Teacher Training programmes
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Restorative Yoga Teacher Training
Level 1: The Essential Practice
A 33 hour programme for Teachers, Trainees, Professionals/Experienced Practitioners held over two weekends with Anna Ashby and Chris Swain.
Course content
The two weekends include:
- Restorative Yoga practice each day
- Reflection + journaling
- Lectures + dialogue
- The art of teaching Restorative Yoga: history, purpose and nature of the practice, breath awareness, sequencing, and safe practice, language, cues and creating sanctuary
- Stress physiology and the anatomy/physiology of postures
- Practicums which cover the basic set-ups of essential poses, how to adapt postures to suit individual needs and assisting.
In addition to scheduled weekend hours, students are asked to observe two Restorative Yoga classes with Anna Ashby (online) or recommended teachers to complete the training. A code will be sent two weeks prior to the weekend.
Course Structure
This training is designed for teachers and teacher trainees, professionals in healing modalities and experienced practitioners who wish to deepen their practice. It includes ample time for practice, exploration, and understanding the art of teaching Restorative Yoga. The four days and two Friday evenings, offer a retreat-like atmosphere which includes in-depth practices, as well as time to learn about the history, nature and purpose of Restorative practice and how to structure and teach classes. The anatomy and physiology of the postures, as well as basic stress physiology grounds the work in the reality of everyday living. Learning tasks are designed to support the process of learning and assimilation and offer time to connect and engage with others. Practicums enable hands on experience where there is time to explore and practice the set up of essential poses, as well as refine assists. Particular emphasis is given to adapting and adjusting the postures to suit individual needs.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basic stress physiology, anatomy of the postures, and breath awareness.
- Understand the history of Restorative Yoga, its purpose and nature.
- Confidence in how to structure and successfully facilitate a Restorative Yoga class.
- Immersive and experiential practice in Restorative Yoga.
- Practice in setting up and adapting poses to suit individual needs.
The training includes an in-depth Companion Manual with photographs and requires the purchase of Restorative Yoga: Power Presence Practice for Teachers and Trainees written by Anna Ashby. Upon registration a discount code of 20% will be sent to purchase the book through the publisher. Props will be provided by the venue.
Anna Ashby
Yoga Asana and Teaching
A senior teacher and trainer in the UK, Anna has been innovating in her field for over 30 years. Her unique style reflects a variety of influences including: dance, extensive yoga training focused on alignment and precision, restorative arts, tai chi and somatic movement. Much of her inspiration stems from her 12-year immersion in yoga practice while living in an ashram during the 1990s. Anna specialises in Restorative Yoga, a modern style that supports nervous system health through the healing effects of deep relaxation, breath and present moment awareness. Her book, Restorative Yoga: Power Presence Practice for Teachers and Trainees, released in March 2022, has become the ‘go to’ book for teachers and practitioners serving as an in depth guide for those interested in the Restorative arts. It elucidates and celebrates this practice spotlighting rest, stillness and space as necessary elements for cultivating balance and deepening spiritual endeavour. She holds the highest level of certification with Yoga Alliance Professionals in the UK (SYT) and the Yoga Alliance in the U.S. (E-RYT-500 + YACEP).
Chris Swain
Yoga Anatomy
Chris has been teaching yoga for over 25 years, initially qualifying as a teacher with the Chinese Yoga Federation in 1987, then as an Iyengar yoga teacher, before being introduced to Ashtanga yoga with John Scott in London in 1999. It was whilst studying in the early 1980s that Chris came across yoga, Kempo (a martial art), Cheirology (hand reading) and meditation. During this time Chris developed a deep interest in natural healing. He moved to London in 1996 to take a 4 year degree in Osteopathy, deepening his understanding of western medical models. He is currently teaches on various yoga teacher training courses in the UK and also teaches asana and anatomy based workshops.
Hours:
Two weekends, autumn 2026
September 25-27th & October 9-11th
- Friday 4.00 – 9.00pm
- Saturday 10.00 – 5.30pm
- Sunday 10.00 – 4.30pm
Fee:
£625 for both weekends. Payable in one sum or as three payments where there is a little increase (three installments of £220 – one on booking, with the balance required by 28 July 2026)
Please see the booking terms on the booking system.
*2 online classes with Anna Ashby Online included.
**A catered dinner/lunch box can be included at an extra cost. Full details provided on request.
Eligibility + Accreditation
This training is designed for teachers and teacher trainees, professionals in healing modalities and experienced practitioners who wish to deepen their practice.
In order to teach, participants must be either taking, about to take, or have successfully completed a Yoga Teacher Training Diploma in order to teach students at a beginners/level 1 standard.
The training meets the Yoga Alliance YACEP Continuing Education hours and Yoga Professionals requirements for CPD.
BOOKINGQ&A’s
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?
This training is designed for teachers and teacher trainees, professionals in healing modalities and experienced practitioners who wish to deepen their practice – even if you don’t plan to go on and teach yoga. If you are considering doing a yoga teaching diploma this could be a good way to experience a training environment first to get a flavour of things.
AM I QUALIFIED TO TEACH YOGA AFTER THIS TRAINING ?
In order to teach, participants must be either taking, about to take, or have successfully completed a Yoga Teacher Training Diploma in order to teach students at a beginners/level 1 standard.
CAN I JOIN ONLINE?
We are a small size studio and trying to facilitate an online aspect for participants is just not practically possible due to our size and layout. But also we believe that in-person trainings are the best way to learn and experience the intricacies of this practice. Plus, by being surrounded by other trainees and sharing experiences it becomes much more enriching – and you’ll likely form meaningful bonds with others!
DO I NEED TO ATTEND BOTH WEEKENDS?
To gain your certificate – attendance in person is required for the entire training.
WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?
We are located in North Leamington Spa, in a suburb called Lillington, bordering the New Cubbington village. We have lots of on-street, free parking near the studio in a mainly residential area. We are a few minutes off the A46/M40 – and easily reached from Birmingham, Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon and further afield.
Leamington Spa Train Station is a 10 minute Uber away. The town centre is about 8 minutes by car or 25 minutes on foot.
Leamington Spa is on the Chiltern line. It is also served by CrossCountry Trains and West Midland Train services.
IS THERE ANYWHERE NEAR THE STUDIO TO GET LUNCH?
We have a small kitchen and fridge at the studio to store food. We have some excellent cafes in the town and will send attendees details on how you can book lunch for delivery (separate charge). Alternatively, we’ve a small shop next door, and a Sainsburys local a 10 minute walk away.
WHERE CAN I STAY IN LEAMINGTON?
There are lots of accommodation options from a Premier Inn, in town, to Chesford Grange, a short drive to the studio. Or some lovely Airbnb options including in the very near Cubbington Village.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
The studio is fully equipped with everything you need for your training. We will have a selection of teas on hand and snacks. Lunch options to buy are somewhat limited nearby, so you are welcome to bring your own ( we have a fridge) or let us know if you want us to order in something ( separate charge).
WHAT IS THE BOOKING/CANCELLATION POLICY?
You can book and pay in full or in three instalments, for which there is a slight increase on the pay in one price. If you choose instalments then one payment is due on booking with two other payments to be made to suit you as long as all monies paid by 28 July 2026 .
If you decide to cancel, you must inform us at least 60 days before the course start in writing. We will refund you minus a £50 administration fee. Outside of this period we are not obliged to return any money to you. However, if we have a waitlist and can pass your place on successfully we will refund course fees minus a £50 administration fee.
I’VE GOT SOME MORE QUESTIONS – WHO SHOULD I ASK?
In the first instance please email Sian via: littlelightstudiocub@gmail.com with any questions and she’ll aim to answer or forward to Anna/Chris.