Restorative Yoga Teacher Training Course

Lesson 1 • Benefits and Contraindications

Maps the evidence-based benefits of restorative yoga and identifies when caution or modification is required. Prepares teachers to screen students safely.

Lesson 2 • The Nervous System Primer

Introduces the autonomic nervous system and its role in stress and recovery. Connects nervous system states directly to restorative practice outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Philosophical Roots and Ethics

Surveys the yogic philosophy underpinning restorative practice, including key concepts from classical texts. Establishes an ethical lens for teaching.

Lesson 1 • Anatomical Variation and Individuality

Addresses how skeletal and soft-tissue variation affects pose expression. Trains teachers to observe and adapt rather than impose a single shape.

Lesson 2 • Connective Tissue and Fascia

Explains the role of fascia, ligaments, and tendons in passive holds. Links tissue behavior to prop support decisions and hold durations.

Lesson 3 • Breath and Diaphragm Mechanics

Examines diaphragmatic anatomy and how posture affects breathing capacity. Connects breath mechanics to nervous system regulation in restorative holds.

Lesson 1 • Adapting Props for Diverse Bodies

Explores modifications for larger bodies, limited mobility, and injury recovery. Reinforces that prop use is creative problem-solving, not a fixed formula.

Lesson 2 • Setting Up the Practice Space

Covers room temperature, lighting, sound, and prop organization for optimal student experience. Connects environmental design to nervous system safety.

Lesson 3 • Prop Placement Principles

Teaches the logic of supporting the body to achieve full passive release. Students practice placing props to eliminate muscular effort in each pose.

Lesson 1 • Inversions and Chest Openers

Covers supported fish, supported backbend over bolster, and legs-up-the-wall as a mild inversion. Teaches contraindication screening for each pose.

Lesson 2 • Supine and Reclined Poses

Covers supported savasana, supported bridge, and reclined bound angle in detail. Builds the most accessible pose group first to establish teaching confidence.

Lesson 3 • Seated and Forward Fold Poses

Introduces supported seated forward folds and wide-leg variations with bolster heights. Connects hamstring and back release to nervous system calming.

Lesson 4 • Prone and Belly-Down Poses

Teaches supported child's pose, crocodile, and prone twists with breath-aware prop placement. Addresses common discomfort points in face-down positions.

Lesson 1 • Teaching Breath Cues Effectively

Develops language for guiding breath without creating anxiety or effort. Trains teachers to offer breath invitations rather than directives.

Lesson 2 • Foundational Breath Techniques

Teaches diaphragmatic breathing, three-part breath, and natural breath observation. Establishes breath as the primary tool for inducing parasympathetic states.

Lesson 3 • Calming Pranayama Practices

Introduces extended exhale, nadi shodhana, and bhramari for nervous system downregulation. Pairs each technique with appropriate restorative poses.

Lesson 1 • Yoga Nidra Structure and Stages

Breaks down the classical yoga nidra stages from physical settling to sankalpa. Students understand the purpose and sequence of each stage.

Lesson 2 • Trauma-Sensitive Relaxation Guidance

Adapts relaxation techniques for students with trauma histories or heightened nervous system sensitivity. Prioritizes choice, agency, and felt safety throughout.

Lesson 3 • Body Scan Techniques

Covers awareness-based body scanning to cultivate interoception and release holding patterns. Trains teachers to guide attention without creating tension.

Lesson 4 • Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Teaches the systematic tension-and-release method as an accessible entry to deep relaxation. Connects muscular release to mental quieting for students.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Restorative Sequencing

Establishes the arc of a restorative class from arrival to integration. Teaches how pose order, hold time, and transitions create a coherent experience.

Lesson 2 • Short and Long Format Classes

Designs classes ranging from 30-minute sessions to 90-minute deep rest experiences. Teaches how to scale depth and number of poses to available time.

Lesson 3 • Class Plan Documentation

Trains students to write clear, reusable class plans with pose names, props, cues, and timing. Builds a professional teaching portfolio during training.

Lesson 4 • Sequencing for Special Populations

Adapts class design for prenatal, senior, chronic pain, and high-stress populations. Reinforces that population needs drive every sequencing decision.

Lesson 1 • Hands-On Assists and Adjustments

Teaches safe, consent-based physical assists for deepening prop support and releasing tension. Covers touch protocols and alternatives for non-contact teaching.

Lesson 2 • Assessed Teaching Practicum

Students teach a complete 60-minute restorative class assessed against defined competency criteria. Feedback from assessors guides final skill refinement before certification.

Lesson 3 • Peer Teaching Practice

Structured peer teaching rounds with assigned roles for teacher, student, and observer. Builds confidence and exposes common teaching errors in a safe setting.

Lesson 4 • Observing and Responding to Students

Develops real-time observation skills to identify discomfort, misalignment, or emotional responses. Trains teachers to respond with calm, effective interventions.