Yin Yoga Teacher Training
with Michelle Finch, assistant to Paul & Suzee Grilley
About the Training
Exalt's Yin Yoga Teacher Training offers a well-rounded experience for anyone to deepen their practice, teaching and overall experience of knowledge. Through a balanced curriculum students are given the opportunity to explore beyond the asana and into the areas of the body and mind that make yoga unique for every body.
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We're excited to announce that for the foreseeable future, all Exalt Yoga training courses will be offered both in-person (in Indianapolis, IN USA) and virtually (via Zoom). So, whether you'd prefer to learn in person or online, we have something that will meet your needs!
General Training
This program creates space for exploration and study in the Yin tradition, the complementary yoga practice to the more dynamic and invigorating yoga styles that are predominant today. Throughout the various modules we will explore:
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Foundations for the
Experience the practice of Yin Yoga, Muscular, Fascial & Skeletal Anatomy, Human Variation Anatomy
Foundations for the Mind
Consists of mindfulness and open awareness drawn from Yogic, Taoist and Buddhist psychological teachings
Foundations for Teaching Yin
Asana, variation & modifications, sequencing and Functional Yoga (14-10-7) techniques all to build a strong foundation to confidently teach Yin Yoga
Foundations of Philosophy
The history of the Yin yoga practice, teachers who have played a role in modern Yin yoga as well as the philosophies that inform this style of yoga
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Courses
Virtual or In-Person 50hr Foundations & Teaching Methodology Training
The Foundations module is all about learning all of the fundamental concepts that will equip you with the tools to become a successful Yin teacher.
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Covered in this module:
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Yin theory, teaching methodology, sequencing & theming
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Foundational Yin yoga asanas from a functional viewpoint
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Posture analysis lab where you will explore how every body is different and how to accommodate this individuality in your teaching
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Over five hours of practice teaching time
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Daily Yin & meditation practices
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There are three recorded prerequisite courses for this module: ​
Virtual or In-Person 50hr Yin-Yang Qi Cultivation Training
The Qi Cultivation module unravels the energy body according to Traditional Chinese Medicince (TCM), how the meridians and chakras are interconnected, as well as how we influence the energy through various forms of movement, breath work and meditation.
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Covered in this module:
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Energy body basics, as understood by Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The connection between the chakras & the TCM meridians/sinews
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How Yin yoga asana affects the energy body
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The Grilley yang flows (as taught by Paul & Suzee Grilley)
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Skeletal variation & soft tissue anatomy of the torso & spine
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Qi Cultivation Meditation
There is one recorded prerequisite course for this module: ​
Virtual or In-person 50hr Fascia & Myofascial Release Training
The Fascia & Myofascial Release module dives deep into understanding the connective tissue known as fascia, what it is and how we manipulate it through Yin yoga as well as self-myofascial release (SMR). Included in this course is a full, high quality, myofascial release tool kit.
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Covered in this module:
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In-depth studies of fascia - what it is how it is affected by practices such as self-myofascial release & yin yoga
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Various self-myofascial release techiques
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Fascial bouncing & scraping
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Myo-Yin
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Skeletal variation & soft tissue anatomy of the upper body (shoulders to fingers)
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Nyasa Chakra Meditations
There is one recorded prerequisite course for this module: ​
Virtual or In-Person 100hr Advanced Yin Teacher Training
This advanced 100 hour Yin teacher training course, combines the popular Yin-Yang Qi Culitvation and Fascia & Myofascial Release modules. In this course, we will dive deep into the energy body, in relations to Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as the world of Fascia and Myofascial Release. You will learn how to present both a regular weekly class as well as workshops that integrate both knowledge and techniques related to these topics. This course is for teachers that already have a foundations level training and want to layer on additional modalities to enhance their teaching skills.
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Covered in this module:
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Energy body basics, as understood by Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The connection between the chakras & the TCM meridians/sinews
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How Yin yoga asana affects the energy body
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The Grilley yang flows (as taught by Paul & Suzee Grilley)
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In-depth studies of fascia - what it is how it is affected by practices such as self-myofascial release & yin yoga
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Various self-myofascial release techiques
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Fascial bouncing & scraping
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Myo-Yin
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Skeletal variation & soft tissue anatomy of the upper body (torso, spine, shoulders, arms & hands)
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Qi Cultivation & Nyasa Chakra Meditations
There are two recorded prerequisite courses for this module: ​
To receive CEU with Yoga Alliance for any of the Yin training courses, which includes all Exalt Yoga 300 hour participants, students are required to submit a 30-45 minute practicum teaching video displaying an acceptable level of proficiency in the materials taught throughout the course. Details about this assignment are covered within each live training. Anyone who chooses not to apply the training towards Yoga Alliance CEU, is encourage to participate in this exercise, but not required.
Upcoming Yin Training Schedule
In-Person 50hr Yin Foundations
Virtual 50hr Yin Foundations
Hybrid 50hr Yin-Yang Qi Cultivation
In-Person 35hr Yin Fundamentals
Hybrid 50hr Fascia & Self-Myofascial Release
October 21-23 & 28-30, 2022
January 13-15 & 20-22, 2023
February 10-12 & 17-19, 2023
March 3-5, 2023
Sept. 22-24 & 29-Oct. 1, 2023
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Ocala, FL
Indianapolis, IN
100hr Advanced Yin Training
Eight Week Nights
Thursdays 5:30p-9:30p
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Four Weekends
Saturdays & Sundays 9:00a-6:00p
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Thursdays
5:30-6:45 – Meditation & Lecture
6:45-7:00 - Break
7:00-8:00 – Public Yin Class
8:00-9:30 - Lecture, Anatomy & Compression Tests
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Weekends
9:00-11:15 – Meditation & Lecture
11:15-11:30 - Break
11:30-1:00 - Asana Practice
1:00-2:00 - Lunch
2:00-4:00 – Anatomy & Compression Tests
4:00-4:15 - Break
4:15-6:00 – Lecture & Group Teaching Activites
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Time table and scheduled teaching matter is subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the teacher(s).
Sample Time Tables
Two Weekend Intensives
Friday thru Sunday
Fridays 5:30p-9:30p, Saturdays & Sundays 9:00a-6:00p
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Fridays
5:30-7:15 – Meditation & Lecture (Yin)/Asana Practice (Vinyasa)
10:15-10:30 - Break
8:00-9:30 – Asana Practice (Yin)/Meditation & Lecture (Vinyasa)
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Saturdays & Sundays
9:00-10:15 – Meditation & Lecture
10:15-10:30 - Break
10:30-1:00 – Asana Breakdown & Asana Practice
1:00-2:00 - Lunch
2:00-4:00 – Anatomy & Compression Tests
4:00-4:15 - Break
4:15-6:00 – Lecture & Group Teaching Activites
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In each asana module, practices teach opportunities will take place on the second Sunday morning (11:30-1:00) and afternoon (2:30-4:00)
Training Pricing
All Exalt Yoga training courses are offered on a sliding scale basis. You may pay the rate that works before you, bearing in mind that we do ask that if the Supporter or Sustainer rates are available within your budget, you consider registering under one of them. With that said, if the Community rate is what allows you to participate in this training, by all means, please utilize it knowing that you will do so free from judgement.
50hr Training Courses:
Sustainer Rate:
Supporter Rate:
Community Rate:
$675 USD
$600 USD
$525 USD
100hr Training Courses:
Sustainer Rate:
Supporter Rate:
Community Rate:
$1,300 USD
$1,150 USD
$1,000 USD
Registration Deadlines:
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To attend a training, you must have applied and registered at least five calendar days prior to the onset of any training.
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Be advised that all Exalt Yoga courses are limited to a maximum of 15 students to keep the experience intimate and personalized. Due to this lmited number, courses often fill up well before their registration deadline.
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Your space is not guaranteed until you have applied, registered online and paid in full.
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Interested in joining an upcoming course?
We do ask that all participants apply to a training courses, via the form linked below, prior to registering. Once you have submitted your application, someone will be in touch within 72 hours with additional registration details. If you have any questions you'd like to ask prior to applying, please reach out using the "Let's Chat" box in the bottom right hand corner of this screen.
What People Say
What is Functional Yoga?
The functional approach to yoga is an approach where we prioritize what a pose should do over how it looks. We are all unique: our skeletal structure, muscular flexibility, emotional response, mental organization and psychological inclination is all unique to each of us. Our practice should express this individuality. Instead of trying to perform a pose from the outside, copying a shape, we strive to understand what the purpose of the pose is and then adapt it's shape to our unique needs and abilities.
The Mid-West's Premier Yoga Teacher Training program is designed with everyone in mind! Whether you are just starting out on your journey as a yoga teacher, seeking to enhance your teaching skills or simply wish to develop your personal practice, our Yin Yoga Teacher Training will provide you with the tools to enrich your practice and teach authentically, grounded both in self-awareness and experiential knowledge.
Yin Yoga Teacher Training FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Yin Yoga Teacher Training Program. If you do not find the answer to your questions here, please reach out to Michelle directly.
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Q. Do I have to be a part of the 300hr program to take a Yin module?
A. No, you do not have to be enrolled in the 300hr Advanced training to attend a Yin training. It is required that you take the Foundations module prior to participating in the Yin-Yang Qi or Fascia modules. All attendees of training courses, independent of the 300hr program, will receive a certificate for the applicable hours of CEU that may be submitted to Yoga Alliance for credit.
Q. Do I have to take all of the modules to be certified to teach Yin?
A. Absolutely not. You may take just the Foundations module and be fully prepared to teach Yin. However, taking all three modules offers a well-rounded learning experience anatomically & on common topics associated with Yin Yoga such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chakras, Fascia & Myofascial Release and so on.
Q. Where is Exalt Yoga located?
A. The north east side of Indianapolis, Indiana
Q. For virtual training courses, do I have to attend live?
A. Yes, all live sessions are compulsory for all participants who live within the Americas (EST, CST, MST, PST time zones). However, each student is allowed to miss up to four (4) hours of training, to be made up via recording which are made available for 72 hours following the live session.
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For those who live outside of the four primary time zones of the Americas may be allowed to participate in additional hours, via recording, with prior approval. Please inquire to learn more.
Q. How do virtual courses qualify with Yoga Alliance?
A. Exalt Yoga has been approved as a virtual RYS through Yoga Alliance. This approval is currently valid through 2023, but we fully anticipate this being a permanent aspect to Yoga Alliance and, in turn, Exalt Yoga. Therefore, all virtual courses taken through Exalt Yoga count as contact hours, whether it be for CEU or to accumulate towards a 300 hour certificate.
Q. Do I have to be a certified yoga teacher to attend?
A. Plain and simple, no. This training is designed for senior teachers and beginners alike. However, I do kindy ask that non-certified participants have at least two years of experience with yoga and a basic understanding of anatomy (this can be achieved by reviewing The Concise Book of Muscles book prior to attending) before committing to attend the training.
Q. If I want to take all three modules, do I have to take them all in a one year or in a specific order?
A. Yes, the Yin Foundations module is the prerequisite to the Yin-Yang Qi and the Fascia modules. However, if you have prior training and would like to be considered for approval to skip the Foundations module in order to go straight into the Yin-Yang or Fascia modules, you must submit your request via email to exaltyinyoga@gmail.com. Even with approval, you may required to purchase, pre-view the Introduction to the Functional Approach video and complete the required assignment prior to the onset of the training for which you are enrolled.
Q. Do I have to attend all modules at the same location or within a certain timeline?
A. Nope. You may attend training courses at any location and on any timeline that suits you.
Q. If I want to attend more than one training, do I have to register for all at one time or can I sign up for them one at a time?
A. We understand that your time and resources are precious. Therefore you are more than welcome to register for them one at a time or all at once, whatever fits your needs best.
Q. Will these training courses be offered in future years?
A. Absolutely! Exalt is offering several Yin training courses virtually and/or throughout the mid-west every year! You have plenty of on-going opportunities to learn and grow with Exalt!
Q. Where is the training located?
A. All courses that are marked "Virtual" will take place via Zoom. All courses marked "In-person" will take place in Indianapolis. Hybrid courses are a combination of these two.
Q. When are the YYTT registration deadlines?
A. All participants must apply and register at least five (5) calendar days prior to onset of the training.