Awakenings at Vida Asana 200 Hour Yoga Alliance September 2024
Alejandra Torres, Adriana Leiva, Marco Amador, Catalina Badilla and Rosemarie Gonzalez Gainza
September 10 - 29, 2024
Summary
Are you passionate about yoga and interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise with others? Our Awakenings Yoga Teacher Training program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, asanas, and meditation practices, as well as teaching techniques and business management skills.
Our program is led by experienced yoga instructors who are dedicated to helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to become an effective and inspiring yoga teacher. You’ll learn how to sequence classes, use props, provide modifications, and offer hands-on adjustments, as well as develop your own unique teaching style.
Our yoga teacher training program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Yoga philosophy and history
- Anatomy and physiology
- Asana alignment and modifications
- Meditation and pranayama techniques
- Teaching methodology and sequencing
- Business and ethics of yoga teaching
Our program is registered with Yoga Alliance, which means that upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and teach yoga worldwide.
We offer ongoing support and mentorship to ensure that you have the skills and resources needed to succeed as a yoga teacher.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice or start a new career as a yoga teacher, our yoga teacher training program can help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact in the lives of your students.
Our mission is to provide an immersive and transformative experience for students who are seeking to deepen their yoga practice and become certified yoga teachers. Led by our experienced and knowledgeable lead instructor, Alejandra Torres, we believe that yoga is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, and we are dedicated to sharing this practice with others in a supportive and empowering environment.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, and the serene surroundings of Vida Asana, we aim to create a space where students can develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence as yoga teachers. We strive to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for yoga and a commitment to personal growth.
We believe that yoga is a journey, and our program is designed to provide students with the tools they need to continue on this path long after their training is complete. Our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to share the benefits of yoga with others and to make a positive impact in their communities.
At Vida Asana, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in yoga education, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Alejandra Torres and our team of experienced teachers are committed to supporting each student on their unique journey and to providing personalized guidance and feedback throughout the program.
- Techniques Training/Practice (100 hours)
- Teaching Methodology (25 hours)
- Anatomy and Physiology (20 hours)
- Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers (30 hours)
- Practicum (10 hours)
- Electives (15 hours)
Learn to feel safe in your body, by aligning the mind and souls’ body. We will study the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, we will explore moving from the dark to the light. You will learn how to teach a 90-minute Vinyasa Yoga Class, with good alignment, and connection.
What Your Tuition Includes
- An incredible three weeks of yoga teacher training, fully certified by Yoga Alliance, with free time to explore the gorgeous rainforest and local beaches.
- Lodging and all meals daily at Vida Asana in Costa Rica, with lodging package.
- Group airport shuttle from and to the airport.
We are teachers who are eager to share the transformation and wonders yoga has done for our lives. Come and experience the shift of living from fear to pure LOVE. This will be a beautiful journey and we are super excited to meet you! Vida Asana is known for our family atmosphere and in particular our food. Everyone here is family and we can wait to have you join us. We encourage you to check out our reviews on Tripadvisor and Yoga Alliance to read directly from former students and guests about the experience here.
Program
Your day will include two yoga practices, one challenging class and a restorative class along with Pranayama and meditation to soften the body-mind. Deepening in yoga philosophy, anatomy, methodology, and alignment.
The schedule can always undergo a small change, but in general;
5:30am – Wake up to the sounds of nature and start your day with a refreshing morning yoga practice in our outdoor yoga shala.
5:30am – coffee, tea, fruit, and juice available.
6:00am – Morning pranayama, meditation, and yoga practice.
8:30am – Enjoy a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced and organic ingredients, followed by some free time to relax, journal, or explore the surrounding area.
9:30am – Gather for a morning lecture or workshop with one of our experienced teachers. Topics might include yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, or business management.
11:30am – Practice teaching session, where you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a supportive and encouraging environment. Receive feedback from your teachers and fellow students to help you refine your teaching skills.
1:00pm – Enjoy a healthy and nourishing lunch, followed by some free time to rest, connect with others, or explore the area.
2:00pm – Afternoon lecture or workshop, focusing on a different aspect of yoga or teaching. These sessions may be more interactive and may include group discussions, partner work, or other activities.
5:00pm – Evening yoga practice, focused on different aspects of yoga such as meditation, pranayama, or restorative yoga.
6:30pm – Enjoy a delicious vegetarian or vegan dinner with your fellow students and teachers, followed by some free time to socialize, study, or relax.
7:30pm – Optional evening activity, such as a group meditation, yoga nidra, or movie night.
Food
During this training, you will be served three delicious organic homemade meals daily, using recipes from Vida Asana Yoga Retreat cookbook and healthful eating guide Sustenance
Location
Vida Asana is located in the beautiful coastal town of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, surrounded by lush jungle and just a short walk from the beach. The peaceful and serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for deepening your yoga practice and connecting with nature.
Playa Hermosa is truly a special place, and the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle and beach provides a unique and inspiring setting for yoga practice and personal growth. The tranquil atmosphere and connection with nature can help students to deepen their yoga practice, quiet their minds, and find inner peace. At Vida Asana, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive community that encourages personal growth and transformation in this beautiful natural setting.
Q: What is the duration of the Awakenings Yoga Teacher Training at Vida Asana?
A: Our residential intensive Yoga Teacher Training program runs for 21 days.
Q: What is the format of the program?
A: The program is a residential intensive, which means that you’ll be living on-site for the duration of the program and participating in daily yoga classes, workshops, lectures, and self-study sessions.
Q: What kind of yoga styles are covered in the program?
A: Our program covers a variety of yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative yoga.
Q: What is the maximum number of participants in the program?
A: Our program is limited to a maximum of 24 participants to ensure personalized attention and an intimate learning environment.
Q: What is included in the program fee?
A: The program fee includes accommodations for the duration of the program, all meals (vegetarian, pescatarian, plant-based, and locally sourced), daily yoga classes, airport shuttle, workshops, lectures, and course materials.
Q: Is airport transportation included.
A: Yes, please select a flight that arrives in San Jose by 1:30 PM on arrival day and a flight that departs after 12 noon on departure day top join the included group airport shuttle.
Q: Is the program registered with Yoga Alliance?
A: Yes, our program is registered with Yoga Alliance, which means that upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
Q: What are the facilities like at Vida Asana?
A: Vida Asana is a beautiful eco-retreat center located in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica. The center features comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, a yoga shala, a meditation garden, and a farm-to-table restaurant.
Q: What is the daily schedule like for the program?
A: The daily schedule varies, but typically includes morning meditation and pranayama practice, asana practice, breakfast, lectures and workshops on yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and business management, lunch, self-study and practice teaching sessions, afternoon asana practice, and dinner.
Q: How do I join the free airport shuttle?
A: Select a flight with an arrival time of 1:30 PM or earlier on the arrival day and a flight with a departure time after 12 noon on departure day to be able to take advantage of the free group airport shuttle.
Q: What is the accommodation like at Vida Asana?
A: Vida Asana offers a range of comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation options, including shared and private rooms. All rooms are equipped with fans, AC, bathroom, and comfortable beds.
Q: What kind of food is served at Vida Asana?
A: Vida Asana offers delicious and healthy vegetarian, pescatarian, and plant-based meals made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. The menu is designed to support the yoga practice and includes a variety of plant-based dishes, juices, smoothies, and teas.
Q: Is the program suitable for beginners?
A: Our program is designed for students with a consistent yoga practice of at least one year. That said, if you’re a beginner with a strong commitment to learning, please reach out to us for more information.
Q: What kind of certification will I receive upon completion of the program?
A: Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate that is recognized by Yoga Alliance.
Q: Is there an opportunity to teach during the program?
A: Yes, we provide opportunities for practice teaching during the program to help you develop your teaching skills and confidence.
Q: What kind of teaching resources and materials are provided?
A: We provide a comprehensive manual that covers all aspects of the program, including yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and business management
Q: What kind of payment plans are available?
A: We offer payment plans to make the program more accessible for our students. Please reach out to us for more information.
Q: What kind of visa do I need to attend the program in Costa Rica?
A: Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes. However, we recommend that you check with your local embassy or consulate to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation to enter the country.
Q: Will I have any free time?
A: Yes, there is one totally free day each week to go to the beach, explore the local community, go for an adventure, or curl-up in a hammock and rest.
About the Leaders

Alejandra Torres
Ale, a native of Costa Rica, resides in the picturesque region of Playa Hermosa in the Central Pacific. In 2006, Ale's transformative journey with yoga began, providing her with the guidance she sought during a period of darkness and self-discovery. Through yoga, she found solace, overcoming anxiety, sexual abuse, and trauma, and rediscovering her true […]
Learn more about Alejandra Torres
Adriana Leiva
Adriana started to practice and teach yoga 19 + years ago, back in 2002 while studying in Centro de Balance Integral Gaia where as well she studied Holistic massage, Reiki and others. She studies two years of Anthropology before she finally got her litentiate degree in Physiotherapy. This background made her teaching approach deeply focused […]
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Marco Amador
Marco Amador has been involved into movement and meditation since very young. Raced in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, running, cycling and surfing came natural for him. And at the same time he felt inclination for meditation since he was young. At the age of 18 years old he discovered yoga, but it was […]
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Catalina Badilla
My name is Catalina, everyone calls me Cata, Costa Rican by birth and 18 years of living in Jaco. It was here that my path in Yoga began. After having my first child, my body was just out of alignment and everything hurt. One day at the beach I met someone who became my first […]
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Rosemarie Gonzalez Gainza
Rosemarie Gonzales Gainza, RYT-500, is a Holistic Health practitioner, Certified Yoga teacher, and the founder and owner of the Vida Asana Retreat Center in Costa Rica. Her style of Yoga combines principles of Ashtanga, Bikram, and Anusara, creating a strong, healthy, and happy flow. Her classes relieve stress and anxiety, improve balance and flexibility, and increase […]
Learn more about Rosemarie Gonzalez GainzaCategory : Yoga Teacher Training