Harmonise

Summer-proofing your teaching

Clare Francis — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:13:24 +0000

Lower class numbers during the school summer holidays is nothing new., but the increasingly consistent hot weather we’ve seen between May and September in recent years, certainly is… and it’s a trend that looks set to continue as our climate changes.

So in this blog, I’m sharing ways to reinvent your teaching during the summer months, so your classes stay buoyant even when the sun’s out and routines shift.

1. Make the most of the outdoors

Take advantage of the lighter mornings and evenings, avoiding the peak heat of the day. Yoga on the beach, Pilates in the park. Sunrise classes whilst the kids are still in bed and it’s quiet and mystical. Sunset classes once the weather has cooled and people have eaten and put the kids to bed. You could even offer an optional sea dip if you’re fortunate enough to live by the sea. You could also theme a class around the moon cycle, which people love. Ask people to bring their own mats to save you carrying too much equipment.

(NB: You may need insurance to charge for classes in public spaces. A ‘by donation’ model may get around this, but it’s worth checking. If you’re offering a sea dip afterwards, make sure people sign a waiver confirming they do so at their own risk.)

2. Tap into summer events and alternative venues

Look beyond your usual studio and take advantage of one-off events and alternative venues. Festivals are on the increase and almost always have a wellness area. Campsites often want yoga or Pilates classes on offer, and yurts are popping up everywhere, with the option to teach inside or outside depending on conditions. Approach venues directly and ask to teach for them, or arrange a private hire and run your own classes, workshops or day retreats. Plenty of sites also have saunas, outdoor lakes and cold plunges you can build workshops and retreat days around.

It’s worth researching and reaching out early, the best slots and collaborations tend to get snapped up well before the season kicks off. Now’s the time to plan for 2027!

3. Scale up with your own camp

Fancy taking it to the next level? Why not organise your own Pilates or yoga camp? Collaborate with a few other teachers to put on camping weekends with a variety of classes, perhaps with massage available too… Plan a mini festival with the aim of getting 100 attendees. Who knows where it could go from there? It’s all possible, and already happening!

4. Get creative

Our very own Louise Windsor has been running her freedom dances outside for the first time this summer which are going from strength to strength. Now holding them monthly at 2 venues in her own words ‘they couldn’t have gone better’ and are almost always sold out with a waiting list. They include a cacao ceremony and mini sound bath at the end. Very inspiring.

5. Run a retreat

A retreat can be for a day, overnight, long weekend or even week-long. Many teachers combine them with other popular summer activities such as surfing, paddleboarding or open water swimming. With warmer weather becoming more consistent, you can go more local, saving costs and reducing your footprint, while still creating that summer holiday, healthy-activity feel.

Retreats are a fantastic opportunity for collaboration. Partner with another wellbeing professional to share the workload, double up on outreach, and hopefully carve out some fun for yourself too!

6. Reframe your indoor classes

For indoor classes, consider re-branding them as “escape the heat”. At the start of the season, it’s common for students to favour the beach, or getting outdoors over classes. However, once the weather settles, the novelty often wears off, and they may be glad of a break, especially during a heatwave. If your studio has air conditioning, fans, windows that open or a view over the sea or outdoors, highlight that in your promotion. And, as mentioned, it may be worth tweaking your timetable to offer early morning and later evening classes… giving people the option to come after the beach.

7. Promote the benefit, not just the class

Consider re-branding your indoor classes to promote the benefit. For example, “a good night’s sleep despite the heat”. One of the most common complaints I hear about hot weather is difficulty sleeping, especially for those in midlife and beyond, when temperature regulation is already harder to manage due to hormonal changes. A slower-paced class such as Yin, restorative, Yoga Nidra, somatics, sound, or a combination of these, can help reduce core temperature and increase the chances of a better night’s sleep, with the added benefit of time away from devices and a drop into the parasympathetic nervous system. If you’re not already trained in these practices, maybe now is the time to add to your repertoire…!

8. Offer quick, cooling practices

Offer 10–15 minute cooling breathwork practices in person, online, or as pre-recorded videos participants can return to whenever they need. Something quick and easy to help people stay cool in the heat. Include Sitali, Sitkari and Chandra Bhedana: well-known cooling pranayama practices, often described as a “natural air conditioner for the body and mind,” which also support focus, emotional regulation, balance and relaxation. Pilates teachers, you know only too well how important the breath is, and these pranayama practices are not reserved for yogis only.

9. Take your classes online

Offer online or hybrid classes so your students can still practise with you while on holiday or when their routine shifts. Even better, create an on-demand library, so students can practise with you even while you’re on holiday yourself! All you need is your phone, and a tripod.

10. Balance your year

Finally, consider putting on more classes or workshops in the autumn, winter and spring months, so you’re not relying so heavily on the peak summer season. And use the opportunity to take some time out for yourself, to enjoy this beautiful sunshine. 😊

However you choose to adapt during the summer months, the heart of it stays the same: staying open to change, and finding creative ways to keep showing up for your students (and yourself). A varied toolkit makes this so much easier, whether that’s confidence using Pilates equipment, or the ability to hold a slower, more restorative practice alongside your usual style. It’s why we offer a range of CPD courses and workshops at Harmonise, so you’ve got the skills and flexibility to adapt your teaching to whatever the season (or your students) call for.

And if you’re considering teacher training, it’s worth knowing that the business side of teaching is something we cover as part of our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and Pilates Teacher Training courses, alongside the practice itself. Because being a brilliant teacher is only part of the picture; knowing how to build a career around it, and having the confidence to do so, is just as important.

Article by: Claire Francis

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10 reasons to use hands-on assists in your yoga classes (and why it matters more than ever)

Clare Francis — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:39:47 +0000

“Touch is far more essential than our other senses.
It’s ten times stronger than verbal or emotional contact.”
Diane Ackerman

I started my career in the health and fitness industry as a holistic and then sports massage therapist. I then taught small group Pilates for 15 years and used hands on assists throughout all of my classes.

So when I came to Ashtanga yoga, the use of ‘adjustments’ felt normal to me. However, I could see that some of the ways they were taught during some of the workshops I attended could easily lead to injuries. Over the years I have witnessed so called ‘Gurus’ standing on students, sitting them on their laps in chair pose, pulling them, vigorously pushing them down on their shoulders in splits… It’s no wonder they have received bad press.

However, when applied with consent, conscious awareness, confidence and sensitivity, ‘hands on assists’ can add so much value to your Yoga classes at a time when loneliness, disconnection and isolation are on the increase. Human touch plays an essential role in well-being, especially when it comes to stress, resilience and mental health.

With that in mind, here are 10 reasons when to use thoughtful, appropriate, consent-led hands-on assists and why they are, more than ever, one of the most valuable, and beneficial, tools in a yoga teacher’s kit.

1. When a verbal cue hasn’t connected

Sometimes a student simply doesn’t respond to a verbal cue. This is not because they are not listening or not trying. It could be due to limited body awareness, distraction, dissociation, sensory motor amnesia, or difficulty understanding or embodying the verbal cue. A well-placed hands-on assist can bridge that gap, increasing proprioception and strengthening neural connections in a way words alone can’t always achieve.

2. When a visual demonstration isn’t enough

Demonstrations are a valuable teaching tool, and can be very effective, but they don’t always produce the intended response. A hands-on assist can communicate what both words and visuals have failed to convey, stimulating proprioceptive feedback and supporting the development of neuromuscular patterning that builds over time into embodied, intuitive movement.

3. When props aren’t available or aren’t working

Props are fantastic and can support students in so many ways, often replacing the need for a hands-on assist. But they’re not always to hand, not every student knows how or when to use them – or may think they don’t “need” them. In those moments, a sensitive assist can provide the support a prop would otherwise offer. Or you might use the assist alongside guiding the student towards the right prop, so they can replicate that support independently in future.

4. To introduce and teach self-assists

Self-assists are a fantastic tool during a yoga class, empowering students to incorporate them into their own self-practice. They encourage self-awareness, embodiment and a deeper connection to self. They can also support students in learning to down-regulate their own nervous systems independently, fostering a real sense of agency.

Hands-on assists can be a powerful way to introduce them, helping students understand exactly where to place their hands, how much pressure to apply and what sensation to look for. Once a student has felt it guided by you, they’re far better equipped to replicate it independently and safely.

5. To encourage neutral alignment

Every body is different, and not every student will look the same in any given posture. With that in mind, you can use assists to help your students move towards a more neutral alignment depending on their posture and range of movement.

This might mean encouraging the spine to lengthen, inviting more activity into the network, suggesting the chest opens, creating space around the hips, side body or waist, stabilising the pelvis to reduce compensation patterns, or supporting grounding and stability.

6. To modify an asana to suit a student’s range of movement

Where range of movement is restricted (whether due to age, muscle tightness, joint mobility or the natural variation in how bodies are built) or when injury is present, an assist possibly alongside the use of props can help reposition a student safely. This supports them towards a more functional expression of the pose without strain or compensation.

7. To support a deeper expression of the pose

This is perhaps the most nuanced use of hands-on assists, and it requires a great deal of sensitivity and two-way communication, including non-verbal! It is important that you are constantly observing and reading posture, breath and facial expression throughout, as well as receiving verbal feedback. Remain responsive at every stage.

8. For partner stretching and targeted release

Partner stretches create a feedback loop between teacher and student, they can be very specific meaning they are best suited to one-to-one session, where a specific area of restriction has been identified.

9. To support relaxation through massage, breath and body awareness

Placing hands on the body can encourage a more functional breath, deepen interoception and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of calm and aiding students ability to let go. In postures like child’s pose and savasana, this creates a beautiful opportunity to use hands on assists to mindfully stretch and massage students. In my experience, it’s often the part of class they love the most.

10. To add real value to your teaching and build a loyal, returning student base.

Where consent has been clearly and comfortably established with individual students, hands-on assists will add a great deal of value to your classes and can set you apart from other teachers. When offered thoughtfully and with sensitivity, they elevate the in-person experience in a way that online classes simply can’t replicate. They foster a personal, two-way relationship and help students feel genuinely supported by you and safe, which keeps them coming back.

For those offering one-to-one yoga sessions, hands-on assists are a core part of what clients are investing in; they expect a more personalised, attentive experience.

So why aren’t more teachers offering hands-on assists?

If I had to guess, the number one reason teachers hesitate to incorporate hands-on assists into their teaching is fear and a lack of confidence (especially for those who have completed online only training courses). And if that’s where you are right now, I would wholeheartedly agree that it’s best stick to verbal cuing, demonstrations and props until you feel ready. As I always say on my trainings:

“If in doubt, leave it out.”

Your students will pick up on any uncertainty energetically. An assist that isn’t delivered with confidence simply won’t feel good to receive.

It’s also worth acknowledging that the wider conversation around touch, consent and safeguarding – shaped in part by world events, which has understandably made many teachers more cautious. Add to that a lack of trauma-informed training, and uncertainty around how to establish consent sensitively and skilfully, and it’s easy to see why so many teachers simply opt out altogether.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Having the right training and approach makes all the difference, knowing not just how to offer hands-on assists, but when, why, and equally importantly, when not to. Because the benefits of appropriate, consensual touch go far beyond helping a student find the right alignment. As mentioned, loneliness, disconnection and social isolation are on the rise, yet touch plays a quietly profound role in human wellbeing. Research points to its ability to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, increase oxytocin, support immune function and even regulate heart rate and blood pressure. It communicates safety in a way words rarely can, and in a yoga class, that sense of being genuinely held and supported can be transformative.

Build your confidence offering hands-on assists

If you’d like to feel more confident in how, when and why to offer hands-on assists, I’d love to see you for our 1 day course for yoga teachers on October 7th. This highly practical one-day CPD course, recognised by Yoga Alliance is aimed at teachers who are already in practice, and builds on your foundations and observational skills. Everything you learn can be put into practice straight away. You can book your place here, or email clare@harmonisetrainingacademy.com with any questions

If you would like to find out more, all the details are here.

And if you’re earlier in your journey, hands-on assists are introduced as part of our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, where we cover the most accessible and widely used techniques in a safe, trauma-informed and supportive environment.

Article by: Claire Francis

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From Pain to Connection: How specialising in diverse bodies can transform your teaching (and your practice)

Louise Windsor — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:30:34 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, I severely injured my back, which has led to chronic pain that comes and goes throughout my life. There have been times during my teaching career when I have not been able to demo or even sit down at all. Although this has been tough, it has taught me to give clear cues and to find practices that help restore my mobility as quickly as possible.

Gone are the days where I would be laid up for weeks. Now I know how to manage ongoing pain, minimise it, and reduce flare ups. I am grateful to have chosen yoga as my career, as it’s meant I have needed to keep moving. Many people become fearful and stop moving altogether, which leads to a lack of mobility and, eventually, disability.

I also feel confident that if someone turns up my weekly yoga classes or retreats with back pain, I can provide them with appropriate guidance and suggestions to try.

I have been teaching yoga at The Sussex MS Centre for over ten years. I teach a mix of mat and chair yoga classes to suit the different ages (up to 93!), abilities and disabilities. I can honestly say these groups are a joy to teach. The participants are brave, positive and open to giving anything a try. They share openly when they are struggling, as well as celebrate each other’s successes.

It’s not just a class where people come, sit on their mat, do their practice, and leave. It’s a community. People stay for coffee and cake afterwards, they sharing their life stories and offering lifts to those who need help getting there.

Teaching classes like this has helped me to think outside the box and make yoga accessible for all bodies. This not only benefits the people at the MS Centre but also instills confidence in me to provide options to anyone who attends my classes, regardless of their aches, pains, or conditions. I can teach yoga to anyone.

Teaching outside the traditional studio context

Another opportunity which has arisen due to my specialist experience in this area is a collaboration the NHS to run six-week Mindful Movement for Chronic Pain courses at three local surgeries in Shoreham and Southwick, through the Brighton Natural Health Foundation. The surgeries were so overwhelmed with people coming to see them with chronic pain (for different reasons) and there is only so much a doctor can do. Chronic pain is something you have to learn to manage and live with.

With the NHS facing significant overload and an ageing population, there is a growing recognition of the need for social prescribing within the health service. This presents exciting opportunities for teachers to make a real difference by leveraging their skills and doing what they love.

From my experience running these various classes, I’ve discovered that yoga isn’t just about physical practice. Breathwork, meditation, mindful awareness of thoughts, acceptance, and connection with others also play crucial roles. For people struggling with pain, illness, or loneliness—especially older adults living alone—connection becomes one of the most vital aspects of their wellbeing.

In 2025, 25% of adults reported feeling lonely “often or always” or “some of the time.” These statistics underscore the ongoing issue of loneliness in the UK. According to a report by NHS England Digital, persistent and prolonged feelings of loneliness have been linked to adverse effects on both wellbeing and health.

I am excited to share everything I have learned in the Older Adults, Common Conditions, and Back-Care CPD course starting on 24^th September.

This course is designed to help you support people with different health conditions, enabling you to confidently include them in your classes. Additionally, you will learn how to create your own specialised outside of a traditional studio settings. From Yoga and Pilates focused on back care to chair yoga sessions in residential homes, or classes held at local support centres or village halls, this course will equip you to share your skills with a broader audience.

With the growing number of yoga and Pilates instructors and many studios already operating on full schedules, this course gives you a different offering to teach away from studios. It’s often better paid as well. Many studios and students are now using ClassPass, leading to fewer regular students and reduced pay for instructors, as ClassPass compensates studios at a lower rate. Therefore, exploring opportunities outside of the traditional studios may provide better payment or more consistent class attendance.

What does the course cover?

Throughout this course, we will address a variety of common health conditions and a range of back issues, including both non-specific back pain (NSBP) and diagnosed conditions.

You will be introduced to a variety of exercises and poses, including those involving chairs and walls, helping you become more confident in addressing common health conditions and related issues.

We will cover topics such as pain—distinguishing between acute and chronic pain—and explore how chronic pain originates in the brain. You’ll learn pain management techniques, understand poly vagal theory, and explore the nervous systems role in stress and trauma, we’ll discuss sensitisation, protection, posture, and emotions in relation to pain, as well as the concept of sensory motor amnesia. Additionally, we will delved into interoception, language of embodiment, and ways to empower your students.

This course will broaden your audience, expand your selection of exercises and asanas, and enhance your teaching methods—including your cues, assists, and overall language. It will encourage you to think creatively and embrace new approaches.

If you would like to find out more please see this page.

24th–27th September 2026, 9.30am–4.30 pm each day

SUPER Early-bird savings until 24th May 2026

Article by: Louise Windsor

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What to look for in a Level 3 Pilates qualification – and why we’ve switched to Active IQ

Clare Francis — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:12:21 +0000

Until early last year, I assumed all awarding bodies were the same. I have since learned that, although the qualification specification is identical—originating from the National Qualifications Framework (CQF)—each provider has its own approach to delivering and assessing it. The resources they offer vary widely, and this, in turn, significantly affects the quality of provision.

YMCA, which Harmonise has always previously used, is a highly reputable and professional awarding body with excellent customer service. They consistently aim to set the bar high. However, the sheer volume of paperwork, along with how it is laid out and explained, has been an ongoing source of unnecessary (in my humble opinion) stress and overwhelm for many. This has always been a source of inner conflict for me.

In Active IQ, I’ve found a highly reputable awarding body whose paperwork is less involved, more straightforward, and more intuitive to follow. This means more time to focus on the practical application of teaching Pilates, which I have always strongly advocated.

It also gives us at Harmonise greater autonomy in how we deliver our training, while giving learners peace of mind that they will still receive the all-important L3 accredited qualification in addition to the Harmonise 200-hour diploma certificate.

I am delighted to announce that all future Level 3 Pilates Teacher Training courses at Harmonise will be run in collaboration with Active IQ.

YMCA and Active IQ are the most reputable awarding bodies, and for good reason. However, there are still big differences in training providers that are delivering L3 courses. Here’s a list of the benefits and what to consider when choosing a provider.

Benefits of an L3 regulated Pilates qualification

A regulated qualification means there is a 3rd party (awarding body) overseeing and checking that the training provider is meeting the standards set by the awarding body, who is acting on behalf of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is regulated by Ofqual. Non-regulated training providers are not accountable to any external frameworks, syllabuses, or checked by 3rd parties.
An L3 regulated Pilates qualification is UK Government-approved and recognised, and therefore, internationally recognised.
An L3 regulated Pilates qualification is CIMPSA endorsed.
An L3 regulated Pilates qualification is the industry standard and recognised by all insurers.
An L3 regulated Pilates qualification is equivalent to an L3 BTEC and can contribute to UCAS points.
All L3 providers of regulated qualifications need to have clear policies and procedures in place and keep records to evidence the fair implementation of qualifications, which helps to protect you as a learner.
All tutors need to have an L3 award in education and training, all assessors need to have an L3 award in assessing vocational-related achievement, and all internal quality assurers need to have an L4 award in internally quality assuring to ensure high and fair assessment standards.
The L3 mandatory units are the same for L3 Pilates, L3 Yoga, L3 personal trainer, and L3 reformer Pilates. This means that you don’t need to repeat them if you train in more than one discipline (these are L3 anatomy and physiology, L2 exercise, fitness and health, L2 health and safety, and L2 customer service).

Important considerations when deciding on an L3 regulated Pilates qualification

As long as a tutor holds an L3 Pilates certificate, they can tutor on an L3 course. In theory, this means a brand-new teacher could start tutoring straight away. Don’t be afraid to ask a training provider how much experience the tutor on your course has. At Harmonise, Clare has been teaching for over 25 years, and Stacey has 10 years of teaching experience.

Many L3 training providers (though not all) are not up to date on current research in anatomy, fascia, and contemporary approaches to Pilates. I have been very impressed with Active IQ’s approach, which appears to be strongly influenced by Body Control. My own training background is with Stott Pilates. These well-established self-regulated training providers offer a modernised interpretation of the classical Pilates method. They tend to offer more authentic, mind-body-focused Pilates than many L3 providers, whose programs are more fitness-based.

I’d recommend asking who your tutor trained with and whether you can do a free trial class to see if their teaching style suits you. Many fitness-industry courses still use strong, outdated language that isn’t helpful.
 
I completed my reformer training last year and was frequently encouraged to cue clients to “brace” the abdominals, which actively increases downward pressure into the pelvis and can exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapse. I was also trained to cue an “aggressive tuck of the tailbone under,” which is unhelpful for people with a posterior pelvic tilt and can lead to over‑compensation and restriction in the diaphragm and breathing. This qualification was CIMSPA-endorsed and delivered by a training provider with excellent reviews.

L3 qualifications can be completed online. My understanding is that some awarding bodies will stipulate that a minimum number of hours must be delivered in real time. However, if you really want to be an effective Pilates teacher, you need to be in a studio, face-to-face, observing breath, posture, movement quality, practising hands-on assists, connecting with fellow trainees, and learning from each other while having the support of experienced teachers to guide you and give you feedback.

I would highly recommend finding out how many hours a training course includes and how many of those hours are in person. When comparing prices, consider the number of in-person hours, not just the number of days. For example, 11 am – 4 pm is 5 hours, whereas 9 am – 5 pm is 8 hours. This makes a big difference to contact time over a period of days.  At Harmonise, our courses include eight full days of in-person training from 9 am – 5 pm, spread over four months, so you have time to digest the material and practise between weekends.

Due to the various assessments required to comply with L3 regulations, courses often become a “box-ticking” exercise. In many blended courses, learners complete almost everything online, then rush through the practical components in just a couple of days. Much of the course is self-study, which can be stressful, time-consuming and isolating – the opposite of Pilates’ benefits of social connection and stress reduction. It is also common for learners to need multiple attempts to pass assessments, and I believe this structure contributes to a high dropout rate.

During the face-to-face sessions at Harmonise, we explain all the paperwork, and learners can take notes before completing it online. This allows them to ask questions and maximise their chances of passing first time, leaving more time to practise teaching Pilates.   

We dedicate a lot of time to the practical application of theory, with extensive teaching practice and individual feedback throughout the course, which builds growth and confidence. All learners complete a mock assessment with feedback. Over the past seven years, we have had a 100% first-time pass rate for our practical assessments. It is always a good idea to ask any training provider what their first-time pass rate is.

We also set ongoing deadlines for accountability and follow-up if a learner falls behind, supporting them to complete the course. Although our drop-out rate is already low, I am confident that the switch from YMCA to Active IQ will reduce it even further, mainly due to the reduced volume of paperwork. I intend to achieve a 100% completion rate, even if life circumstances mean some learners need to finish at a later date.

The L3 Anatomy and Physiology assessment is a standard exam taken by fitness instructors, personal trainers, Pilates teachers, and yoga teachers. It is usually taught as a separate subject rather than being applied directly to Pilates. Without practical application, the content can be hard to understand, digest and relate to in a real teaching context.   Many training providers leave learners to self-study for this assessment. I have heard of many cases where learners have had to re-take their assessments two, three, even up to eight times, on one occasion. This approach may train learners how to pass a multiple-choice paper, but it does not support them in applying the theory to Pilates.

At Harmonise, we provide a wide range of materials to help you pass your anatomy exam and understand how the theory applies practically to Pilates. In person, we then embody the relevant theory to bring the anatomy to life. You’ll have access to our library of support videos, with lifetime access.  We are proud to have a 98% first-time pass rate. When comparing courses, I recommend asking any potential training provider what their first-time pass rate is – for both theory and practical assessments.

Depending on the awarding body, an L3 training provider may cover only a small range of exercises – just enough for you to pass your practical assessment – while repeatedly drilling you on how to teach a few select movements. Although this can help you pass, it may leave you feeling limited in the number of exercises you are confident teaching in the real world.

At Harmonise, we teach a wide range of exercises, including all 34 of the original Pilates exercises. These are part of the YMCA syllabus, but not mandatory with Active IQ. While it is a lot to cover, it means you graduate with the full repertoire, along with modifications and adaptations, in your toolbox. This allows you to be more creative with your sequencing as you grow and evolve as a Pilates teacher. All of our in-person content is recorded and made available online with lifetime access, so you can keep revisiting the exercises as you progress.

Like Harmonise, some excellent L3 providers are offering regulated Pilates training courses. However, many of these are smaller, independent organisations founded by long-standing professionals with a genuine passion for training others to teach authentic Pilates and succeed in the field.

With the recent surge in popularity of mat, reformer, and hot Pilates, many new training providers are entering the market. My strong advice is to research thoroughly before deciding where to train. Investing a little more upfront often means higher-quality training, so you feel confident to teach and start earning as soon as you graduate.

We are now taking bookings for our September Pilates Teacher Training course. As soon as you register, you can begin working towards your qualification with our pre-course learning materials.

If you would like to arrange a free trial class with our tutor at Revitalise, where the training takes place, or schedule a call to ask any questions and find out more, please e-mail me at clare@harmonisetrainingacademy.com.

You can also follow this link to receive more information and access a couple of videos you can take part in at home.

Article by: Claire Francis

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Why Pre-Natal Movement Needs Both Strength and Mindfulness

Síofra Lamb — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:00:28 +0000

When people think about exercise during pregnancy, the first word that often comes to mind is relaxation. Prenatal yoga classes are often imagined as gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and creating space for rest.

While relaxation and nervous system support are incredibly important during pregnancy, they are only one part of the picture.

Many pregnant women want more than simply “taking it easy.” They want to maintain strength, feel capable in their changing bodies, and prepare themselves physically for birth and recovery. In reality, pregnant women can safely do far more than many people realise. Research in recent years shows that staying strong and active, as well as lowering stress levels during pregnancy leads to better outcomes during labour, and postnatal recovery.

For movement teachers, this raises an important question: how do we support pregnant women in a way that is both safe and empowering? One of the most effective answers lies in combining the strengths of two disciplines that approach movement from different but complementary perspectives: yoga and Pilates.

Strength is an Important Part of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an extraordinary physiological process. Over the course of nine months, the body adapts in countless ways to support a growing baby. Posture changes, joints become more mobile, the abdominal wall stretches, and the pelvic floor is placed under increasing load.

Because of these changes, many women understandably become cautious about exercise. Sometimes this caution turns into the belief that movement should only be gentle or restorative.

However, maintaining strength during pregnancy can be incredibly beneficial.

Building and maintaining strength can help support:

Postural changes as the body adapts

Stability around the pelvis and spine

Pelvic floor function

Energy levels and overall physical resilience

Preparation for the physical demands of labour and early motherhood

For many women, continuing to move and strengthen the body in a safe and supported way can feel deeply empowering.

Rather than feeling fragile, they begin to feel capable, confident, and connected to their bodies during a time of enormous change.

The Unique Strengths of Yoga

Yoga offers something incredibly valuable during pregnancy; benefits that go far beyond physical movement.

Practices such as breath awareness, mindfulness, and deep relaxation can help women regulate the nervous system and cultivate a sense of calm and presence during a time that can often feel overwhelming.

Pregnancy can be a vulnerable experience. For many women, it is the first time they are truly invited to listen to their bodies in a new way. Mindful movement and breathwork can help develop this deeper awareness and trust.

Yoga also provides tools that support emotional well-being and foster a stronger connection to the body throughout pregnancy.

These elements are essential, not only for physical comfort, but also for helping women feel supported and grounded during such a profound life transition.

The Structural Intelligence of Pilates

While yoga offers powerful tools for awareness and mindfulness, Pilates provides a particularly strong understanding of structure and support within the body.

Pilates training focuses deeply on areas that become especially important during pregnancy and after birth, including:

The deep core system

Pelvic floor function

Pelvic alignment

Postural stability

Efficient movement patterns

Understanding how these systems work together can help teachers guide pregnant women safely through movement that supports, rather than strains, the body.

For example, knowledge of the core and pelvic floor can help teachers adapt exercises appropriately, avoid unnecessary pressure through the abdomen, and encourage healthy movement patterns as the body changes.

This structural awareness becomes even more important during the postnatal period, when women are recovering and rebuilding strength.

Bringing the Two Disciplines Together

When Yoga and Pilates are combined thoughtfully, they create a powerful approach to prenatal movement.

Yoga offers mindfulness, breath awareness, and nervous system support that many pregnant women need.

Pilates adds anatomical understanding and structural support, allowing teachers to guide movement safely and confidently.

Together, they help create classes that are not only safe but also empowering, supportive, and intelligently structured.

For teachers working with pregnant clients, insight from both disciplines can make an enormous difference in how confidently they guide their students.

An Embodied Perspective

Even with years of teaching experience and knowledge, pregnancy can bring new insights.

When you experience the changes of pregnancy in your own body, you begin to understand movement in a completely different way. You feel first-hand the shifts in balance, the changes in energy levels, and the evolving relationship with your body.

This embodied understanding deepens the way we support pregnant clients. It reminds us that while knowledge is important, so are compassion, adaptability, and confidence when guiding women through such a significant period in their lives.

Pregnancy can feel exciting, empowering, and joyful — but it can also feel uncertain and vulnerable. Teachers who truly understand how to support the body during this time can make a meaningful difference in helping women feel safe and capable in their movement.

Supporting Pregnant Clients with Confidence

For many yoga and Pilates teachers, the biggest challenge when working with pregnant students is not willingness, but confidence.

Teachers often worry about doing the wrong thing, or about not fully understanding what is safe at different stages of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

With the right knowledge and training, however, working with prenatal and postnatal clients can become one of the most rewarding areas of teaching.

Understanding the physiological changes of pregnancy, the role of the pelvic floor and core system, and how to adapt exercises appropriately allows teachers to support their students safely and effectively.

Learn More

If you’re a Yoga or Pilates teacher looking to deepen your skills with pregnant and postnatal clients, the Pre & Post Natal Teacher Training Course at Harmonise Training Academy offers a comprehensive and practical approach.

This three-day course covers the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, safe and effective exercise adaptations, and how to confidently support both prenatal and postnatal students in your classes.

The next training runs from 2nd–4th May, with early bird pricing available until 31st March.

Article by: Síofra Lamb

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How a Yin Yoga Training Can Deepen the Way You Teach

Louise Windsor — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:50 +0000

In a world where everything is moving faster, louder, and more intensely, Yin Yoga offers something quietly revolutionary: stillness, depth, and space.

As yoga teachers, our 200-hour YTT often trains us to guide movement, alignment, strength, and flow. We learn how to energize bodies, inspire students, and create dynamic classes. But at some point, in most teaching journeys, a deeper question appears:

How do we teach students not just to move… but to do less, be still and listen? For me, Yin Yoga — and especially completing a Yin Yoga teacher training — answered that question in a profound way.

What Is Yin Yoga, Really?

Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative practice where postures are held for longer periods of time, usually between 3 and 5 minutes or even longer. Instead of primarily targeting muscles, Yin focuses on deep connective tissues: fascia, ligaments and joints.

But Yin is much more than stretching and holding poses. It is a practice of:

Stillness

Sensation awareness

Patience

Relinquishing control

Observing the mind

Being with what is

Living in harmony with nature through Taoist philosophy

In a world (and sometimes yoga culture) that often celebrates effort and performance, Yin teaches the opposite: being instead of doing.

Why Yin Yoga Is So Powerful for Students

From a student perspective, Yin Yoga offers benefits on multiple levels:

Physically, it can:

Improve joint mobility
Hydrate connective tissue
Supports healthy fascia
Balance more dynamic or yang-style practices
Help prevent burnout and overtraining

Mentally & emotionally, it can:

Calm the nervous system
Help to reduce stress and anxiety
Build emotional resilience
Teach students to stay present with discomfort instead of avoiding it

Many students don’t realise how much tension they are holding until they finally stop moving.

Why Doing a Yin Training Is a Game-Changer as a Teacher

You could start teaching Yin with a short workshop or online course, but doing a full Yin Yoga training shifts something much deeper in the way you hold space, cue, support, and even see your students.

Here’s why:

1. You Learn to Teach Stillness (Not Just Shapes)

Yin is not about achieving a perfect-looking pose. It’s about:

Finding the right amount of sensation
Respecting individual anatomy
Teaching students to stay connected to their own experience

A good Yin training teaches you to:

Offer intelligent, safe variations
Use props for support
Read bodies energetically as well as mechanically
Guide students inward instead of pushing them further

2. You Deepen Your Understanding of Anatomy and Fascia

Our comprehensive Yin trainings explore:

Fascia lines and connective tissue
Joint health and compression vs. tension
Skeletal variations and why poses look different in different bodies
The nervous system and how to calm it
This knowledge doesn’t just make you a better Yin teacher — it makes you a better teacher in every style of yoga

In Yin Yoga, you stop forcing shapes and start respecting structures.

3. You Learn How to Hold Space, Not Fill It

One of the biggest shifts for many teachers in Yin training is learning to:

Talk less
Allow silence
Trust the process

Instead of constantly “doing,” you learn how to hold a container for students’ experiences.

This skill translates into:

A calm present class atmosphere
Deeper student trust
More emotionally safe spaces

4. Your Own Nervous System Changes

Perhaps the most unexpected gift of Yin training is what it does to you. Many teachers realize:

How much they themselves are in constant “doing mode”
How hard it is to truly rest
How uncomfortable stillness can be

Through Yin, you don’t just learn a new style of yoga. You learn a new relationship to rest, patience, and presence — and your students feel that immediately.

Yin as a Counterbalance to Modern Yoga Culture

Modern yoga can sometimes become performance-oriented, fitness-driven and achievement-focused. Yin brings back something essential: Yoga as a practice of listening, not conquering.

Offering Yin in your schedule — and being properly trained to do so — creates balance not only for your students, but also for your teaching career. It helps to prevent:

Teacher burnout
Physical overuse injuries
Emotional exhaustion

Is Yin Training “Worth It” as a Teacher? If you want to:

Diversify your offerings
Support students who are stressed, anxious, or burnt out
Deepen your understanding of bodies and nervous systems
Learn more about Taoism and Chinese Medicine
Grow not just as a teacher, but as a human

Then yes — absolutely.

A Yin Yoga training is not just a certification. It’s a perspective shift.

Yin Yoga reminds us that not everything needs to be pushed, fixed, or improved.

Some things need to be felt, allowed and given time. Sometimes less is more.

And as yoga teachers, learning to guide others into that space is one of the most valuable skills we can develop.

Article by: Louise Windsor

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The Power of Intention: How Themed Yoga Classes, Workshops, and Retreats Nurture Deeper Transformation

Louise Windsor — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:32:57 +0000

In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced, Yoga offers us a return to wholeness. But not all yoga experiences are created equal. While a well-sequenced class can certainly stretch the body and calm the mind, a themed class, workshop, or retreat has the potential to do something more powerful: create a coherent, meaningful journey that touches body, breath, mind, and spirit.

Theming is more than just choosing a poetic title or a nice quote. When done with intention, it can become a vessel for transformation; a way to weave together philosophy, subtle body wisdom, movement, breathwork, and reflection into a unified, embodied experience.

Here we will explore why theming can be so impactful, and how ancient yogic frameworks like the chakras, koshas, and elements can elevate your offerings from “good classes” to truly transformative experiences.

Theming Creates Coherence and Depth

A themed class answers an unspoken question students often carry with them:

“Why am I here today, really?”

Instead of feeling like a collection of unrelated postures, a themed practice feels like a story—with a beginning, middle, and end. Every pose, breath, cue, and moment of stillness points in the same direction.

This creates:

A sense of purpose and meaning.

Better mental engagement and presence.

A deeper emotional and energetic resonance.

A feeling of being held in a journey, not just guided through exercises.

Especially in workshops and retreats, theming helps participants feel they are stepping into a sacred, intentional space rather than just attending another event.

The Subtle Body: Why Yoga Is Perfect for Themed Experiences

Yoga is uniquely suited for themed teaching because it already works on multiple layers of being at once. Yogic philosophy teaches that we don’t just have a physical body, but five interconnected layers or sheaths of being. These are known as the koshas:

Annamaya Kosha – Physical body

Pranamaya Kosha – Energy/breath body

Manomaya Kosha – Mind/emotional body

Vijnanamaya Kosha – Wisdom/insight body

Anandamaya Kosha – Bliss body

A good theme gives you a way to design an experience that touches more than just the muscles.

For example:

Asana targets the physical body.

Pranayama balances the energy body.

The theme and reflection engage the mind.

Integration and stillness invite insight and deeper presence.

In that shift, the practice opens into something holistic, not only physical.

Working with the Chakras: A Map for Transformation

The chakra system is one of the most powerful and intuitive ways to theme a class, workshop, or retreat. Each chakra represents a dimension of human experience:

Root (Muladhara) – Safety, grounding, belonging

Sacral (Svadhisthana) – Flow, creativity, emotions

Solar Plexus (Manipura) – Confidence, will, empowerment

Heart (Anahata) – Love, connection, compassion

Throat (Vishuddha) – Expression, truth, communication

Third Eye (Ajna) – Intuition, clarity, perception

Crown (Sahasrara) – Meaning, unity, consciousness

When you theme a class around a chakra, you’re not only choosing physical actions. You’re also exploring a theme of life. Over a full workshop series or retreat, moving through the chakras creates a beautiful arc of personal development and integration.

Tuning into the Elements: Connecting to Nature and Life’s Ever Changing Flow

Each element represents a state of energy and consciousness:

Earth – Stability, grounding, support, structure

Water – Flow, adaptability, emotion, creativity

Fire – Transformation, clarity, power, digestion (physical & mental)

Air – Lightness, movement, breath, openness

Space (Ether) – Stillness, awareness, spaciousness, possibility

When a class is themed around an element, students don’t just understand it intellectually. They feel it in their nervous system, breath, and body. The beauty of working with the elements is that, when we step away from our Yoga mat, we can continue our practice into the present by consciously connecting with what surrounds us. Whether it’s a walk in the woods or along the beach, gazing up at the sky, or feeling our feet rooted on the earth, each moment becomes an opportunity for practice.

I have been running themed workshops and retreats since 2012. Creatively theming my sessions is one of the aspects of teaching Yoga I love the most. With a background in life coaching and Reiki healing, I weave in self-enquiry, energetics, Yogic, Buddhist and Taoist philosophy to my practice. I believe it’s important to teach from one’s own experience and insights; this course will help you uncover these, along with unique ways of sharing your passion.

If you want to learn more about applying theming to your own teaching or practice, join Louise’s 4-day Creative Theming CPD Course from 28th – 31st May.

Article by: Louise Windsor

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Giving and Receiving: A Balancing Act

Clare Francis — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:00:48 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about balance especially as we move towards the winter solstice, the natural rebalancing of darkness and light. The breath cycle also teaches us that giving and receiving rely on one another. There’s an exquisite equilibrium between the in-breath and the out-breath, and this feels especially relevant at this time of year.

From Profit to Purpose: a shift in perspective

Recently, I watched the Netflix documentary Buy Now! on the recommendation of a friend who described it as “shocking — everyone needs to watch this.” I completely agree that if everyone saw it, or if its key concepts were taught in schools and business settings, our collective world view could change for the greater good. Perhaps our conditioned beliefs about business, capitalism, profits, and core values would evolve. Perhaps the veils would be lifted, giving way for more mindful choices and communication – although BIG shifts at the top would be needed for that to ever manifest.

Sadly, I didn’t find the documentary particularly shocking. The main contributors, ex-employees of Amazon and Adidas, were highly informative and extremely interesting. They highlighted many of the pitfalls of capitalism and it’s profit-at-all-costs culture, with real-life examples. The speakers were self-reflective about the morals and ethics tied to their roles, and both have since moved on to new projects with the aim of “giving back” and living more in alignment with their core values and beliefs.

You could call this yoga in practice: a move away from separation and towards union. Veils had been lifted, a bigger picture observed. Their mindsets and inner world had changed, and as a result, so too did what they wished to bring into their outer world.

I could feel their raw emotions of guilt, regret, and deep remorse emanating through the screen. One spoke with a sincere quiver in their voice; the other shared they had been fired after 15 years of loyal service simply because they no longer ‘bought into’ the company ethics. Both inspiring examples of true, meaningful transformation and living one’s truth. This takes strength and courage and I salute them.

Walking the path of alignment in business

Watching the documentary led me to reflect on Harmonise, and how fortunate I am to run a small, local, community-based business centred around health and wellbeing. I also reflected on how environmentally friendly, and sustainable, mat-based Yoga and Pilates are, especially compared with movement practices reliant on heavy equipment/machines. More and more people are connecting with Harmonise because they feel drawn to changing career paths – not for status or income, but for a lifestyle that feels aligned with what they truly enjoy, and how they want to live.

When I was around 15, a cover teacher wrote in my end-of-year journal:

“Pursue those things in life that you enjoy and the money will come.”

I never forgot that message. It still makes me tingle as I write this. I am SO grateful to her, it has stuck with me throughout my entire life. Put JOY first.

We’ve just completed this year’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, and we celebrated by dancing to Flashdance with a small tweak to the lyrics: “Take your passion, and make it happen. You will come alive as you dance and flow through life.”

It came back to me earlier as I read one of the course feedback comments that stood out:

“Clare has a phenomenal range of knowledge and extraordinary passion and enthusiasm for her subjects.”

Reading it made every hair on my body stand on end. And it’s true, I am passionate. However, it isn’t only the subject matter that I am enthusiastic about. I am equally passionate about the personal growth and transformations I witness on every course, whether Yoga or Pilates; about being able to support that journey; and about the difference our graduates go on to make in the community and beyond.

Making intentional decisions

Thanks to Yoga, Pilates, therapy, divorce, motherhood, a cancer journey, and the influence of so many wonderful beings in my life, my approach to business has changed profoundly over the years. I used to make decisions based on figures, turnover, and profit, and strive, as many of us are trained to do.

Now, when I need to make decisions, my questions look different:

Is this helping me to learn and grow?
Is this how I want to spend my time? Does it bring me joy, or lead me towards more joy and freedom in my life?
Is this in alignment with my core values and beliefs?
Which choice benefits the greatest number of people?
Will this decision bring me closer to nature or further from it?
Do I need to make a change to help me maintain, or come back into balance?
(This is key to be able to give and receive in equal measure, and something I need to keep a close eye on!)
Am I making time for my personal practice?
(If not, I know I need to make a change! Maintaining a personal practice is the foundation of what I share, when I teach, and keeps me on an authentic path.)

I can’t remember the last time I did a financial forecast or profit-and-loss of any description. My margins may be small, but I have enough. I feel abundant, and I trust the flow.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As countless e-mails have been bombarding our in-boxes with black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, I personally don’t feel called to participate as a business owner. It simply doesn’t feel it is in my alignment. On the flip side, I am feeling called to unconditionally GIVE NOW, so I’m following that calling.

When I shared the launch of our new Harmonise Pilates Teacher Training Manual, which took me two years to write (with NO AI involvement, I hasten to add!), several graduates reached out asking if they could access a copy. I initially thought I would sell it, however on reflection, I am feeling drawn to giving a copy to ALL Harmonise Pilates graduates.

I’ve also added 34 short videos of me teaching the original Pilates repertoire, filmed on the suggestion of a recent graduate. These are now all available in the Harmonise Pilates Teacher Training Online Portal. If you’re a graduate and don’t yet have access, please email me at clare@harmonisetrainingacademy.com and I’ll send the link.

I would very much like to take this opportunity to thank every single Harmonise student and graduate for finding Harmonise and being a part of this special community that I feel so blessed to be a part of. I also wish to acknowledge my deep respect and gratitude to everyone who supports me in being able to run and manage the business including Stacey, Louise, Dani, Jay, Bex, Siofra, Hannah and Revitalise.

As we approach the solstice and the festive season, I wish you warmth, rest, and as much balance as possible during what can be a demanding and stressful time of year. I know I’m being called to slow down in a big way.

Article by: Clare Francis

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What Is Yoga Nidra Really? Beyond Rest – Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

Louise Windsor — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:54:27 +0000

Many people first encounter Yoga Nidra thinking it’s simply a long rest at the end of a yoga class, a chance to lie down, drift off and restore. And while Yoga Nidra can be deeply relaxing, to see it as just a tool for rest is to miss its true purpose entirely. Rooted in ancient yogic wisdom, Yoga Nidra is a profound practice of awareness and inner awakening. It invites us to explore states of consciousness beyond the thinking mind, gently guiding us towards our true nature, a place of peace, clarity and connection.

There is often confusion between Yoga Nidra, Savasana and meditation. Aren’t they basically the same? And how is ‘yogic sleep’ different from guided relaxation? To answer these questions, we need to travel back to the source, to the roots of Yoga Nidra and the traditions that first explored these states of consciousness. Let’s begin there.

What are the roots of Yoga Nidra?

The ancient yogis were on a quest to find the true nature of reality, our true selves and our connection with Spirit. They believed that we are not separate beings, but part of the Whole, the Divine, the same universal Source. In their search, they explored methods to help attain this state of consciounsess, where we can be free from all conditioning of the past, the senses and the mind.

They identified four primary states. Three of which we experience daily: waking, dreaming and deep sleep. But they also described a fourth state which they called Turiya. This fourth state was similar to deep sleep (stage 3 non REM sleep), but with awareness. A state of pure presence; of awakening to the reality of the infinite, beyond thought, beyond the senses and beyond identity. It is here, in this state where we can experience connection to the infinite, the essence of who we really are.

In the very early yogic texts, this state was referred to as Yoga Nidra, awakened yogic sleep. However, it was mentioned only as a state of consciousness, with no clear steps or instructions on how to achieve it. It is thought that maybe this was passed down through the oral tradition which is why there is no written record.

Most of the Yoga Nidra teachers of the past century gained wisdom directly from gurus, learning from their experiences, and through long periods of practise. They would then further develop and refine these learned techniques for their own students to reach this state. Others, such as Swami Veda Bharati of the Himalayan tradition, experienced this “Yoga Nidra state” through spiritual awakening, and then went on to develop their own systems to access it again.

Historical research shows that the Yoga Nidra we know today blends elements of traditional yoga practices, with 19th- and 20th-century Western relaxation techniques. Over the years, teachers have adapted the practices, and there are now many different styles of Yoga Nidra out there, each used for different intentions and purposes.

What is the difference between Yoga Nidra and Savasana?

Savasana is the final relaxation at the end of a Yoga class, where you rest fully. It’s purpose is to allow the body to integrate the effects of the practice you have just done. It’s a balance of doing and being.

Sometimes the teacher may guide you into physical relaxation by guiding you to systematically take your awareness around the body and invite release. This is similar to the body rotation stage in Yoga Nidra and the body scan used in some meditation practices, but Savasana is not Yoga Nidra.

Yoga Nidra is a structured practice with different stages, for example: gentle breath practices, visualiation of images and exploration of opposites. Not all Nidras include every stage, and different schools teach different approaches. Yoga Nidra can also have different intentions, for example: to inspire creativity, tune into the chakras, or help you get to sleep. While every Yoga Nidra is different, the practise is designed to guide awareness through different layers of being, allowing you to achieve deeper states of consciousness.

A Yoga Nidra works beautifully at the end of a longer yoga session, but it is not simply the systematic guidance around the body you may have experienced in Savasana. There is much more to it. Savasana is, essentially, a posture; Yoga Nidra is a systematic method for accessing deeper states of consciousness.

What is the difference between Yoga Nidra and Meditation?

Yoga Nidra is actually a form of meditation, although it is often mistaken for a relaxation practice. And yes, a Sleep Nidra can be very good for that, but the practice goes far beyond that. Yoga Nidra is a spiritual practice that helps you connect to “the Seer”, the part of you that is always aware of the comings and goings of the mind and emotions, observing from a place of neutrality.

The aim of Yoga Nidra is to remain aware while the body moves into a state similar to sleep, a space between wakefulness and dreaming known as the hypnagogic state. Unlike meditation which is traditionally practised in a seated posture, Yoga Nidra is usually practised lying down. However, the intention is the same: to cultivate awareness and access deeper states of consciousness.

We live in a world of duality: likes and dislikes, pleasure and pain, me and them, and so on. Much of our suffering arises from this perspective, which encourages us to judge and divide our experience. The Buddhist meditation practice of Vipassana instead teaches us to cultivate equanimity: reducing our habit of labelling, easing our craving for what we feel we lack, and softening our resistance to what is.

In one of the stages of Yoga Nidra, we are invited to explore opposite sensations – for example, heavy and light, hot and cold, asleep and awake. We are then guided to see if it is possible to experience both at the same time. In the same way that Vipassana cultivates equanimity, this exploration of opposites in Yoga Nidra reflects what is possible in daily life. It invites us to explore how two states can coexist – for example, we might feel unwell but still be ok, or feel hurt yet also peaceful.

This is a very sensitive stage to a Nidra and it’s important to be very careful how you use it which is why proper training is highly recommended.

Why take a Yoga Nidra course?

Yoga Nidra is a wonderful practice to help relax the nervous system, find rest and experience a taste of your true nature. When practiced regularly it can help sleep, encourage insights and creativity and support your well being. Learning how to teach it is a beautiful gift to yourself and to others.

Teaching Yoga Nidra requires more than reading from a script. Because the practice can guide someone into a very deep state of relaxation, it is important that they feel safe in the practice. This begins from the moment a person enters the space, in how you as the teacher, guide the experience – from creating the right environment, describing the practice and how and what you share. With trauma awareness Yoga Nidra has evolved over the years to help us as teacher share it as sensitively as possible.

On my Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (CPD) Course, you will learn what is happening in each stage and how to be mindful of what to teach. Once you have a deep understand of each stage you will be able to create your own Nidras based on your theme and students. A Nidra that flows from the heart rather than being read from a script in a book often has a different tone and quality to it.

If you feel called to explore this practice more deeply, whether for your own growth or to share with your students, I would love to welcome you onto Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (CPD) this January 23rd – 25th. The Early Bird price is only £425 (until 23rd November).

Article by: Louise Windsor

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Shifting into Autumn: self-care and the Five Elements

Louise Windsor — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:17:17 +0000

Autumn is here, a season of change, reflection, and letting go. For some, it can bring a touch of grief as the long, warm days of summer fade. In the Five Element system of Chinese Medicine, this is the season to nurture the Metal element, which corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine energy.

Just as the leaves fall from the trees, the Lungs take in what we need and let go of what we don’t. This is a time to pause and take notice of what is no longer serving you. It’s an opportunity to process any loss we are experiencing, to find gratitude for what we had, to take the lessons learned and gently release.

3 ways to care for your Metal Element this Autumn

1. Connect with nature

Take some time to walk or sit outdoors, notice what is happening in nature right now and reflect on how that relates to you too. Even if it’s raining, create space in your day to pause, to breathe, to feel the ground beneath you and notice how you are feeling within. Fresh air and breath practices will help to take care of the lungs, and mindful reflection can allow you to process anything that has been going on for you.

2. Reflect and Release

Once you have created some space and settled your nervous system, ask yourself: “What do I need to let go of this season?”

Notice the feelings that arise, honour them, feel them and take care of yourself as you make the choice to learn and let go. Journalling might help this process or taking some action, such as having conversations with others.

3. Check your boundaries

The Lung Qi* is also connected to our skin which is a boundary between the external world and the inner world. How are your boundaries in life? Do you always say yes to everything and then end up doing things you really don’t want to do?

This is a time for assessing your boundaries and saying no to what does not align with you, staying strong in your inner power and authority.

*“Qi” in Chinese Medicine meaning “life force” / “energy“

Applying The Five Element System

Learning about the Five Element System of Chinese Medicine is a wonderful way to live mindfully throughout the year. For teachers, it also provides rich themes to weave into classes, workshops, and retreats. Yin Yoga, rooted in Taoist philosophy, aligns beautifully with seasonal practices.

In Yin CPD Training, you’ll discover how to bring the Five Element System to life in your teaching; from theming classes and selecting poses, to working with acupressure points and using reflective journaling prompts. Not only will this enrich your students’ experience in class, you’ll also deepen your own practice and mindful development.

I absolutely love teaching the Yin Level 1 and 2 CPD Courses for this very reason. As well as deep learning, the courses are a retreat like experience with plenty of opportunity to experience the practices. Yin gives us the space to slow down, tune into the body, and explore the subtle energies that flow through us. In my Yin CPD courses, I guide teachers to bring this mindful approach into your classes safely and confidently.

Yin Level 1 CPD: February 5th- 8th, 2026

This Foundation course designed to set you up to teach Yin Yoga carefully and accessibly, to avoid injuries and make the practice inclusive for all students. It’s common for Yoga teachers to start teaching Yin without any training, thinking it’s just a ‘slow Yoga class’. However, there are important considerations to ensure it’s taught safely.

In this Level 1 CPD Course, I’ll give you an overview of the Five Element System of Chinese Medicine and theme classes around this so you can start weaving these principles into your own practice and teaching. Teachers have fed back to me that learning this slow, mindful, and accessible way of teaching Yin has even filtered into the other classes they teach, helping them bring more presence and awareness to all their sessions.

Yin Level 2 CPD: Next month – 15th to 19th October, 2025

Once you’re in the flow of teaching Yin, you may feel ready to dive deeper, learn more and receive fresh inspiration – this is where Yin Level 2 comes in.

On this couse, I’m joined by Clare Francis who leads trainees in an exploration of the anatomy of Yin Yoga, fascia, the nervous system. She’ll also introduce some somatic movement into your practice. Acupuncturist, Anne-Marie, from Taste of Space Acupuncture also joins us for 1.5 days to delve further into Taoist and Chinese Medicine philosophy and the meridians. I’ll also share Paul Grilley’s 7 archetype system for Yoga to make poses accessible for everyone, run a workshop on the Chakras, and introduce new poses to inspire your teaching.

I am looking forward to facilitating these upcoming courses as we explore Yin, deepen your practice, and bring mindful, nurturing energy into your classes. If you’re interested in joining us, finding out more, or have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me directly at louise.harmonisetraining@gmail.com

Article by: Louise Windsor

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