Yin Yoga Teacher Training
with Melanie CooperA slower, deeper practice and a gateway into your inner world. Over two live immersive days plus an extensive library of on–demand recordings, this course will give you all you need to teach yin in a way that is inclusive, safe and compassionate. A non–dogmatic, non–judgemental space to receive, nurture and expand your skills as a teacher.
Overview
Into the inner world
in yoga is a powerful way to unwind and rest very deeply. It is a practice that can stand alone or close a more dynamic flowing class, and it is a valuable preparation for the subtler arts of pranayama and meditation. Many students find that this slower style of practice becomes a gateway into their inner world, helping them connect, go deep and truly rejuvenate on a deeper level.
Across this training, you'll learn how to teach yin in a way that is inclusive, safe and compassionate, with a strong emphasis on offering poses to suit different body types, and the option of learning hands–on assists drawn from acupressure and Thai Yoga Massage. The course covers a wide range of ground: sequencing, anatomy, fascia and the meridian energy systems – alongside support in finding your own voice and signature as a teacher.
The environment Melanie creates is non–dogmatic and non–judgemental – a place to receive, to be nurtured, and to deepen your practice as well as your own teaching.
“The beauty of learning to teach yin yoga is that it invites us to connect to our practice, our body and possibly even our whole life in a different way. A way that’s softer, more compassionate, more intuitive and more nuanced.”
Take this as a stand–alone Yoga Alliance accredited CPD, or count it as an optional module on the Shala's 300–hour programme.
Who is this course for?
What's included?
Course Dates
Good to know
- £150 deposit reserves your place. Save your bank details at checkout and the balance is taken automatically 21 days before the course starts.
- Refresher rate: students who have previously completed this course are eligible for 50% off the current fee – online format only, proof of prior completion may be required.
- Prefer a different payment plan? Pay your deposit and email us to arrange. Full payment must be received before the course starts.
- Select bank transfer (BACS) at checkout — it helps us keep course fees down by lowering card processing charges.
- Bursary available: one 50% bursary place is offered each year. Learn more →
- FAQs Learn more →
- T&Cs Learn more →
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After this training, you will be
A confident yin teacher able to hold space with calm, warmth and clarity for students of all levels and body types.
Equipped to sequence and plan yin classes with intention – including for specific meridians – and to teach poses safely with and without props.
Grounded in the theory – fascia, meridians, energy systems, contraindications – and able to translate that knowledge into accessible, embodied teaching.
A Yoga Alliance accredited yin teacher (YACEP or 300 RYT), with the option to offer hands–on assists rooted in acupressure and Thai Yoga Massage.
What Our Students Say
What our students say
"…a deeply transformative experience. Melanie's wisdom, warmth, and depth of knowledge made the practice come alive in a way that felt both accessible and profound. I came into the training with a history of resisting Yin, and I left with a newfound appreciation for its subtleties, its depth, and its power to support both the body and the nervous system."
NRM, Yin Yoga Trainee"This course opened my eyes to the beauty of Yin Yoga and how we need it in our everyday lives. So well structured, packed with excellent info and delivered in a warm, nurturing safe environment."
Jane, Yin Yoga Trainee"Fantastic course! Mel's knowledge and enthusiasm really brought the intensive alive, creating a safe space for all of us. She brought simplicity and passion to the in–depth topic of Chinese medicine. If you're on the fence about Yin Yoga, this intensive will make you fall curious and in love with it!"
Eponine, Yin Yoga Trainee"Thank you for this really juicy and nourishing course. Really well paced, information clearly and precisely explained. Lots of practical opportunities to practise and teach. Great group of people, lovely space, great props. The Bollywood dancing always adds the sparkle."
Nicola, Yin Yoga TraineeMelanie is informed through and through and super experienced as a trainer. A lovely being who radiates yoga and has skills to share her enquiry. This was a great grounding in yin, inspiring and confidence–building in terms of professional practice and personal development."
Fiona, Yin Yoga Trainee"I just loved the yin TTC with Melanie. She is a fountain of knowledge – I feel very blessed to have completed my 300–hour teacher training with her. I have learnt so, so much."
Pennie Naylor, 300-hour TraineeYour Teacher
Your teacher Melanie Cooper
Lead trainer on both flagship programmes, with decades of practice and teaching experience.
Gallery
Shala moments
Course details
- How to teach yin poses with and without props
- Contraindications and modifications
- Yin adjusts and assists (acupressure & Thai Yoga Massage–based)
- The meridians and energy systems
- Sequencing for specific meridians
- Understanding fascia
- How to plan a class
- The considered use of silence
- How to find your voice as a teacher
- Adapting the practice for different body types and personalities
- A library of bite–sized recorded chapters, available for 6 months from 1 January, to support and consolidate your live training:
- What is Yin? (Parts 1 & 2)
- Benefits of Yin
- Sensation & Edge
- Contraindications & Cautions
- What is Fascia?
- What are Meridians?
- Key Points When Teaching
- Sequencing
- Practical Anatomy: Forward Folds, Spine & Backbends, Hips and Twists, Shoulders
- Practical sessions based around the anatomy - classes for backbends, forward folds, hips, shoulders, twists
- Practical sessions based around the meridians, shorter and longer sessions for liver & Gallbladder, Kidney & Bladder, Stomach & Spleen, Heart and Small Intestine, Lung and large Intestine
- If time is short or you've booked late, prioritise watching: What is Yin (Parts 1 & 2), Contraindications & Cautions, Key Points When Teaching, and Forward Folds Practical Anatomy.
- Yin poses for the Kidney and Bladder Meridians, and Forward Bends
- Yin poses for the Liver and Gallbladder Meridians, and Twists & Side Bends
- Yin poses for the Stomach and Spleen Meridians, and Backbends
- Yin poses for the Heart, Small Intestine, Lung and Large Intestine Meridians, and Shoulders
- Practical anatomy of forward folds, twists, side bends, backbends and shoulder openers
- Fascia – what it is and why it matters in a yin practice
- Introduction to the meridian system and the Five Element framework
- Optional hands–on assists training
- Adjusts and assists drawn from acupressure
- Adjusts and assists drawn from Thai Yoga Massage
- Ethical, consent–led approach to touch
- Sequencing principles for yin
- How to plan a yin–based class
- Effective use of props
- The use of silence and pacing in yin teaching
- Finding your authentic voice as a teacher
- Plenty of supported practice teaching in a non–judgemental environment
- Counts as 40 hours toward your 300–hour certification, or as stand–alone Yoga Alliance YACEP accredited CPD
- Certificates issued on completion of all coursework
- Attendance on both live training days (In Studio or via Livestream)
- Engagement with the on–demand content – ideally before the live weekend
- Completion of homework required to certify. This includes quizzes on the pre-recorded talks, book review, short write up on what yin means to me, participation in teaching practice
Course Dates
Course dates & schedule
This course will run again
Can't make the dates? This training runs annually. Here's what's next on the calendar.
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