Teacher Training

Do you love Yoga? Are you ready to take your passion to the next level?

At Heartspace, Yoga Teacher Training and In-Depth Studies programs are run through the Yoga Vidya School, directed by Lauren Toolin. There is both a 200+ Hour Program as well as a 340 Hour Advanced Program.

The 200+ Hour Program

The Yoga Vidya 200+ Hour program is an eight month, Yoga Alliance registered teacher training and in-depth studies course.

It is one of the most highly regarded and longest running programs in the NYS Capital Region. Since 2007, the school has certified more than 270 extraordinary teachers, and program graduates throughout the Northeast.

This training was developed by master teacher Saumya Lauren Toolin, E-RYT 500. Lauren has been practicing yoga for more than 37 years and teaching for more than 20. She has mentored more than 500 yoga teachers in her own programs, as guest faculty and as director of the international ParaYoga Master Training Certification program.

Lauren and program faculty will guide you to deepen your knowledge and practice of Yoga, immerse yourself in its philosophy, learn teaching techniques, study physical anatomy and the yogic body, explore the ethics and business of teaching Yoga and so much more.

This is a unique program that emphasizes yoga as a holistic wellness system and not solely as a workout. There is more to Yoga than just how to move on your mat, and Yoga Vidya illuminates this magical science in a deep and accessible way!

In this training you will first and foremost become a solid practitioner of yoga, and then expand and refine your skills to share and teach.

The Next 200-Hour series will begin in Fall of 2019.

2019/2020 Weekend Training Dates Held at Heartspace Albany:

  • 2019: September 29-30, October 19-20, November 16-17, December 14-15.
  • 2019: January 11-12, February 8-9, February 29- March 1, March 28-29, April 25-26.

2019/2020 Weekday Training Dates Held at Heartspace Troy:

  • 9am - 3:30pm, Most Wednesdays, October 30, 2019 - April 22, 2020.

Click here to learn more about or apply to the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training

  • "It was life changing! If you are looking to expand your practice, build a practice, just learn coping skills to help you, let's say, out of the darkness and into the light, this is really the place to be; Lauren's way of teaching and her style is unprecedented and it will be a valuable experience that will only bring you happiness and who doesn't like that? Lauren: Thank you for the gifts!"

    Student in Teacher Training Program

  • "I recently attended a workshop led by an internationally well known yoga teacher and although the training was wonderful, I have to say that it validated for me, what a top notch Yoga Education I have been receiving from Lauren and continue to receive from her. [Lauren] not only gives you the tools to be a good Yoga teacher but she really gives you the tools to change your life."

    Student in Teacher Training Program

  • "So grateful to be able to teach and share yoga. It's like a gift to myself everyday. Thank you for giving me such a solid personal, spiritual, business and yoga foundation from which to build and 'become.' I, literally, wouldn't be what I'm doing right now if I hadn't met you and had the privilege of studying with you."

    Student in Teacher Training Program

The 300-Hour Advanced Training and Immersion

This is a life-changing, multi-module program open to graduates of a 200-hour training or to dedicated students upon approval. Modules may be taken individually based upon interest, or in totality to receive Advanced Certification.

Unique in its scope and focus, this program is based philosophically in a 5000 year old Tantric lineage of which Lauren has been an initiate for 15 years. The Therapeutics modules stem from her work with the renowned Dr. Timothy McCall, with whom she taught Yoga as Medicine for several years, as well as her study with Gary Kraftsow and Kausthub Desikachar, and her Ayurveda studies though the Ayurvedic Institute.

Vast, deep and compelling, these trainings and immersions ask you to dive deeply and truly live your yoga!

2019/2020 Trainings will be Heartspace Albany will be on Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 9am-5pm:

TANTRA VIDYA: the Roots and Wings of Hatha Yoga (These trainings were already held in the spring of 2019, plus 2 webinars) Demystify Tantra and Kundalini Science and expand your world! Discover how hatha yoga is rooted in the esoteric and exotic comprehensive world of Tantra, and take your practice, and life, to the next level.

SVA SADHANA: Advanced Practice, Embodied Wisdom (May 18-19, June 21-23, plus 3 webinars) Take your personal practice to new heights and greater depth! Explore advanced pranayama and meditation, asana and Tantric hatha practices such as mudra, bandha, mantra and meditation, as well as engaging in the life changing process, The Four Desires.

SPECIAL WEEKEND with INDU ARORA: (June 7-9). The Secrets of Mudra, Marma, and Savasana! This is your chance to study with true Master Teacher of Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda.

AYURVEDA: (August 17-18) How to ‘live greatly’ as a practitioner and how to counsel your students in this wellness system.

ADVANCED TEACHING: (September 6-8, October 5-6) Refine your ability to embody and present the extraordinary. Advanced sequencing, how to teach meditation, advanced pranayama and philosophy, and the business of yoga will all be addressed in depth.

YOGA THERAPEUTICS: (October 26-27, November 9-10, November 23, December 6-8 will be weekend retreat) This part of the program examines the origins and modern day applications of yoga therapy. Topics covered include anatomy and physiology, the energetic body, types of therapy, more advanced Ayurveda, structural and experiential anatomy, the Panchamaya Kosha model, prana’s role in health, client observation, diagnosis and prescription, and much more. We will also explore Yoga’s role in one’s mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Click here to learn more about or apply to the 300-hour advanced training

Meet Our Instructors
What to Expect
Albany Class Schedule
Troy Class Schedule