Ananda Yoga®

Advanced Asana for Inner Strength Workshop

Online: May 2 - Jun 6, 2026

Advanced Asana for Inner Strength

Advanced Asana
for Inner Strength

6-Week Online Workshop

Dates: 2028 TBD

The purpose of advanced asana is not outer performance — it is to develop inner strength.

The purpose of advanced asana is not outer performance — it is to develop
inner strength.

In this hands-on course, you will build confidence to approach more challenging postures with less fear and greater trust in yourself. 

This supportive, step-by-step approach to asana will help you feel empowered in your body and mind. Whether you’re teaching yoga or deepening your own practice, this workshop supports you in cultivating steady inner strength that carries through your practice and daily life.

We will cover 12 of the 25 Level 2 Ananda Yoga postures. 

This intensive is ideal for: 

  • Yoga Practitioners interested in approaching advanced asanas safely, consciously, and energetically
  • Yoga enthusiasts with a steady practice wanting new challenges
  • Graduates of foundational programs (such as Level 1 YTT) ready for more advanced postures
  • Yoga teachers who want to enrich their practice and teaching depth, and obtain CE hours for Yoga Alliance
  • Ananda Yoga teachers working toward Level 2 Ananda YTT certification

Cost: $599

  • 18 hours of live classes
  • 2+ hours of pre-recorded content
  • 50 page manual
  • Lifetime access to Ananda Yoga Level 2 Asana video library
  • Access to pre-taped modules & recordings of 30+ hours of live classes
  • 1x/week live online Ananda Yoga sadhana
  • Personal feedback & coaching from faculty
  • Obtain 20 CE Hours for Yoga Alliance
Apply Today
Teaching Yoga Online Side Angle Pose

Free Zoom Info Session

Recorded March 14, 2026

Join this introductory session with Director Melody Hansen to learn more about Asana Intensive for Yoga Teachers training.

Register to receive the recording

“I never felt judged or criticized for any asana I found challenging, and I learned very valuable information about how to teach each pose. I highly recommend this course!”

“I never felt judged or criticized for any asana I found challenging, and I learned very valuable information about how to teach each pose. I highly recommend this course!” 

— L.S., 2021 Graduate, CA 

— L.S., 2021 Graduate, CA

Laurie Scott

What You'll Learn

  • Practice and explore the biomechanics of Level 2 Ananda Yoga asanas
  • Complete self-quizzes, video presentations and reading assignments to deepen your understanding of the asanas
  • Experiment with asana variations to suit individual needs
  • Exploration of ways to approach advanced asanas in stages, making them more accessible for you and your students.
  • Asana affirmations to focus your mind and uplift your consciousness
  • Participate in practice teaching workshops and a team teaching assignment to enhance your teachings skills and receive feedback from instructor
  • Discuss issues and solutions that are likely to come up when teaching these asanas to your students
Contact Us for More Information
Crane Pose Asana Intensive
tiffany-testimonial-asana-intensive

“From the aspect of Yoga philosophy I gained greater insight into how the use of the affirmations in Ananda yoga can assist the yoga posture in connecting body and mind to direct our energies toward our higher self. “

 “From the aspect of Yoga philosophy I gained greater insight into how the use of the affirmations in Ananda yoga can assist the yoga posture in connecting body and mind to direct our energies toward our higher self.”

— T.J., 2021 Graduate, CA

— T.J., 2021 Graduate, CA

Meet Your Instructors

ASYM_teacher_Melody

Melody, E-RYT 500 and C-IAYT, directs the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training and Restorative Yoga Teacher Training online programs.

She is a Certified Ananda Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT and a trained Prenatal Yoga Instructor. Melody has been practicing the teachings of yoga since the age of 14, and began teaching at age 17. She loves to help her students experience the depth of Ananda Yoga and Meditation.

She will be the main asana instructor for this course and will support you every step of the way in becoming a confident yoga teacher. It is her joy to serve you!

Online-YTT_teacher_Karen

Saraswati, E-RYT 500, is a Certified Ananda Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT and has been teaching yoga since 2003. Originally from Texas, she directed and operated successful yoga studios in Dallas for over 13 years.

Saraswati has experience working with students of all levels in studio, privately and corporate settings. She loves to mentor teachers and help them discover their unique gifts while strengthening their self-reliance and positivity. Sarasawati will be a lead asana instructor for this course while encouraging and assisting you throughout this journey!

Nicole DeAvila Staff

 

Nicole DeAvilla, E-RYT 500 and C-IAYT has taught yoga teachers for over 20 years, and has taught regular Ananda Yoga classes since 1984. She has a background in sports medicine and chiropractic physiotherapy.

Currently she teaches private classes as well as a Master Yoga Class for Yoga Teachers.  Nicole is an active member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and is a contributor to their journal and several other publications.  She has taught Master Classes for the International Yoga Therapy Conferences.

Online-YTT_teacher_Darshana.jpg

Darshana, E-RYT 500, and C-IAYT, became interested in meditation and found the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda in 2009. Since then, she has been applying them in her own life and sharing them with others.

Darshana has been a certified Ananda Yoga and Meditation instructor since 2012. She is an Ananda Yoga therapist and a minister. She serves with Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation as manager and certification programs coordinator. She also teaches asana, meditation and yoga philosophy online and in person at The Expanding Light Retreat.

FAQs

Yes, there is an online course page and pre-course assignments that you’ll be given access to as soon as you enroll. The online assignments include pranayama instructional videos, reading assignments, and self-quizzes to complete before we start the live classes.

Certified Ananda Yoga teachers who seek Level 2 Ananda Yoga® teacher certification and all yoga teachers seeking CE credit, will move through the course together, week by week. This leads to enriching interactions with classmates and builds a dynamic learning community that you’ll enjoy—and benefit from—immensely. Any other participants are welcome to participate at their own pace.

The Saturday workshops are 3 hours long. Prior to each workshop, you’ll also be expected to do a small amount of study of course materials for the asanas that will be addressed in the workshop.

We will have “live” workshops for Series B on these dates in 2026:

  • Saturday, May 2 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Pacific time)
  • Saturday, May 9 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Pacific time)
  • Saturday, May 16 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Pacific time)
  • Saturday, May 23 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Pacific time)
  • Saturday, May 30 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Pacific time)
  • Saturday, June 6 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Pacific time)

Workshops will be recorded for the benefit of those who cannot participate “live.” Ananda Yoga teachers who seek Level 2 Ananda Yoga® teacher certification can miss no more than two workshops, and even missing that will involve a makeup video-creation assignment. Other course participants can attend the workshops if time permits, or simply view the video recordings of the workshops.

Not unless you miss a live workshop and have a video makeup assignment.

No, a free Zoom account is sufficient.

Yes, Yoga Alliance RYTs can get 20 hours of continuing education for each series. 

This course is required for graduates of Level 1 Ananda YTT and Bridge to Ananda Yoga who seek Level 2 certification. These asanas formerly were addressed in two courses at The Expanding Light Retreat: The Essence of the Yoga Sutras and The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita. If you already took both of those courses in person, you have fulfilled this course requirement. If you took only one of those courses, you are welcome to take only the half of this course that corresponds to the other course. Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.

If you are not a certified Ananda Yoga teacher (200-hr) then you’ll also need to take the Bridge to Ananda Yoga course (in addition to the Level 2 requirements) if you’d like to become a certified Ananda Yoga teacher. See Bridge to Ananda Yoga and Level 2 requirements here.

More Questions?

Are you a yoga teacher interested in teaching advanced asanas?

We recommend you join this training on the Teacher Track. This track is for those who would like to gain the skills to safely and confidently teach advanced asanas to students. This track follows the same activities as everyone else, but will include additional teaching focused assignments as follows:

Melody Teaching Advanced Yoga
  • Additional teaching practicums to develop your ability to lead advanced yoga classes
  • More in-depth instruction on how to safely and effectively assist students to approach challenging asanas in stages
  • Hands-on experience with teaching modifications, adjustments, and adaptations for students with varying needs

The Teacher Track is required for certified RYT yoga teachers looking to expand their knowledge and pursue 500-hr certification and CE hours.

C.F.
Las Vegas NV
Practice teaching in breakout sessions were most helpful. Karen and Melody are experienced and offered variations for each pose, not to mention being open to students' knowledge.
L.S.
Novato, CA
I loved this course! Melody has a knack of making everyone feel very relaxed and at ease, which makes the process of learning much easier. I never felt judged or criticized for any asana I found challenging, and I learned very valuable information about how to teach each pose. I highly recommend this course!
T.J.
Montara, CA
On the technical side of yoga practice the on-line video breakdown of each pose followed up with the in-class in-depth teaching and practice allowed me to feel absolutely confident that I can teach the postures effectively and safely. For instance, I’ve always avoided doing headstands in my personal practice because I didn’t feel confident enough in my knowledge of the pose or the strength in my body. The fact that it was taught in progressions allowed me to practice it safely and I quickly gained confidence in my ability to practice this pose. I now do headstand unassisted daily. I also have the confidence in my ability to teach it to others so they can have the same results.

Program Details

Advanced Asana for Inner Strength

6-Week Immersive Program

Dates: 2028 TBD

Cost: $599

Apply Now

Haven’t taken yoga teacher training yet? Apply today for Ananda Yoga Teacher Training. 

 

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