Yoga Teachers Training Courses with Yoga Synergy

Yoga Teachers Training Courses

Simon Borg-Olivier and Bianca Machliss have been training teachers for over 20 years. Join their Yoga Teacher Training for an in-depth, practical training in the Yoga Synergy method, which integrates traditional yoga for the modern body. The Yoga Synergy method can be applied to all styles of yoga. Our Yoga Teacher Training courses offer in-depth training in Techniques of Yoga, Teaching Methodology, Anatomy and Physiology, Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle, Group Practicum and Presentation Skills. Courses are currently offered in Sydney & Byron Bay, Bali and Goa, India.

“Do it! Most intelligent, beautiful, evolutionary style of yoga. Do this teacher training and you will never have to do another.” Anna Maria Conneely (Ireland)

Upcoming Teacher Training

Bali: 200 and 300 hr Teacher Training 2018

Learn to teach the Yoga Synergy method in beautiful Bali, Indonesia. 200h or 300h option, and option to join for just 100h if you have previously completed 200h with Yoga Synergy.

November 2018 200h / 300h Bali Course Information

Sydney & Byron Bay: 200 hr Training 2018

This Yoga Synergy Teacher Training course in Sydney Australia is designed to be a flexible, modular training that you may start in May, September or October 2018 and complete whichever modules you missed in 2019.

2018 200h Sydney / Byron Bay Course Information

November 2018 200h / 300h Bali Course Information

2018 200h Sydney / Byron Bay Course Information

Learn to teach the Yoga Synergy method in beautiful Bali, Indonesia. 200h or 300h option, and option to join for just 100h if you have previously completed 200h with Yoga Synergy.
More info >>

Course Information

Due to space at our venue we can only accept limited numbers in your Yoga teacher training courses. See below for pre and co-requisites. Once we have received items 1-3 below, we will contact you to let you know where your application stands.

Fill out our preliminary application form.
- Sydney & Byron Bay 2018 Course Application
- Goa February 2018 Course Application
- You will then be sent a welcome email with further details.
- To be accepted onto the Yoga teacher training with Yoga Synergy, students will need to have completed a minimum of 2 years dedicated yoga practice under the guidance of qualified yoga teacher(s).

Upon confirmation of your invitation to join us on a training, we will appreciate receiving your A$1,000 deposit immediately to secure your place. Your payment will be non-refundable since you will receive access to the online course and be sent your Yoga Video downloads set to start you on your journey.

Commencing the Course

In order to qualify for and receive your 200h certificate you need to complete at least 20h of Online study as well as the 180 contact hour courses. This will qualify you to become a Level 1 Yoga Synergy teacher. If you complete the two online courses you will then become a Level 2 Yoga Synergy Teacher.
Please see our certification section for further details..

Please Note:

Applicants must complete the full registration process before being accepted into the course, we will confirm if your application is successful.
This training is not for everyone!   We expect you to arrive with an attitude of genuine interest in this intensive program, commitment to be present and participate to the best of your ability in all classes. If you're only interested in getting a 200 hour Yoga Teaching certification, or a relaxing yoga retreat or holiday, this training is not for you.
The training will be in English and we require you to be able to speak and understand easily so as to get maximum benefit and not slow down the learning for others.
If you have already done one or both of these online courses please let us know as you will be eligible to be credited for the fee you have paid for the course.

Yoga Synergy Teacher Training Certification Levels

Level 1 Yoga Synergy teacher completed:

Attended 180h training (4 weeks in India or modular Australian) Minimum 20h active time on Advanced Yoga Fundamentals Online course

With this level we will issue you a certificate that you can use to get registered with Yoga Alliance (200h) or Yoga Australia (Provisional-200h). You may then be included in our website "Find a Teacher" Level 1 section.

Level 2 Yoga Synergy teacher completed:

Level 1 (as above) Advanced Yoga Fundamentals Online course: 120h, 2 exams + discussion posts Applied Anatomy & Physiology of Yoga Online course: 120h, 2 exams + assignment Yoga History & Philosophy assignment or Attended 270h training (4 weeks in India) plus 200h training outside of Yoga Synergy plus minimum active time 30h on any of the online courses.

You will be listed in the Level 2 section to recognise the extra level of study you have done.

Level 3 Yoga Synergy teacher completed:

Level 2 (as above) Attended 270h training (4 weeks in India) Minimum 30h active time on Yoga Therapy Online course or If you have done 200h Training outside of Yoga Synergy you need to complete in addition:

Advanced Yoga Fundamentals Online course: 120h, 2 exams + discussion posts
Applied Anatomy & Physiology of Yoga Online course: 120h, 2 exams + assignment

or Completed Yoga Synergy Teacher Training prior to 2014

Those of you who've completed 4 weeks in India (270h) will be issued a certificate that will allow Yoga Alliance (300h) or Yoga Australia (300h). You can also be included in our website "Find a Teacher" Level 3 section.

If you have done a 200h training course outside of Yoga Synergy, you will need to complete both Online courses Advanced Yoga Fundamentals and Applied Anatomy & Physiology in order to proceed to be a Level 3 Yoga Synergy teacher

Level 4 Yoga Synergy teacher completed:

Level 3 (as above) 500h training Yoga Therapy Online course: 120h (2 exams) or Completed Yoga Synergy Teacher Training prior to 2014, plus Continued study with at least one online course

You will be listed in "Find a Teacher" as Level 4.

Level 5 Yoga Synergy teacher completed:

Teaching Yoga Synergy method for over 10 years, or teaching in a Sydney based Yoga Synergy studio for 3 years. You will be listed in "Find a Teacher" as Level 5 .

Yoga Synergy Certified teachers:

Will be advertised on the Yoga Synergy website as an authorized (certified) teacher of the Yoga Synergy style
Receive ongoing support from Yoga Synergy
Submit all advertising material that uses the Yoga Synergy name before printing to show how they are representing Yoga Synergy
Will be invited to partake in affiliate marketing of our online courses
Be invited to host workshops led by Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss at their studios
Will receive invitations to ongoing training and be expected to attend workshops run by Yoga Synergy when possible
Please note that studios other than those owned by Simon & Bianca cannot be called Yoga Synergy (this is a protected Trademark) but you will be authorised in writing to enable you to represent and promote teaching the Yoga Synergy style and using it for promotional purposes

Sample Course Curriculums for Level 1 and Level 2 Yoga Synergy Teacher Training

Sample Course Curriculum - Level 1 (200 hours)

Level 1 Yoga Synergy Teacher Training is accredited with Yoga Alliance for 200 hours. Techniques of Yoga - 95 hours  Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Sequencing, Satsang Teaching Methodology – 30 hours  Yoga Synergy method of teaching, adjustments for standing poses, floor poses, inversions, backbends. Modifications for injuries and special conditions. Learning how to cue movement, pace class, use of props. Teaching beginners with effective communication. Anatomy and Physiology – 35 hours  Basics of skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular anatomy, injury and recovery, esoteric anatomy including chakras, nadis, prana, and bandha, anatomy of adjustments. Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle - 30 hours  Basic yoga philosophy, Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Advaita Vedanta, Tantra and Ethics of being a yoga teacher. Group Practicum and Presentation Skills – 10 hours  Student observing, teaching, assisting in classes and presentation of assignments to group.

Sample Daily Schedule for 4 week Intensive

Each week will be approximately five full days, one half day, and one day off. We will have varying topics throughout the 4 weeks in the 2-6pm time-slot. The following is the basic schedule which varies slightly as benefits the group and may need to be varied depending on weather.

7:00am – 10:00am	Asana, Meditation and Pranayama
10:00am – 11:00am	Breakfast
11:00am – 1:00pm	Anatomy & Physiology, Teaching Methodology, Philosophy, Practicum
1:00pm – 2:00pm	Lunch
4:00pm - 7:00pm	Teaching Methodology, Practicum, 7.15pm Dinner

Sample Course Curriculum - Level 2 (300 hours)

Level 2 Yoga Synergy Teacher Training is accredited with Yoga Alliance for 300 hours. Techniques of Yoga – 83 hours (20 x 4h session + 1 x 3h session)  Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Sequencing, Satsang 2 hours practice of YogaSynergy style sequences with, adjustment by and guidance by ERYT. Each practice includes asanas, pranayama, chanting, mantra, meditation and relaxation. Assessment – each student will be assessed via a checklist during a 1.5h self practice. Both ERYT will observe with the checklist, checking the student teachers competency in executing each of the techniques that have been study. Competency is an ability to understand how the technique should be performed and to do so to their best ability. Feedback will be given after the exam and if student is deemed not yet competent they will be given another chance to show their competency at another time. Objectives Pranayama techniques – overview of how to do, each tecnique will be practiced in classes Meditation, Kriyas, Intro Section A, B , C Candra Namaskar C & Standing Pose Introduction Trikonasana Vinyasa Parivrtta Trikonasana Vinyasa Parsvakonasana Vinyasa Gadjasthana & Parsvottanasana Vinyasa Eka Pada Vinyasa & Virabhadra Vinyasa Headstand Headstand Headstand releasing Pashima & Janu Vinyasa Parsva Janu Vinyasa Supta Yoga Dandasana Vinyasa & SYD releases Padma Bhadvajrasana & eka pada padma Mayurasana Vajroli Vinyasa & ps Bak Shoulderstand Shoulderstand variations and releasing Pregnancy yoga Assessment Teaching Methodology – 80 hours (20 x 4h sessions)  This is a very hands on section whereby the ERYT will be demonstrating techniques and explaining methodology behind the techniques for all ranges of students abilities and body types. Students will then go and practice on one another, with the guidance of the ERYT. Students will be randomly assigned to adjust one another to get the maximum experience with different types of bodies. Objectives  Adjusting floor postures 1 Adjusting floor postures 2 Adjusting standing postures 1 Adjusting standing postures 2 Teaching inversions 1 Teaching inversions 2 Techniques for teaching whilst adjusting and demonstrating Instruction training Assessment will be done in each session. Each student will be assessed for competency by the ERYT via a checklist to determine if they have understood and can execute what has been taught in the classes. Anatomy and Physiology – 20 hours (7 x 3h sessions) This is a very practical course dealing with the physical applications of the information taught in the pre-requisite course in the 200h Teacher Training. This course presents theory and practice of bandhas (internal locks), which can increase strength and flexibility; kriyas (yogic cleansing processes); and mudras (energy-regulating exercises), which can stimulate nadis (yogic energy channels), tension (‘stretch’) nerves and acupuncture meridians. It also shows how theoretical understanding and practical application of bandhas and mudras during asana and pranayama can be used to circulate energy and information around the body as required; and prepare the body for meditative practices. Student teachers will be given guidelines for treating a number of musculoskeletal injuries and medical conditions with hatha yoga Assessment is via a 1 hour exam, and written assignment. Objectives Bandhas & Kriyas Mudras & Nadis Yoga Therapy 1 – Spine Yoga Therapy 2 – Upper and Lower Limbs Yoga Therapy 3 – Physiological conditions Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle – 40.5 hours (25 x 1.5h + 1x3h sessions) Students will be assigned topics at the beginning of the training program and given which session they will be leading the discussion in. Presentation to the class and essay to be submitted for assessment. Prior reading of each chapter for that particular day will be required by all students. The number of topics will be divided equally amongst the students, so there may be more than one presentation/leading of discussion per student, but only one essay per student is required for assessment. Assessment - Assignment of a 1000 word essay and presentation of that topic to the class is required. One hour written exam. Group Practicum and Presentation Skills – 50 hours (17 x 3h sessions) Practicum time will be spent teaching the student teacher group with the guidance and feedback immediately from the ERYT. Students will teach part of each class and be adjusting in part of each class, in rotation. It is a group learning experience so that everyone learns from others mistakes and from where they perform well. Rotation and amount of teaching and adjusting in these classes will be subject to the number of student teachers in the teacher training class. First hour will be spent revising teaching and/or assisting in the class, second hour will be spent in teaching and adjusting, third hour in feedback on their performance in teaching and assisting. Assessment is via a checklist for competency done by the ERYT who will be observing all classes. If a student is found not yet competent they will be given an opportunity to try again at a later date.

Sample Daily Schedule for 4 week Intensive

6:00am – 10:00am	Asana, Meditation and Pranayama
10:00am – 11:00am	Breakfast
11:00am – 1:00pm	Anatomy & Physiology, Teaching Methodology, Philosophy, Practicum
1:15pm – 2:15pm	Lunch
3:00pm - 7:00pm	Teaching Methodology, Practicum, 7.15pm Dinner

Our Philosophy

Yoga Synergy is a comprehensive method for practicing and teaching traditional yoga for the modern body. The practice of yoga brings awareness to the self and awakens the heart and soul of the individual. The more we practice yoga, the more we awaken and are able to guide others in this process of realizing our incredible human vitality. Practice is the key, and at Yoga Synergy we use methods to make the practice safe, responsive, dynamic, meditative and fun so that it is becomes a lifetime practice, enhancing and bringing joy to all aspects of life.

The Yoga Synergy Method

Simon Borg-Olivier and Bianca Machliss, both advanced yoga practitioners, experienced teachers and physiotherapists, have spent 30 years developing a scientifically based method for practicing Yoga and for Yoga teacher training called the ‘Yoga Synergy Method’. This method offers a yoga practice that is accessible to all, easy to understand and to teach. At the same time it is a challenging practice that develops strength, flexibility, fitness, internal health and a meditative flow. The Yoga Synergy method will:

increase flexibility without painful stretching
build strength without stressful muscle tension
increase circulation without increasing heart rate
bring more oxygen to your cells without breathing more than normal
bring intelligence to your cells without needing to have to think

After more than a decade of learning directly from yoga masters such as Sri B.K.S. Iyengar, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sri T.V.K. Desikarchar in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Simon and Bianca returned to Sydney University to complete degrees in Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) in 1993, to learn more about the human body for the benefit of their yoga practice and teaching. Their deep understanding of anatomy and physiology of yoga is applied in the Yoga Synergy Yoga teacher training method. This practical method aims to prevent and assist in recovery of, the many musculoskeletal injuries and medical conditions that occur as a result of modern yoga and exercise practice.

Our aim in Yoga teacher training is to begin the process of imparting what we have learnt as teachers to others who are enthusiastic about what we do. We would like to have people involved in Yoga Synergy who are dedicated, passionate, intelligent, safe and knowledgeable in their teaching, spreading the art of yoga to all people of different abilities and backgrounds around the world. In the Yoga Synergy teacher training we aim to nurture the ‘teacher-to-be’ and empower you with teaching skills that will enable you to teach and practice safely, professionally and with a secure knowledge in what you are doing. We hope to nurture you on the journey of self enquiry, deepening your understanding and transformation of self. There is no guarantee that at the end of this basic training you will be ready to teach but we hope you will be better prepared to do so when and if you are called to teach. For us, teaching yoga is its own reward and we are constantly on a learning path. We hope that you will appreciate the enormity of what we have to communicate to you and the years of study it has taken for us to learn the little we know of the art and science of yoga from our many teachers, who we gratefully acknowledge. Hopefully we can cut down the time of your learning as our teachers have done for us, however all learning takes time. While practicing yoga is an art that takes dedication, consistency and time to develop, teaching yoga requires a far greater level of commitment. Teaching yoga requires consistent self-practice, passion, compassion, selflessness and dedication.

Objectives

Successful applicants to this course will be taught:

the basic application and understanding of hatha yoga principles and the principles of applied anatomy & physiology of yoga, which can be used in all postures.
a generalized way to safely approach posture, movement and breathing.
how to approach the teaching of individuals and groups and gradually progress them in a safe and effective way.
the contraindications – warning markers – how to deal with people in special situations
safe and effective posture, movement, breath-control and mental-control for practising different types of yoga
the basic principles of teaching yoga, which include:
- How to teach a postural exercise in stages from the most simple to most complex versions
- Choosing a posture to teach and structuring a sequence around it which will safely and effectively lead practitioners up to it, and then appropriately release them out of it
- Basic guidelines on how to teach visually-instructed classes, verbally-instructed classes and give simple physical adjustments and guidance

We will also be working with variations of the 5 key elemental YS sequences which in their full form include most of the asanas from BKS Iyengar’s Light on Yoga and Sri K Pattahbi Jois’ Ashtanga Vinyasa Series. The course will give you Yoga Alliance accreditation at the 200h level. It includes 180 contact hours plus 240 hours of online course material including:

Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga (120 hour Yoga Synergy online course)
Essentials of Teacher Training: Yoga Fundamentals (120 hour Yoga Synergy online course)

WE SUPPORT OUR CERTIFIED TEACHERS

Once you are qualified Yoga Synergy offers ongoing support, promotion and further training for your teaching career.

Marketing Support
Teachers will be promoted on the Yoga Synergy teacher directory as an authorized (certified) teacher of the Yoga Synergy style with links to their own websites and Facebook pages. We will regularly spotlight our Teachers on the website.
Earn Affiliate Revenue via Referrals
You will be invited to partake in the affiliate marketing program for our online courses. Generous commissions paid.
Host Workshops
Be invited to host workshops led by Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss at their studios

See above in the "Certification' area for more information about our Yoga Synergy levels.

See the current Teachers Directory here.

VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP
You'll find everything you need to kick-start or deepen your yoga practice: videos, online yoga courses, and ebooks. BROWSE NOW

Devi Meenan

“If you want to learn a way to free your body, spine, mind and unleash energy, letting it flow through your body, causing a joy while moving, while staying relaxed and while breathing calmly then try Yoga Synergy”

Katherine Peverelle

I completed the 2020-2021 online teacher training course. The entire course took me an entire year to complete. The online courses (yoga fundamentals, yoga anatomy and asana) are worthwhile studying together as they compliment each other well. The material provided is thorough and in depth, and the video presentations are interesting and simple to follow. I think my favorite part of the course was the series of zoom lessons with Bianca and Simon. They are inspiring and welcoming teachers. No doubt the lessons would be far better in the flesh, but if you are unable to travel or leave home then this online course is a great option. The most important thing about the yoga synergy style of yoga is that it is accessible to many people because it encourages safe ways of performing postures. It encourages movements throughout the spine which has been tremendously advantageous in my own yoga practice. My students say they feel the difference in their practice too.

Nga Tran

"I did two teacher training courses with Simon and Bianca in 2015 and 2017, followed by a 10 day intensive Yoga therapy workshop in Sydney. These training courses both in person and online are one of the best training I've done which have shaped my personal practice and teaching today. Simon and Bianca's knowledge, support, and generosity are profound and I couldn't recommend Yoga Synergy enough to anyone who wants to become a yoga teacher or to deepen their teaching and practice."