At Edge Yoga School, we believe every teaching journey unfolds differently. Our flexible training pathways offer affordable entry tuition, self-paced study options, and the ability to add in-person labs as you’re ready — so your learning can grow with your life, not against it. At Edge Yoga School, we believe that every teacher’s journey unfolds at its own pace. Our programs are designed to be flexible, supportive, and accessible, so you can choose the learning path that best

Where We’re Based, How We Teach, and What We Offer At Edge Yoga School & Arts, we’ve always believed that clarity creates confidence — for students, teachers, and community alike. As our offerings continue to evolve with intention, we want to share a clear picture of where we’re rooted, how we teach, and what makes Edge unique. Our Home Base Edge Yoga School & Arts is based in Naperville, where our headquarters has served as a consistent meeting place for nearly two decades.

Rest as Practice: Why Stillness Is Part of Yoga Teaching Rest is often treated as something we earn after effort. In yoga, it is something we practice *alongside* effort. As teachers, students, and lifelong practitioners, we spend years refining technique, language, sequencing, and presence. Yet many of us were never explicitly taught how to rest *within* the practice—how to pause without disengaging, how to listen without fixing, how to allow stillness to inform teaching rat

(Supports Week 45) Yoga is often described as spiritual, but it is not a religion. Understanding this distinction helps teachers create inclusive, respectful spaces. Spirituality in yoga refers to: Self-inquiry Awareness Connection Meaning-making Religion, by contrast, involves shared doctrines, rituals, and belief systems. Yoga invites exploration without requiring belief. As teachers, our responsibility is to offer practices that are accessible to students of all background

(Supports Weeks 44 & 48) What Is the Business of Yoga? The business of yoga is not separate from practice — it is an extension of values, ethics, and communication. Whether you teach one class a week or run a full studio, understanding basic business principles supports sustainability and integrity. Topics often include: Clear boundaries and policies Ethical marketing Pricing with transparency Avoiding burnout In this training, business education is grounded and realistic. Th

(Supports Week 27) What Is the Subtle Body in Yoga? The subtle body refers to the energetic aspects of yoga practice — awareness, sensation, breath, and internal movement that exist beyond muscles and bones. Common subtle body concepts include: Chakras Nadis Prana Bandhas While these ideas may not be measurable in the same way anatomy is, they provide meaningful frameworks for self-inquiry and teaching language. In teacher training, the subtle body is introduced gently and pr

(Supports Week 24) What Are Benefits and Contraindications in Yoga? Yoga offers many benefits — increased mobility, strength, awareness, and emotional regulation. However, every practice must be balanced with discernment. Contraindications are situations where certain movements, breathing practices, or techniques may not be appropriate. Understanding them is a cornerstone of safe teaching. As a yoga teacher, your role is not to diagnose, but to: Offer options Observe response

(Supports Week 21) What Does It Mean to Prove Mastery in Yoga Teacher Training? Proving mastery in yoga teacher training does not mean being perfect. It means demonstrating understanding, integration, and thoughtful application. Mastery shows up in how you: Sequence with intention Cue with clarity and care Adapt to different bodies and experiences Reflect honestly on your teaching and practice In this training, mastery is demonstrated through repetition, reflection, and refin

(Supports Week 21) What Is the Eight Limbs of Yoga? The Eight Limbs of Yoga offer a complete framework for living and teaching yoga beyond the physical postures. Rather than a linear ladder, the limbs function as an interconnected system that supports ethical living, embodied practice, and inner clarity. The Eight Limbs are: Yamas Niyamas Asana Pranayama Pratyahara Dharana Dhyana Samadhi In teacher training, the Eight Limbs serve as a compass. They guide how we move, how we s

YTT (Supports Weeks 19–20) What Is Yoga Nidra? Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice often referred to as yogic sleep. Unlike seated meditation, Yoga Nidra is typically practiced lying down, allowing the body to fully rest while the mind remains gently aware. In teacher training, Yoga Nidra serves three purposes: Supporting nervous system regulation Cultivating deep listening and internal awareness Developing clear, steady guiding language Yoga Nidra moves practitioners

How Embodied Practice Becomes Confident Teaching Many people begin yoga for grounding, clarity, or stress relief. Over time, something quieter and more powerful happens. The practice starts following you off the mat. You notice how you speak. How you pace yourself. How you listen to your body. How you respond when life shifts unexpectedly. This is not accidental. This is yoga working. But for those who feel called to teach, living yoga is only the beginning. The next step is

Snug in this Winter for some meaningful inner work. For a long time, success has been measured by numbers. More students. Bigger rooms. Wider reach. And while there is nothing wrong with growth, I’ve been listening closely to what feels right in this season of my life and work. This week, I renewed my lease at my small studio in Downtown Wheaton. It’s a quiet decision on the surface—but internally, it felt like a deep exhale. A confirmation. I’m choosing small groups . I’m c

There are seasons in life when forward momentum looks different. Winter seasons often arrive quietly — through change, loss, transition, or a deep internal shift. During these times, people often seek grounding rather than acceleration, clarity rather than answers. Yoga teacher training is uniquely suited for this season of life. Rather than demanding constant output, training provides a supportive structure — weekly rhythms, reflective practices, and embodied learning — all

Winter happens. We plan with care. Winter in the Midwest can be unpredictable — and we want you to know that your learning, safety, and peace of mind are always part of the plan. At Edge Yoga School, we believe structure and flexibility can coexist. That’s why we’ve put a clear Winter Weather Plan in place so you always know what to expect, even when conditions outside feel uncertain. Our Guiding Principle Safety comes first. Consistency matters. And learning continues — eve

Yamas are about our interactions with others. 🧘🏻‍♀️ Yamas Living in Harmony with the World Around You The Yamas are the first limb of yoga and guide how we interact with others . They act as social ethics — compassionate guardrails that shape how a yogi moves through the world. When practiced consistently, they gently shift our worldview and deepen our sense of connection with all beings. 📖 Define It Yama literally translates to “restraint.” These five ethical guidelines i

That is for the student to decide. 🕊️ Spirituality vs. Religion in Yoga Creating Inclusive, Heart-Centered Spaces** Yoga teachers are often told, “I can’t participate because of my religion.” As guides, our role is to offer an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and welcome — regardless of belief system. At Edge Yoga School, we reassure students that yoga is a practice of connecting with the higher self , whatever that means for each individual. It is alw

Here are the basics to get your Sanskrit journey started. Sanskrit & Yoga Vocabulary — A Friendly Guide for Yogis (Lesson — Edge Yoga School Educational Library) 🌿 Why Sanskrit Matters in Yoga Sanskrit is often called the language of yoga and mantra . You’ll see it in pose names, spiritual texts, chants, and philosophy. You do not need to be a Sanskrit scholar to be a wonderful yoga teacher. But knowing a handful of key terms can: Help you understand classic texts more deep

For some it is bliss, others connection, some God. Samadhi — The Eighth Limb of Yoga (Lesson — Edge Yoga School Educational Library) ✨ Overview Samadhi is the eighth and final limb of Patanjali’s Eight-Limbed Path — the culmination of a lifetime of practice, refinement, and surrender. Often translated as union , Samadhi represents a profound state of oneness where the practitioner feels fully merged with the divine, the universe, and all living beings. Patanjali describes Sa

These are some of our favorite ways to use props in your practice. Props in Yoga (Lesson — Edge Yoga School Educational Library) 🧱 Overview Props are powerful companions in yoga practice. They help students feel supported, create space in the body, and enhance ease, safety, and alignment. Whether you're working with beginners, supporting injury recovery, or deepening awareness in seasoned practitioners, props can transform the experience on the mat. Think of props as bridges

Block out the noise by withdrawing your attention from it. Pratyahara (Lesson — Edge Yoga School Educational Library) 🌙 Overview Pratyahara , the fifth limb of yoga , is often described as sensory withdrawal —yet its meaning is far more nuanced and compassionate than simply “turning off the senses.” Rather, Pratyahara invites us to temporarily soften our attention to external stimuli so we can redirect our awareness inward. It is not about ignoring the world, but about choos