OHYA Continuing Education

Continuing Education (Con-Ed) is a vital part of The Original Hot Yoga Association’s commitment to maintaining high standards for teachers. To remain in compliance, members of the OHYA Teacher Directory are required to complete 30 hours of Con-Ed every three years from their registration date.

OHYA’s vision for Con-Ed focuses on helping teachers refine and enhance their skills, ensuring the delivery of effective, simple, strong, and a universally relevant Original Hot Yoga classes.

Continuing Education Requirements

Posture Discussion and Teaching Skills: 25 of the required 30 hours must center on Posture Discussion and Teaching Skills (outlined below). These hours can be earned in-studio with studio owners, or at OHYA-approved Con-Ed events and intensives. The other 5 hours can come from personal growth programming. OHYA does not promote personal growth programs.

Standards for Teaching Effective OHY Classes

Teachers are encouraged to meet the following standards to deliver high-quality classes:

  1. Commanding and Clear Dialogue: Use simple, direct & clear language & action verbs in the correct sequence, covering setup, execution, and exit. 

  2. Effective Delivery: Incorporate voice projection, inflection, calm breathing, compassion, and empathy.

  3. Student Awareness: Adapt instructions, corrections, and encouragement based on students’ needs to create an inclusive & supportive environment. 

  4. Authentic Connections: Ensure every student feels seen, supported, and included for an exceptional experience.

  5. Professional Boundaries: Focus on students’ experience and growth without projecting personal issues.  Honoring & supporting the policies of the studios Mission and Core Values.

  6. Managing and calming your energy: Use your own breath and experience to create calm yet strong energy to inspire trust and discipline in students.

  7. Consistency: Avoid introducing unrelated concepts from other yoga or fitness disciplines that can cause confusion.

OHYA Approved Con-Ed Events

  • Con-Ed instructors must:

    • Be actively teaching and practicing OHY in OHYA-affiliated studios.

    • Achieve Level 2 or 3 status in the OHYA Teacher Directory.

    • Demonstrate experience and expertise to lead relevant seminars.

    Con-Ed events must be hosted either virtually or at OHYA Member Studios, with the intent to support the OHYA teaching community.

    1. Posture Discussion and Teaching Skills (25 hours minimum):

      • Topics include posture modifications, corrections, dialogue delivery, room and heat management, and creating inclusive classes.

    2. Personal Development (5 hours maximum):

      • Topics may include intermediate workshops, yoga history, or other professional growth opportunities.

    Reporting Requirements for Teachers:

    Teachers are responsible for maintaining their CE records and any certificates for future reference.

  • To obtain approval and use the OHYA Con-Ed Seal:

    1. Submit Program Content via the form at the bottom of this page. Questions can also be emailed directly to ohyateachers@gmail.com

    2. Approval Confirmation: Once approved, the OHYA  Con-Ed Seal should be included on all promotional materials (flyers, websites, graphics, etc.).

    3. We will provide a Con-Ed certificate you can hand out at your event upon request. . 

  • Once your event has been approved by OHYA, (see approval process above,) you can submit your event for promotion by OHYA.  OHYA offers promotional support for approved events:  ($99 fee, must be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance).

    Includes:

    • Submitting your event to the  Event Calendar with a link for where our Teachers can sign up.  (Please provide a 1080x1080 graphic with the OHYA CE Seal on it.) email the graphic to ohyassn@gmail.com.

    • Promoting your event in a Teacher Newsletter with a link to your event details. (we will use the same graphic you submitted for the calendar)

    • Post on the OHYA Teacher Facebook page with a link to the event. (Please send us the posting graphic sized for an IG post and IG story at least 4 weeks in advance for us to schedule and post)

    • One social media post, and one social media story. (You provide us with the content to post).

    •  If you have a topic you want to schedule to teach on Zoom, please reach out to OHYA by emailing ohyateachers@gmail.com and will connect with you on next steps. 

Submit your Con-Ed Program for Approval by OHYA