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We train in San Diego, California & Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Summer Teacher Training Intensive in San Diego - July 7th
Details- 2008 Summer Training

Why take A Gentle Way Teacher Training?

       Each week we get emails from people across the country looking for Studios and Instructors in their area that teach Gentle Yoga.  Many people wish to start yoga, or return to yoga after years of inactivity, but are afraid to go to a Studio or teacher that does not know modifications, or teaches too active of a class that they could not keep up with.

Gentle Yoga teachers, for plus sizes, seniors, and the health challenged population are desperately needed across the nation
and in San Diego County.

Since 1996, we have been systematically modifying Traditional Yoga in a way that is relaxing, fun, and do-able for people of all sizes and ages as well as the health challenged.

Our founder, Lanita Varshell, has always struggled with health and weight challenges, and knows what it feels like to live in body that wants to move, but is limited with weight, tightness or pain.  Her style of teaching has attracted hundreds of Students who could have never started yoga in a traditional setting, and also attracts healthy students who love the “Gentle Way” philosophy of relaxing the body and “letting go,” as opposed to pushing and holding. Lanita also suffered with years of Chronic Fatigue, and still is challenged daily with the pain of Fibromyalgia, so in our training much will be covered about chronic illness and how to be the best teacher to students suffering with physical challenges.

We invite you to come to our unique training's and experience our loving, un-intimidating approach to Yoga. This style of Yoga is what 100% of the population CAN do, and what MANY are looking for. Those who never dreamed they could practice Yoga now look forward to joy through movement. We have carved a niche in the Plus Size and Health-challenged market.

Our FOCUS is teaching you how to work with the Health Challenged, whether they be the aging, plus size, those with chronic illness even the beginner of less flexible healthy Student, but also be able to lead a satisfying slow by deep traditional class, or active but doable and joyful vinyasa flow classes.

Read on for our many different options:

How to get started:
We offer different options for learning Gentle Yoga and studying with great teachers:

1.   Weekends with Lanita & TT Staff (March 14-16th, December 5-7th)
      Click here: 08 Weekends with Lanita info sheet
2.   1- Week training's with Lanita, staff, and special guests teachers
3.   200-hr. or 1 week trainings with AGW staff in Myrtle Beach, S. C.
        Click to link to: Teacher Training in Myrtle Beach
4.   200-hr. - Summer Intensive - July 7-August 2nd
      Click here to link to: Details- 2008 Summer Training
5.   200-hr. - 16 Month, Sunday Local Training - Currently in Session
6.   500-hr. - Advanced Teacher Training Studies

What Will You Get From Our Training:

  • Some students come to our training with a desire to be a yoga teacher.
  • Others come to our training as a way to learn more about the many aspects of yoga.
  • Some come to heal or tone their bodies, others to connect to spirit.
  • Others come who are already Certified Teachers, but are seeking more adaptive or advanced training than they have had elsewhere.
  • We offer the best training for those brand new to yoga, and the best modification and gentle yoga training for those that are already experienced teachers.

Whatever your reason for attending, the minute you make a conscious choice to dedicate yourself to such a committed study and practice program – you begin to tap into the powerful yogic energy of the universe.  Your life begins to shift and change in powerful and wonderful ways.

Weekends with Lanita & Staff:

Great for those new to yoga, and for students interested in our teacher training.  Before you invest time and a large money commitment in a 200 or 500-hour certificate, we invite you to spend a weekend with Lanita to get familiar with her style of yoga, our students, and AGW philosophy. 


Special Weeks with A Gentle Way Teacher Training
Staff & Guest Teachers.
These sessions are open to already certified teachers who are interested in continuing education credits. They are also part of our 500 hour advanced training hours.  You spend 3 or 4 days with Lanita and Teacher Training Staff, and then the weekend with Guest teachers.
Upcoming Training Weeks

     Lilias Folan -  September 26th-October 2nd:  One of the most well-known and beloved women                               of yoga. Author of several yoga books, and many DVD's. If you are old enough to                               remember the first lady of  yoga on TV in the 70's, with the great smile and long braid,                               then you are going to be THRILLED to see Lilias now! Lilias is even more fun now!

     Judith Hansen Lasater – February 18-24th, 2009 - Author of six books: A Year of Living Your   Yoga, Yoga Abs, Yoga for Pregnancy, 30 Essential Yoga Poses, Living Your Yoga and Relax and Renew.
      Feb. 18-21st:  Judith Lasater  -  Relax & Renew Restorative Certification Training.
      Feb. 22-24rd:  Lanita Varshell - Modifying Restorative Yoga Poses for the Health Challenged,               
                             &  How to Teach a Restorative, Traditional Combo classes.

200 R.Y.T Certification Options
In our 200 Hour teacher  training you will study and practice:

  • Gentle Yoga – For stress relief, body healing, and health challenges.
  • Traditional Hatha Yoga Poses taught a level right for your body.
  • Pranayama – Yogic Breathing
  • Spiritual Anatomy
  • Yoga Physical Anatomy
  • Meditation
  • Chakras and the Subtle Body
  • Yoga History and Philosophy
  • Yogic Lifestyle
  • The Business of Yoga
  • Yoga Therapy Level 1

 We are a Yoga Alliance certified school.

Once you have graduated with us you may apply with Yoga Alliance.  Upon paying their dues you will be able to use the letters R.Y.T. (Registered Yoga Teacher) behind your name.   

We are a busy working studio.  Many programs train teachers in how to teach asana, but do not teach you how to begin a business, or allow you to work first hand with students.    At AGW you will receive  “hands on” experience.  Part of your hours will be spent learning with our students, talking with our students, learning from our students, and then teaching our students.  You will get training that will give you the skills and experience to begin teaching your classes immediately.

Commonly asked questions regarding teacher training:

1. Will I be able to do this training if I am plus size, a senior, or health challenged? 

YES!  You are not doing yoga asana the entire time.  You do not have to do a headstand to become a gentle yoga teacher.  We teach all ages and sizes how to teach yoga at their level.

2. Why is this training a little more than others?

    • We give you at least 200 hours of specialized training
    • All materials are included in your price.
    • The style of yoga you will be learning, in addition to traditional yoga, is a unique style that is quickly becoming one of the most sought after styles in the world.
    • Our training staff has over 55 years of combined experience teaching yoga, and over 75 years combined experience in Relaxation, Stress Management, and Spiritual Studies.

3. What happens if I miss a day?

  • You cannot graduate until all missed courses are made up. 
  • Local Teachers can make up a course at our Summer Session without an extra charge. 
  • If you need a private session to make up a course, there would be an additional charge of $85.

4. What if I am not sure about what style of yoga I want to teach?

  • If you are local, you should begin attending all of our classes and styles of yoga to make sure that we are the best fit for your needs.
  • If you are out of town, we highly recommend:   A “Weekend at A Gentle Way” before you commit fully to a 200 or 500 hour training.         


Call or email us at 619-698-1170 for an application or to answer more specific questions.
Email us at: yoga@agentleway.com