

While weekends and intensives are mentally, physically, and spiritually challenging, they are also a personal, social and enjoyable time. For one to give and receive at their highest level, we recommend free time during intensives be spent re-charging and relaxing as much as possible.

For the 200 hour training, after the third intensive, one completes a 20-class teaching internship. Internship teaching classes are offered at Lifeline based on availability on classes and the trainee. Outside internship sites include local yoga studios, fitness centers, work sites, personal groups, churches, or other approved sites.

For the 500 training, a final certification process includes class evaluations of other yoga styles, a yoga scripture comparison paper, yoga philosophy paper, and video taping evaluation of teaching, reviewed by the student and program leaders.

After the final 200 hour training intensive, one has 5 months to complete their teaching internship. For 500 hour trainees, there are 6 months to complete the final requirements.

Yoga Alliance is the national education and support organization for yoga in the United States. We work in the public interest to ensure that there is a thorough understanding of the benefits of yoga, that the teachers of yoga value its history and traditions and that the public can be confident of the quality and consistency of instruction. Go to www.YogaAlliance.org for more information.

Yes. Our programs are a 200 hour and 500 hour Registered Yoga School (RYS) through Yoga Alliance. Once training is complete, you will receive your training certificate that can be sent into Yoga Alliance to receive your 200RYT (registered yoga teacher).

Teaching positions at Lifeline are offered to those who demonstrate a high commitment to and quality of teaching yoga. Positions are offered based upon available classes. Should one seek a teaching position at another yoga studio, if you inquire, we are happy to make a personal call upon your behalf. We have teachers in North Carolina, Connecticut, Florida, California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and all other states who are successfully teaching yoga, holding yoga studio management positions, and are business leaders creating programs for their community.

Yes. We require yearly requirements that include workshop participations, yoga class/workshop teaching, and involvement in the Empowerment and Beyond program (now offered on audio).