Coming Soon! Yoga Assists & Modifications, 50hrs Further Training
Yoga Assists & Modifications (50hrs Further Training)
For Qualified Yoga Teachers – Yoga Alliance Professionals Accredited
Course Overview
This 50-hour course offers yoga teachers the opportunity to refine and advance their knowledge of hands-on assists and modifications. Over two immersive weekends, combined with guided online study, participants will deepen their understanding of the principles behind safe, effective adjustments and explore alternative teaching approaches that meet the diverse needs of students.
Format
- In-person (Prana Yoga Studio, Hamilton): 28 hours of practice-based training with faculty Carla Hillman-Webster and/or Maureen Thorpe.
- Online Learning Platform (Self-paced): 12 hours, including video tutorials, homework, posture analysis, and reflective journaling.
- Independent Reading & Study: 10 hours, with set texts and reflective assignments to consolidate learning.
Total: 50 hours
WHAT
Yoga Assists & Modifications
HOW
- Faculty: Senior Yoga Teachers Carla Hillman-Webster and/or Maureen Thorpe.
- Practice: Partner work for kinaesthetic experience of giving and receiving assists; guided exploration of props and verbal cueing.
- Materials:
- Student Manual with posture breakdowns, diagrams, and space for recording assists.
- Access to online learning platform with recorded lectures, practice videos, and resources (available for 12 months).
- Curated reading list with classical and contemporary texts.
WHY
- To give teachers confidence in applying assists that are safe, supportive, and enhance the student’s personal expression of asana.
- To explore a spectrum of teaching approaches: hands-on, verbal, and prop-based, recognising different learning styles.
- To encourage sensitivity, respect, and clear boundaries in physical adjustments.
- To deepen kinaesthetic awareness in teachers, enhancing their ability to “read the room” and respond appropriately.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this training, teachers will be able to:
- Apply a wide range of hands-on assists and modifications based on Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary & Second Series and Classical Hatha postures.
- Actively and sensitively practice physical adjustments with confidence and clarity.
- Use verbal cues and props effectively as alternatives or complements to physical assists.
- Communicate the essence of a posture while supporting the student’s unique embodiment.
- Understand ethical considerations, consent, and safe boundaries in touch.
- Reflect on their own teaching style and integrate assists with authenticity and respect.
COURSE CONTENT
Core Themes
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Introduction to the role of assists and the place of touch in yoga teaching.
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Principles of safe, ethical, and consent-based adjustments.
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Alternatives to touch: verbal cueing, prop use, and demonstration.
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Building confidence in communication and clarity when offering assists.
Practical Components
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Partner work across standing, seated, backbends, and inverted postures.
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Exploration of subtle assists: breath awareness, energetic alignment, and minimal touch techniques.
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Sequencing practice incorporating assists with opportunities for peer feedback.
Self-Study & Integration
Online Learning Platform (12hrs total)
- Pre-recorded video tutorials and posture labs.
- Anatomy of touch: fascia, proprioception, and kinaesthetic learning.
- Quizzes to reinforce understanding.
- Reflection prompts and journaling tasks.
Independent Reading & Assignments (10hrs)
- Reading list with classical texts (e.g. Yoga Sutra, Light on Yoga) and modern sources.
- Written reflection: “The role of touch in contemporary yoga teaching.”
- Annotated posture drawings in Student Manual.
Certification
Upon successful completion of in-person training, online learning, homework, and reading reflections, participants will be awarded a 50hr Further Training Certificate in Yoga Assists & Modifications, accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals.
