Teach Yoga, Live Yoga

(Limited enrollees for best personalized learning experience)

2026 – 2027 YTT

• November 15 (Official Start with flex time book readings on your own)
• December 30th  –  January 18th  (20 Hours Flex time at your own pace and time) 

(The rest of the program is in person. Learn from heartfelt energy, touch & community) 

• January  21,23,24 
• February 6 & 7 and  20 & 21 
• March  5, 6 & 7 and  19, 20 & 21
• April 2, 3 & 4  and 9, 10 & 11 

General Times:

• Thursday January 21st 5:00 – 8pm 
• Fridays 5-8:45pm
• Saturdays: 11:00 – 6:45pm
• Sundays: 11:00 – 6:45pm

• Flexible personal one on one time with the Lead Instructor may be required 

Additional Hours:

• Our Final weekend may have extended time.  
• Two of our other weekends may require an extra 2-3 hours and shall be announced on our first weekend.
• Homework assignments
• Your public practice needs continue during (in person classes only – videos/Zoom omit the most critical aspects of Yoga, the energy, the assists, and connection of heart and desire to be truly present for you). You do not need to practice at GBY – but a discount will be offered in the Fall if desired

Notes from the Director
I have personally been in small group trainings (6-8) and large ones (12+). The ability to learn productively, manifest spiritually and deeply bond arrives within a smaller group is profound.  Personalized care is key at Grounded by Yoga. Each student grows at their own pace, and this allows for individual attention as needed. I never felt ready to teach from the heart until I experienced a more intimate setting, so this is what we deliver.

(This page is dedicated to our Group Training. If you are seeking a private, flexible one on one training please email Sandy. Private Cost is $8888.00. References available)

(note: This is not inclusive. Our program includes many experiential components as well and is a live process.  Should you have any questions, please call 585-861-YOGA or sign up for one of our info sessions)

• About Postures (modern yoga postures & traditional)
• Teaching  postures & pranayama (all adaptable)
• Proven Health Benefits 
• Trauma Awareness / Trauma Friendly Techniques  (Includes extra Trauma / PTSD info via research assignment if desired)
• Interdisciplinary/ Direct lineage teachings so that we can truly meet students where they are and most importantly – yourSelf.
• Yoga Nidra discussion as a state of consciousness (what it IS & ISN’T.)
• Debunking “The Chakras” and removing the dilution 
• Effective start and class endings
• Teaching Beginners, Gentle, Level 1, and Mixed Level options
• Proper Hands on Assists for deepening awareness, nurturing 
• Sequencing- How, When, Why
• Proper Environment & Creating a Yogic Space
• Theming Process  – Peppering with authentic yogic wisdom
• Finding your personal style and teaching from the depths of your Heart
• The 4 paths of yoga 
• Keeping spirituality alive inside and out
• Advancing Pranayama (depending upon where our own practices are as a group)
• Kriyas and Bandhas
• Yogic Anatomy (Gross & Subtle)
• Yoga History Overview and “seeing the pattern”
• Conscious Language
• Private Yoga or Studio Management /Ownership (we will vote on our choice or do 1/2 of each!)
• Yogic Nutrition
• Yoga Philosophy
• Intro to Sanskrit Language
• Importance of Transcendence (Beyond Buddhism / Mindfulness)
• Experiences in Meditation as time  /group allows
• Modern Day Lineage/Styles experience & overview  *  Yin Yoga *  Iyengar Yoga * Ashtanga/Vinyasa Style *  Sivananda Yoga. “Exploring the Tools” of these modern day lineages.

• Prenatal Basics
• Yoga Dilution and its Prevention
• Disconnecting to Connect
• Business Ethics
• Marketing Your Self or Your Yoga Business
• Yoga on and off the Mat
• Practicum 
• Quizzes are delivered to allow to help in your growth and understanding. 80% required for teaching certificate and proper attitude.

Student additional costs:

• Application fee $150
• Books (approximately $140 – you may purchase used books on the internet)
• Workshops Approx; $20 – $30 total
• Continuation of your practice (GBY will offer discounts 10 pack or 3 Months Unlimited or Yogi Life if desired)
• Wall certificate if desired: $45
• Trainee Insurance (approx $70)
• Make-ups are $95/hour and need to be made up prior to next session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. No makeups after March 15th 2027 unless agreed by teacher and student at time of application.

After Graduation:

• Receive 10% off the very next Restorative Yoga or Yin Yoga Teacher Training 
• If you are a teacher at GBY, receive mentor-ship in any way and especially with therapeutic/special concerns
• Records are maintained for a period of 2 years from date of application.

Click Here for Online Application

Click Here for Printable Application

Within one week of application, tuition is due or payment agreement is due.

• Saraja, Grand Master Yoga Teacher and  Senior Master / Institute Leader with World Yoga Federation. 
• Dr. Ted Barnett, Yogic Nutrition, Whole Foods
• Damodar Das, Bhakti Yoga / Language of Yoga
• Sue Spencer, RYT, Dharana Yoga
• Please note: Our shorter trainings like the 2027 training will have 1-2 presenters.

A high degree of self-motivation and discipline is required for all aspects of the course. Traveling on the yogic path requires dedication and faith in the process of yoga. If you do not have a current practice, but are simply interested in deepening your knowledge, you may apply as well and will receive a special certificate. Please let us know this on your application. For teaching certification, you must posses a regular practice before and during the program. (GBY will offer discounted passes if desired).  Let’s remember, hatha yoga was created for the injured body, not the perfect body. In this hatha yoga laced program, we welcome all bodies, ages, races, sexes.

WHAT LINEAGES WILL I BE ABLE TO EXPLORE?
Modern day yoga: Iyengar, Ashtanga/Vinyasa, Sivananda, Yin Yoga,  Traditional Yoga: Karma, Raja, Bhakti and Jnana. Additionally, you’ll have the foundations for Gentle, Prenatal, Mixed Levels, & “Special Interest” & more. We offer a unique process from a vast 50 years of experience. Trust in the process and you” receive just perfectly. Certified professionals dedicated to each will be part of your training faculty, bringing you authentic delivery and integrity to your curriculum

I DON’T KNOW IF I WANT TO TEACH – CAN I STILL ENROLL?
Many enter yoga trainings with no intention of teaching, for it is an opportunity to deepen and broaden your knowledge and experience yoga in a way you simply cannot do in regular classes. Do I physically need to be able to…. Forget that concern, this program is open to all. The yoga teacher training modules serve to educate health professionals, yoga instructors, yoga students or anyone with an interest in the wisdom of yoga.  

CREDIT FROM PRIOR SCHOOL ACCEPTABLE?
This is an entry level course as well as it’s very unique due to it’s direct lineage trainings of the lead instructor. Please call.

“Sometime prior to my yoga teacher training with Sandy at Grounded by Yoga, I had tremendously high expectations. I know yoga teachers and through their advice concerning their own trainings, and my own research and practice, I knew this was the place to be. You have completely fulfilled my high hopes and I couldn’t be happier with the great deal of knowledge I acquired throughout this training. The width of topics covered including philosophy, anatomy, Sanskrit, asana, assisting, history, business, and much more, were so thoroughly and carefully taught that it actually amazes me how did you effectively be able to do all that to us?? What I came away with most is the wisdom and resources I need to continue to read, learn, and grow, into an experienced yoga teacher. I am extremely happy with this program and feel truly proud to be able to call myself a graduate of this fine school.” ~ Jennifer

“WOW where do I begin? Sandy, you really go above and beyond what I think is expected and it shows! Each one of us experienced a transformation and bond that is just amazing!!! LOVED all the workshops and guest teachers, please tell them how grateful I am to have been in their presence as well as yours and my fellow ‘kulas’! I will be moving out west soon, and what a feeling and joy to know have incredible vast of tools to use to create extraordinary class experiences for people. i can’t thank you enough….I just can’t.” ~ Mary

“Sandy Hicks is a phenomenal yoga teacher, and yoga teacher trainer. Not only does she uphold ALL ethics of YA, but she adheres strictly and admirably to the traditional way of teaching yoga, its philosophy, and lifestyle. I have referred many students looking to begin at YTT, and know that one at least began training with Grounded by Yoga. Even though her school is 5 hours away, if I were to invest in a 500hr training, her recommendations and suggestions are what I would go with. When looking at other YA schools in Akron, they always fall short of the integrity, quality, and professionalism that Sandy gives in GBY.”~ Jess

“Dear Sandy, my whole world is brighter, my life is clear, and I feel so complete for the first time in 38 years. I have enjoyed knowing you and the fact that you give mentorship for free indefinitely is a blessing and a generous gift. I may never need it, but the support you offer is a good feeling. Thank you for EVERYTHING, you deserve so much Sandy. Will miss this group and YOU!!!!” ~ Kathy

Facilities Equipment

• 2500 sq foot space) as well as another 1500 sq feet downstairs during our graduating weekend. Space was built in 2011 by owner for sole intention of a Yoga School.
• “Equipment” is provided by Grounded by Yoga and includes: Blocks, Straps, Bolsters of 6 sizes, zafus, zabutons, chairs, walls.