Frameworks Yoga believes that space matters. We’ve designed the program to feel beautiful and promote contemplative learning.

All weekends are being hosted by Schoolhouse Yoga’s North Hills location: 7210 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

We’ll be learning over 15 weekends and through 15 online sessions. The weekend modules run Saturday and Sunday, 12:30-7:30pm:

• February 7-8

• February 21-22

• February 28-March 1

• March 14-15

• March 28-29

• April 11-12

• April 25-26

• June 13-14

• June 27-28

• July 25-26

• August 22-23

• September 12-13

• September 26-27

• October 10-11

• October 24-25

The online sessions are on the Tuesday before the in-person modules, from 6-9pm. There are a few exceptions. Here is a Google calendar of dates/times.

Anatomy:

Frameworks 300 explores individual variation in our anatomy and how this influences what poses and modifications work for any given person. You’ll discover your own strengths and what works best for you.

Through slides, discussion and practice, you’ll get to know the five vertical fascial lines as laid out in Thomas Meyer’s Anatomy Trains book.

We’ll also discuss the ‘global systems:’ digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, synovial. Special attention is given to our nervous system, which is the foundation for the self-study of both mind and body.

Practice:

All of this anatomy information is abstract until we get on our mats and explore it. Every practice will be tailored to what we are focusing on, and no two sequences will be the same. This keeps the practice in-the-moment and fresh.

Teaching Methodology:

The Frameworks techniques are designed for effective learning, leaving no student behind. We’ll explore the three major ways people learn: visually, kinesthetically, and auditorily.

We will review the nine ways to use props. In addition, you’ll gain insight about four different types of adjustments, and when they should and shouldn’t be used.

Beyond single sequences, you’ll learn how to design series and workshops–even your own teacher training. We will review both how to teach in-person and through video.

Philosophy:

We will review the Yoga Sutras and discuss the ways this pivotal text is still relevant today. We will also discuss Zen and Confucian literature and its influence on both meditation and Yin Yoga. Various meditation techniques arise from various philosophies, and it’s helpful to be clear on the intention of the various styles. We can all discover which techniques work best for us.

The early-bird tuition is $3250, which brakes down as follows:

• Early-bird deposit by December 15: $500

• Balance due by February 7: $2750

The full tuition is $3450:

• Full deposit December 16 on: $700

• Balance due by February 7: $2750

Make your deposit with this link.

Every weekend is a blend of discussion, practice, and reflection. We'll start with a short meditation and discussion for grounding and focus. Between the syllabus and the email I’ll send earlier in the week, you’ll know what we’re working on each weekend, so you’ll be prepared.

We’ll take a few breaks, including a 30-minute pause for lunch/dinner. My hope is you’ll finish every day ready for a good night’s sleep, having creatively explored this wonderful practice, and having learned something fresh and useful.

Frameworks Yoga 300 does assume a basic foundation of sanskrit, anatomy and movement. This is why you’ll be provided the resources on any area you feel you’d like to review. You’ll be able to catch yourself up in no time.

Frameworks Yoga philosophy can be applied to any style. Our core concepts are designed to allow any teacher to transmit what is important to them with safety, grace and intelligence. If style is the art of yoga, I think of our method as the engineering of it.

To get a sense of how I teach, please check out my YouTube channel and practice with me.

You don’t. Yoga Alliance is fine with yoga teachers earning a 300-hour before a 200-hour training. They have requirements regarding the timing of how you register with them, but it wouldn’t affect your ability to use Frameworks programs as training hours once you’re ready.

The manual is included in the cost of the training. Frameworks 300 requires you to have the following books (any edition): 

• Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank H. Netter

• Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers

• Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar

We consider these reference books throughout your study and career.

We will also have an extensive “recommended reading” list, but please don’t feel the need to buy all of these. Many are available at the Carnegie Library and we’re going to organize a group book-borrowing so the knowledge can spread without costing a lot.

There is free parking on site.

Face-to-face time is of primary importance, and we’ve designed our program to make it fit into people’s schedules as best as we can.

If a trainee misses a portion of the training, they will review the material, practice any sequence on their own, and write a reflection to confirm understanding of the material. This applies for trainees who miss up to 24 hours.

For hours beyond 24, the trainee has the additional requirement of making up hours through private sessions, which is $90 per hour. Beyond 24 hours, every three hours of absence needs to be made up with 1 hour of private session. This will be required to graduate.

Join us! We encourage anybody passionate about practicing or teaching yoga to attend. Yoga isn’t about perfection; it’s about process. We are all invited.

There are several places within a 10-minute drive to the studio. Here are two recommendations:

Fairfield Inn Pittsburgh North (8 min drive)

Comfort Inn North Shore (10 min drive)

In addition to completing the contact hours, trainees will need to do the following to graduate:

• Design three sequences using Frameworks 300 techniques to demonstrate proficiency in sequencing.

• Submit a video leading a 60-minute yoga sequence to demonstrate proficiency in communication, adjustments, modifications and prop use.

• Complete an online test to demonstrate proficiency in study materials.

The test is open book and you can take it as many times as you need to. You’ll be provided with guidance and feedback so you can complete these requirements with confidence and accuracy.

At least one year of consistent practice is required. You do not need experience teaching yoga.

A consistent self-practice is essential to embody the teachings and to strengthen both your practice and learning.

I use Google products for trainings, so please sign up for a Google account. It’s free, and if you have a Gmail address, you have one already!

We will review the entire manual in class and there are recommended readings throughout the year. This will be included on the syllabus and sent with email reminders before each session.

Ah yes, the Pittsburgh winter! We will go online if it’s dangerous to go outside, or if something happens to the Schoolhouse space. It’s not ideal of course, but we’ll be able to share ideas and practice from the comfort of our homes. Safety first.