20-Hour Strength Training for Movement Teachers
with Taranee Ponjani and Abel Albanes
November 15-16 and 22-23, 2025
Over two weekends, Abel Albanes and Taranee Ponjani offer a comprehensive introduction to strength training through the lens of a personal trainer.
Movement teachers—whether from yoga, Pilates, barre, or other disciplines—possess a deep understanding of the body, but strength training is often overlooked in traditional movement education. This course is designed to bridge that gap. Walk away with the confidence and practical knowledge to integrate strength training principles into your group classes, refine your own movement practice, and work more effectively with private clients. This program is more than just learning exercises—it’s about equipping you with the tools to teach strength training safely, effectively, and with a nuanced understanding of movement.
The program will:
- Introduce the fundamental principles of strength training, including progression, regression, and movement variability.
- Teach you how to coach over 20 key strength exercises safely and effectively, with a focus on breath, stability, and mechanics.
- Help you understand movement through the lens of a personal trainer—there are no bad movements, only improper application, timing, or context.
- Provide insight into working with private clients, building long-term retention, and enhancing your ability to support a variety of students.
Program Requirements:
- Active participation.
- A midterm exam and a final practical exam.
- Completion of a case study assignment.
- Attendance at all contact hours is mandatory for certification. If contact hours must be missed, make-up hours can be booked at a rate of $100/hour with the program instructor(s).
Expect a hands-on, interactive learning experience that will deepen your understanding of movement and expand your teaching capabilities.
Time Commitment:
Date:
Saturday, November 15 – Sunday, November 16
Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, November 23
Time:
1:00pm- 6:00pm
Place:
Sterling Studio at 225 Sterling Road, Toronto ON
Tuition & Payment Options:
Full Tuition:
$650+HST
Early Bird Discount:
Get 10% off full tuition price when payment is received in full before August 17, 2025. *Note that 25% of full tuition is non-refundable in the case of cancellations.
Payment Plans Available:
Ability to divide full tuition into 2-4 autopay payments. Full Tuition must be received before the start date of the course, which predicts number of autopays.
Scholarship Opportunities:
On a case by case basis, we offer two scholarship spots at 50% off the full tuition for racialized, LGBTQ+, folks living with physical and other barriers, as well as other marginalized students. Please email morgan@mosaicyoga.ca to start a conversation.
Attendance & Make Up Policy:
To receive your Certificate attendance at all contact hours is mandatory. If contact hours must be missed, make-up hours can be booked at a rate of $100/hour with the program instructor(s).
About Taranee And Abel:
Abel and Taranee have nearly 25 years of combined experience in personal training, athletic therapy, and movement coaching. Their approach is rooted in empowering teachers to understand strength training in a way that complements their existing skill set while challenging outdated myths about movement.
About Taranee:
Taranee holds a degree in Health Studies and certifications across various movement and mindfulness practices such as Yoga, Mat Pilates, Strength Training, and more. Taranee now teaches Acro, Handbalancing, Aerial Silks, Yoga, Mat Pilates, and Strength training. She is fascinated by the ways movement can support mental health and bring people together. Her movement artistry has been featured in works such as Just One Voice (music video with The Silent Rivals), Rooted by Emily Hughes (2020), and The Chaos Project by Hercinia Arts Collective (2023), among others. She blends her love for movement, mindfulness, and community care to create spaces that feel inclusive and nourishing, where people can safely explore their edges while honouring their bodies.
About Abel: Abel holds a degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a certificate in Athletic Therapy from York University, and has been practicing for over 13 years. His experience spans clinics, the sidelines of major sporting events—including the Canada Games, and international competition with the Canadian Men’s Australian Football Team—and a wide range of gym environments across Toronto. Abel blends the worlds of rehab and performance into one integrated system, helping clients of all ages and abilities move better, build strength, and return to the things they love—whether that’s playing professionally, getting back to work, or simply living with less pain. He places a strong emphasis on foundational movement, breathwork, and quality of effort, using a people-first approach that meets clients where they are. His ability to combine deep technical knowledge with practical, accessible coaching makes him uniquely equipped to guide movement professionals through the practical, nuanced world of strength training.