500-Hour Modular Yoga Teacher Training
Start ANY TIME
Sa. 10:00 – 18:00 & Su. 09:00 – 14:30
500-Hour Modular Yoga Teacher Training
Flexible, Modular Format
THE WHOLE PATH OF TEACHING
From First Foundations to Mastery, at Your Own Pace
A 500-hour training is not a longer version of a 200-hour teacher training. It is a different kind of commitment: to understand yoga in your body, in its texts and in its history, and to take responsibility for how you pass it on.
Our 500-hour program brings together everything Manas Yoga teaches. You can walk the whole path with us from your very first module, or build on a 200-hour certification you already hold, from Manas Yoga or another school. Either way, you learn in 50-hour modules you choose yourself, with time between them to practise, question and integrate.
Every 500-hour student completes Module 13: Roots & Reckoning. At this level, teaching yoga well means knowing where it comes from, what it has carried through colonialism and commercialisation, and what we owe the tradition we teach. We believe no senior teacher should leave training without that conversation.
Modules are taught in German, English or both, depending on the instructor. Course manuals are provided in English.
How the Modular System Works
Your certification, your way.
Step 1: Choose Your Starting Point
Starting fresh? Begin with Module 1: Foundations of Practice & Teaching (Path 1). Already certified? Send us a copy of your 200-hour certificate when you enroll (Path 2).
Step 2: Complete Your Required Modules
Module 13: Roots & Reckoning is required on both paths. Path 1 also includes Module 1; Path 2 also includes Module 3.
Step 3: Choose Your Electives
Path 1: choose any 8 elective modules. Path 2: choose any 4. Go broad, or specialise in the area that is calling you.
Step 4: Learn at Your Pace
Take one module at a time or several back to back. [complete your training up to 4 years]
Step 5: Receive Your Certification
Complete all modules, assignments and your final teaching assessment, and receive your 500-hour certificate from Manas Yoga Studio.
Who This Training Is For
This training is for you if you:
- Want to become a yoga teacher and are ready to commit to the full depth of the practice from the start
- Hold a 200-hour certification and want to complete your 500 hours
- Teach already and want to specialise in therapeutic work, philosophy, meditation, Yin, Ashtanga or advanced asana
- Want to teach with a clear, honest understanding of yoga’s history and your own place in it
Two Paths to 500 Hours
Path 1: The Complete 500-Hour Training
Module 1 + Module 13 + 8 elective modules = 500 hours (10 modules)
The whole journey with Manas Yoga, from the foundations of practice and teaching to advanced specialisation.
No previous teacher training needed.
€8,300 for all ten modules
Path 2: 500 Hours With Your 200-Hour Certification
Your 200-hour certification + 6 modules (Module 3 + Module 13 + 4 electives) = 500 hours
For teachers who have already completed a 200-hour training, at Manas Yoga or elsewhere. Your certification counts as the first 200 hours; you add 300 hours of advanced study with us. [Modules 1, 3, & 13 are required on this path.]
€5,100 for all six modules
Already Trained With Us?
If you completed your 200-hour training at Manas Yoga, your four modules are your 200 hours, and you continue on Path 2. Modules can’t be repeated for credit: if Module 3 or Module 13 was part of your 200 hours, simply replace it with another elective.
Completed our 300-Hour Completion Path? You can upgrade to 500 hours with 4 more modules: Module 13 + 3 electives of your choice, for €3,100.
Together with what you have already paid, that is exactly the Path 2 price, so taking it step by step never costs you more.
REQUIRED MODULE BLOCK
Module 13: Roots & Reckoning – History, Ethics & Decolonization of Yoga
50 hours (36 contact, 14 non-contact) | Required for the 500-hour training
December 11, 2027 – January 23, 2028 · Sa. 14:00 – 18:00 & Su. 09:00 – 15:00 · Taught by Erika Smith Iluszko
Where yoga comes from, and what we owe it. This module follows yoga’s lineage from the Vedic seers to today’s studio floor and asks teachers to sit honestly with everything that lineage carries: its philosophy, its ethics, its ruptures and its ongoing politics.
It avoids two common traps of YTT history teaching: a smoothed-over “ancient wisdom” story that erases colonial trauma and reinvention, and a purely academic history that never reaches your actual teaching. Every unit ends with a practical question: what do I do with this on Monday morning?
What You’ll Explore:
- The Classical Roots: The Vedas and Rishis, the Upanishads, Patanjali’s Yoga Sūtras and the Bhagavad Gita
- Tantra & Hatha Yoga: The medieval body-based practices most modern yoga descends from
- Colonialism & Revival: How yoga was suppressed and then re-presented under colonial rule
- Modern Postural Yoga: Krishnamacharya, the Mysore synthesis and the lineages of his students
- Globalization & Commodification: How yoga became a global industry, and what that costs
- Contemporary Teaching Ethics: Consent, touch, power, access and teacher responsibility
- Decolonizing Yoga: Appropriation, appreciation and decolonization, and what accountable teaching looks like in practice
- Integration: Your own teaching philosophy
The module is taught in a cohort discussion format: a short lecture on each topic, then real conversation, disagreement and shared reflection.
Why it’s required: A 500-hour teacher is a senior voice in the yoga community. Teaching at that level with integrity means understanding the tradition’s history, including its harder chapters, and making concrete choices in your language, pricing, marketing and classroom conduct.
ELECTIVE MODULES BLOCK
Choose Your Direction
Path 1: Alongside Modules 1, 3 and 13, choose any 7 elective modules.
Path 2: Alongside Modules 1, 3 and 13, choose any 3 elective modules.
Mix traditional foundations with advanced studies, or specialize in an area you’re passionate about—the choice is yours.
Module 2: Yoga Humanities
Journey through yoga’s ancient wisdom to modern practice
Understand where yoga comes from and what it means. From the Vedas to the Yoga Sūtras, from the subtle body to modern ethics—this module connects practice to purpose.
Explore: The Vedas • Upanishads • Bhagavad Gita • Yoga Sūtras • Subtle Bodies • Koshas, Nadis, Chakras • Ethics & Scope of Practice
Module 4: Precision in Asana Practice
Understand the body you’re teaching
Learn how bodies move, what creates stability, and how yoga affects our physical systems. Study anatomical patterns across all asana categories—from standing poses to arm balances.
Explore: Functional Anatomy • Movement Patterns • Standing Asana • Forward Folds & Hip Openers • Twists • Backbends • Inversions • Arm Balances • Surya Namaskara
Module 5: Yoga Sūtras & Vedantic Philosophy
Go deep into yoga’s philosophical heart
Study all four books of the Yoga Sūtras with commentary, plus Vedantic philosophy. This is the intellectual and spiritual foundation of yoga practice.
Explore: All Four Books of the Yoga Sūtras • Yamas & Niyamas • Vedantic Integration • Reflection & Discussion • Personal Philosophy Development
Module 6: Advanced Sequencing & Teaching Methodology
Refine your craft and build your business
Prerequisites: Module 1 + 2
Take your teaching to the next level with advanced sequencing, therapeutic applications, extensive practicum, and business skills.
Explore: Iyengar Sequencing Principles • Therapeutic Applications • Teaching Practicum with Feedback • Business Ethics & Marketing • Voice Mastery
Module 7: Restorative & Yin Yoga
Master the art of deep rest and release
Understand how to create truly restorative experiences and work with fascia through long-hold yin practices.
Explore: Restorative Techniques • Yin Yoga Principles • Parasympathetic Activation • Fascia & Connective Tissue • Soothing Voice & Guided Relaxation
Module 8: Mantra, Meditation & Ritual
Explore yoga’s spiritual practices
Learn traditional mantras, meditation techniques across lineages, and how to create sacred space in your teaching.
Explore: Om Chanting • Classical Mantras • Meditation Across Traditions • Puja & Ritual • Creating Sacred Teaching Space
Module 9: Ghosh Yoga Therapeutics & Balancing
Discover the healing power of the Ghosh lineage
Learn therapeutic sequencing and breath-synchronized movement from this important but lesser-known lineage of yoga.
Explore: Ghosh Therapeutic Series • Balancing Poses • Applied Anatomy for Therapeutics • Breath-Synchronized Movement • Therapeutic Voice & Pacing
Module 10: Yoga Nidra & Adaptive Yoga
Make yoga accessible to everyone
Learn to guide deep relaxation practices and adapt yoga for students of all abilities and bodies.
Explore: Yoga Nidra Practice • Adaptive Modifications • Chair Yoga • Brainwaves & Sleep States • Inclusive Language & Teaching
Module 11: Ashtanga Vinyasa Deep Dive
Immerse yourself in traditional Ashtanga practice
Study the complete Primary Series with detailed breakdowns of transitions, adjustments, and teaching methodology specific to the Ashtanga tradition.
Explore: Primary Series Breakdown • Jump-Backs & Jump-Throughs • Hip & Pelvis Anatomy • Counting & Rhythm • Mysore-Style Practice • Heat-Building Techniques
Module 12: Inversions, Arm Balances & Peak Poses
Build confidence in teaching challenging asanas
Learn to teach headstands, shoulderstands, arm balances, and other advanced poses with proper progressions, modifications, and safety protocols.
Explore: Inversion Principles • Arm Balance Progressions • Upper Body Anatomy • Nervous System Effects • Safe Spotting & Modifications
SCHEDULE & FORMAT
How Each Module is Structured
Weekend Intensive Format
Each 50-hour module unfolds over weekends, with a balance of contact hours (in person) and non-contact hours (self-study, practice and integration) suited to its content. Asana-intensive modules include more hands-on contact time; philosophy and meditation modules include more time for reading and contemplation.
Modules run throughout the year. Core modules are offered regularly; specialised modules may run less often. Contact us for the current training calendar and we will help you plan your path.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything You Need for Your Journey
✓ Comprehensive Course Manual – Your reference for years to come
✓ Daily Asana Practice – Led by experienced teachers
✓ Voice Training – Integrated throughout all modules
✓ Anatomy Education – Both theoretical and experiential
✓ Teaching Methodology – Learn how to actually teach, not just practice
✓ Snacks & Refreshments – Nourishment for your body
✓ Online Learning Materials – Access resources between modules
✓ Teaching Practicum – Real practice with real feedback
✓ Community Connection – Find your yoga family
✓ Mentorship Support – Guidance throughout your training
✓ Lifetime Learning Resources – Your education doesn’t end at graduation
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete one of two paths:
Path 1: Module 1 + Module 3 + Module 13 + 7 elective modules (10 modules, 500 hours) → 500-hour certificate
Path 2: Your 200-hour certification + Module 1 + Module 3 + Module 13 + 3 elective modules (6 modules, 300 hours) → 500-hour certificate
Upgrade:
Your Manas 300-hour certificate from the Completion Path + Module 1 + Module 13 + 2 elective modules (4 modules) → 500-hour certificate
Attend:
Minimum 90% of all contact hours
Make-up sessions available if needed
Submit:
All non-contact assignments, practice journals, teaching observations and final projects
Demonstrate:
Pass the final teaching assessment
Show advanced competency in sequencing, cueing, anatomy, safety and teaching ethics
Receive:
Manas Yoga Studio 500-hour certificate, with eligibility to register as RYT-500 with Yoga Alliance
INVESTMENT
Path 1 – Complete 500-Hour Training (10 modules) > €8,300
Save €2,200 compared to booking ten single modules (€10,500)
Path 2 – 500 Hours With Your 200-Hour Certification (6 modules) > €5,100
Save €1,200 compared to booking six single modules (€6,300)
Upgrade
From the 300-Hour Completion Path to 500 Hours (4 modules) > €3,100
Save €1,100 compared to booking four single modules (€4,200)
Single Modules €1,050 per module
To secure your spot:
€500 non-refundable deposit
Full payment 45 days before your first module begins
Payment plans available
Additional savings:
10% discount for Manas Yoga Studio members
Scholarships available
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for our cancellation and refund policy.
WHY MANAS
Why Train With Manas Yoga Studio
Lineage & Tradition
We’re rooted in the traditional teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, while honoring multiple lineages including Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Ghosh yoga.
Experienced Teachers
Learn from instructors who have dedicated years to both practice and teaching, and who continue their own education.
Small Group Attention
We keep our trainings intimate so you receive personalized feedback and genuine mentorship.
Vienna’s Yoga Community
Join a vibrant, supportive community of practitioners and teachers in the heart of Vienna.
Holistic Approach
We teach the whole of yoga—not just asana, but philosophy, anatomy, breath, meditation, and the art of teaching itself.
Lifelong Learning Philosophy
We believe your 200-hour training is just the beginning. We’re here to support your growth for years to come.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a 200-hour certification to start?
A: No. On Path 1 you begin with Module 1 and complete all 500 hours with us. If you already hold a 200-hour certification, Path 2 lets you build on it.
Q: I did my 200-hour training at another school. Can I join?
A: Yes. Any completed 200-hour yoga teacher training certification qualifies you for Path 2. Just send us a copy when you enroll.
Q: Why is Module 13 required?
A: At the 500-hour level you become a senior voice in the yoga community. Module 13 makes sure every graduate teaches from an honest understanding of where yoga comes from and what that asks of us as teachers.
Q: I already completed Module 1, 3 or 13 in my Manas 200-hour training. What now?
A: Simply replace it with any other elective. Modules can’t be counted twice.
Q: What if I need to miss a weekend?
A: We require 90% attendance. If you miss a session, we will arrange make-up work or a place in another cohort for that module.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes. After your €500 deposit, we will work out a payment plan that suits you.