with Josh Summers, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Lic. Ac.
Part of the 200-hr and 300-hr Teacher Training Certification in Yin Yoga and Meditation.
The 50hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training: Foundations Module is a comprehensive training developed for serious students and teachers interested in learning the core physical aspects of the practice of Yin Yoga.
The 50hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training Foundations Module will include:
- Core principles of Yin Yoga; how to cue postures and educate students safely.
- Practice the core Yin asanas: Backbends, forward bends, lunges, external hip openers, twists, upper body postures.
- Explore the difference between Aesthetic Alignment and Functional Alignment; how bone variation affects range of motion and alignment considerations.
- Study the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine, pelvis, thigh, knee, and shoulder girdle.
- Principles of tension and compression in asana.
- Learn five essential Yin sequences, with relevant modifications and adjustments.
- Principles of sequencing; target areas and counterposes.
- Investigate the histological structure and function of connective tissue.
- Understand the positive physiological effects of Yin Yoga on the fascia, connective tissue and joint health.
- The Foundations Module is suitable for those both interested in teaching Yin Yoga or for those who simply wish to deepen their understanding of the practice.
Students will receive a certificate of training which is eligible for Continuing Education Credit (50hrs) with the Yoga Alliance. This Foundations Module is a core module of the Summers School of Yin Yoga 200-hour and 300-hour certification program.
Here’s how the program works:
1. Find a module.
Find a live teacher training module here on the list of upcoming events on Josh’s Events Page.
2. Register.
For the event of your choice, register through the host studio for the live teacher training module. Pay the host studio directly.
- 2019 pricing is consistent: $840 USD (or $690 earlybird rate). Prices adjusted in Europe.
You will receive:
- 90-day free access to the online preparatory course (see below)
- 4-day live intensive training module
- In-depth teaching manual
3. Prepare.
One of the unique features of the Summers School of Yin Yoga is that each of the core Training Modules has an online course component. The online course will prepare you to arrive at the live training with a solid foundation of the theory and practice covered in each module, allowing us to start at a higher level in our time together in the intensive.
Upon registration, you’ll receive a link that grants you free lifetime access to the online course (a $125 value).
Attendees, please note: You will receive an exclusive access code to the online course via email after signing up (please allow up to a week for processing). You will need to complete the online course, including a short quiz, before attending the live teacher training module. Estimated time to complete the online course: 5-7 hrs.
Course Readings:
- Required text: Your Body, Your Yoga by Bernie Clark. It’s not necessary to read this before the training, but this will serve as your ongoing reference book.
- Suggested Text: The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark.
Anyone can take this training as a standalone module, and all participants will receive a certificate of training which is eligible for 50 hours of Continuing Education Credit with Yoga Alliance.
View Upcoming Foundations Modules
Further Questions? There’s more info about the Summers School of Yin Yoga on the Frequently Asked Questions page, or you can contact Josh here.
Student Testimonials
This is by far THE BEST yoga training course I’ve ever taken. Josh is a joy to work with. He is a fount of knowledge with NO ego! A rare combination. I was able to implement my new knowledge immediately upon returning to teaching and my students enjoyed that additional information. It’s all about tension and compression and a Dragon-A-Day!
—C.S. (Foundations Student)
Josh Summers has a wonderful teaching methodology and personality. When reviewing various yin teacher training options, I just knew the Yin Yoga Foundations Module with Josh would be the right one for me. It absolutely was – I learned so much more than I ever expected. Josh truly has a gift for presentation and I highly recommend his school and training.
—S.P. in Florida (Foundations Student)
Josh not only has an amazing depth of knowledge, but intellectual integrity as well. As a practicing physician, I appreciate that very much. Not many teachers can effectively convey what they know in an accessible and effective way, but Josh certainly does. He communicates in a way that not only attains the goals of each day’s training in his program, but leaves you yearning for more.
I just gave my first Yin workshop after completing Josh’s Foundations Module, and right after the 2-hour session, participants – including teachers – insisted that my Yin class would be put on the regular schedule. I owe that to Josh, and cannot recommend him highly enough. I very much look forward to attending more of his training programs.
—T.H.B in Connecticut (Foundations Student)
I chose to attend this training as I was interested in Yin Yoga, also loved the fact that Terry is a marathon runner and yin instructor – a combination of Yin and Yang. The Foundations module was very detailed, informative, and practical for teaching Yin classes and deepening your own practice. I would highly recommend Josh and Terry’s Yin Yoga trainings to anyone.
M.L. in Illinois (Foundations Student)
The first time I participated in the Foundations Module in 2017, the study was new to me and the quantity of information daunting. I did, however, leave with what would become my growing Yin practice. Now, the new Foundations Module is an undisputed winner! The addition of an online course for preparation, an invaluable text (Your Body, Your Yoga by Bernie Clark) and an improved format have contribute to greater effectiveness. Josh has gathered many teachings and distilled them into what is immediately accessible and salient, all designed for health and well-being. I found this second foray into Foundations intensely meaningful and motivating. If you are new to the Summers School of Yin Yoga, you have come to the right place. If you have not yet participated in the Foundations Module, you have a treat in store. If you have previously done this module, revisit it – it’s different, dynamic and gets the job done.
—L.F. in Vermont (Foundations Student)
Although I felt fully capable to teach Yin after taking Josh’s Foundations Module (and have done so for the last 4 years), I am really happy I decided to re-take it. I found the updated module to be a much more in depth and comprehensive look into the physical aspects, mechanics, and benefits of the yin yoga practice and I believe it will enhance my teaching immensely. Looking forward to taking future modules and the Retreat this Winter 🙂
—P.N. in Boston, MA (Foundations Student)
Josh and Terry have put together a great training program. This training was well worth my time and money. I learned so many things during the 4-day foundations module that I am already incorporating into both my personal yin and yang practice and the classes I teach. I cannot recommend this training enough.
—K.R. in Illinois (Foundations Student)
Josh’s class changed how I approached my practice. What I was getting out of it. What I was bringing to it. How to ditch some attitudes that weren’t helping me. Yes, Josh teaches poses. But more importantly, he invites his students to think about their Yin practice more intelligently, more pragmatically, more approachably and yes… more healthfully. It was good, good stuff.
—S.H. in Michigan (Foundations Student)
I’ve been a student of Josh Summers for many years. I took Josh’s Foundations Teacher Training Intensive in 2013 and the Mindfulness Intensive in 2015, both of which formed a solid foundation to teach Yin Yoga. I decided to repeat the Foundations Module as part of my 200-hour requirements for the Summers School of Yin Yoga because I was excited to experience Josh’s new offerings. I am so happy I did! Josh’s new format for this module is outstanding, comprehensively covering the basic theories of Yin Yoga practice and teaching with a pointed focus on the physical aspects of practice. The informative online course – a prerequisite for attending the in-person training – ensured that all attendees had a basic understanding of the material, allowing us to dive deep into the material. The format of the in-person training is genius. Each day includes in-depth and interactive investigation of Yin Yoga postures, interesting lectures, lively and on point group discussions, and solid practice time to fully integrate what we learned that day. The very thorough course manual, which includes pictures of all of the Yin Yoga postures plus many modifications, is now a go-to resource for me. Josh is an accomplished facilitator and trainer, deftly navigating group dynamics and complex topics. I rate this course 10+ out of 10, and recommend it to new and seasoned Yin Yoga teachers and practitioners, including those who have previously completed teacher training modules with Josh.
—G.K. in Massachusetts (Foundations and Mindfulness Student)
I’ve just returned from the Yin Yoga Foundations module and would highly recommend it! The whole structure of the training program works very well. The online course was very informative and gave a foundation of knowledge that was expanded upon in the live training. The layout of the live training was a nice mixture – fascinating and engaging lectures, with lots of time to explore the yin poses as well as practice time to integrate what was learned that day. The functional approach to poses that Josh explores is invaluable information for yoga teachers and I feel it will serve to improve my skills further as a teacher! The accompanying manual that we received in the live training is also very comprehensive.
Josh’s passion for his work comes across in the live training and he has a lovely teaching style that makes the training fun and enjoyable. He is a fountain of knowledge on Yin Yoga and I consider myself very lucky to have had an opportunity to learn from him. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the training program and I’m looking forward to training more with Josh & Terry!
—S.K. in Ireland (Foundations Student)
I enrolled in this class wanting to be able to offer my clients something new and different. After taking the online module to prepare for the class, I realized entering this “World of Yin” was exactly the balance that I needed for myself. I came in with almost no knowledge on the topic and left feeling confident with a strong understanding of what’s going on at the cellular level when we practice Yin Yoga. Well planned, well instructed, and a fun teaching environment made this an incredible experience. Terry was really great with answering questions and concerns in class. I can’t wait to incorporate everything I’ve learned into my classes and personal practice.
—H.S. in Illinois (Foundations Student)
I took Josh’s intro to Yin Yoga in 2014. Back then, it was just a two and a half day weekend, and I was introduced to the philosophy and practice of Yin, all Yin poses, traditional Chinese medicine, and meditation. This past January, I took his new module called Foundations of Yin Yoga, which is now a four-day intensive course on just the physical aspect of Yin Yoga. This module is a complete and comprehensive overview of what Yin Yoga is, as well as all Yin poses and its target areas and modifications. Packed with information, this course will answer all your questions about Yin Yoga and get you inspired to further pursue this wonderful practice. I learned so much from this new version of Foundations.
—M.G. in Massachusetts (Foundations Student)
I’ve just finished the Foundations and TCM modules with Josh and I’m delighted with both courses. He has a winning combination of clarity, knowledge, humility, and humour and a relaxed passion for what he does which he transmits so well. I began as a Yin Yoga ignoramus and return home with a real sense of its magic.
—J.Z. in Granada, Spain (Foundations and TCM Student)
Very informative, practical, and usable information. Terry is a great instructor and generous in sharing her knowledge. Loved it!!
N.P. in Illinois (Foundations Student)
It always becomes clear in any profession when someone has deep-rooted knowledge and can deliver it in a way that works – when it’s lasting, when it’s the real deal. That’s Josh. Over the past decade, I’ve watched Josh develop one of the most comprehensive and critically acclaimed Yin Yoga offerings – and now a complete Yin Yoga program with yinyogaschool.com. I’m in awe of all he has accomplished.
—H.S. in Connecticut
I cannot say enough positive things about The Summers School of Yin Yoga! Every module, including the silent retreat, has far exceeded my expectations. I actually took the Foundations module twice and found that I learned more the second time around! I just completed my fourth module, the Yang module, and I feel as if I am finally practicing Yang yoga properly in my body, in a safer and more stable manner. Similarly, after taking the Meditation module, I finally felt comfortable meditating, after years of thinking I was doing it wrong! I am forever grateful to Josh and Terry for cultivating such a wonderful program of studies, and for sharing their knowledge in such a humble and respectful manner. I truly feel blessed and proud to be a part of the Summers School of Yin Yoga!
—J.H. in Massachusetts (Yang Yoga Student)
The Summers School of Yin Yoga // www.yinyogaschool.com