Prior to COVID, offering hands-on
assists in a yoga class was commonplace. In the post-COVID world of
distance and space, hands-on assists got left out of YTTs and
became less commonplace in classes. But touch can be an important
way to offer support and relaxation, communicate compassion and
acceptance, and help your students find their full potential in a
pose.
In this weekend workshop with Carrboro Yoga's 200-hour lead teacher
trainer Alexandra DeSiato, we will:
+ discuss why assists are offered
+ explore the most common shapes to assist
+ practice the hands-on assists you learn
+ look at the concerns around assists, including consent and
students misunderstanding the purpose of hands-on yoga
You'll leave the weekend ready to offer safe hands-on assists,
confident in the value they add to your yoga teaching, and ready to
level up your classes.
We meet Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m., and again Sunday, 9
a.m.–12 p.m. (There is no Sunday afternoon session, freeing you to
travel.)
This workshop, which is part of our 300/500-hour advanced studies
yoga teacher training, is also open to teachers from any movement
modality.
18 Yoga Alliance CEUs
$499/$449 early (through 11:59 p.m. February 1)
This workshop needs 6 people to run and has a max of 15, so sign up
now to ensure your spot!
Our foundational 200-hour yoga teacher training gives you all the tools to lead well-balanced yoga classes and to deepen your own practice and understanding of yoga. You will learn invaluable skills for the yoga classroom—and discover how these same skills can support you in daily life. This program is a meaningful journey of personal growth, which makes our YTT an excellent choice whether or not you plan to teach.
This eight-weekend program is guided by a team of experienced and passionate teachers — Alexandra DeSiato, Alexis Besosa, and Amy Boerner — who bring together decades of practice, teaching, yoga expertise, and mentorship to create a supportive and inspiring training environment. We start in January 2026, and we’d love for you to join us. Sign up before December 1 for the early bird rate!
Our program gives you a thorough grounding in:
- the philosophy and history of yoga
- the yoga techniques of asana (poses), pranayama (breath work), and meditation.
- anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, from both Western and Eastern perspectives
- teaching skills, from language to sequencing to modifications
- how to create an inclusive classroom
- a variety of styles of yoga, so you're ready to teach wherever you land
- an overview of the business of yoga
- Svadhyaya or the yogic art of self-reflection and self-knowledge: you'll reflect and grow in this program!
Alexandra DeSiato, (E-RYT 500), has twenty years’ experience leading college classrooms and fifteen years’ experience teaching movement, including Pilates and yoga. A masterful communicator, Alexandra is coauthor of five books: Lifelong Yoga, Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2, and the forthcoming Yoga Off the Mat, all cowritten with YTT program director Sage Rountree, and Whole Mama Yoga, cowritten with Lauren Sacks. With a strong background in yoga philosophy and history, Alexandra brings depth and insight to every class and training.
Alexis Besosa, (E-RYT 200), brings a deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology from her studies in Exercise Physiology and massage therapy. She has taught anatomy, physiology and pathology to both yoga teachers and massage therapy students, blending science and somatic awareness in a practical, approachable way. Alexis brings curiosity and compassion to her teaching, helping students feel supported, empowered, and inspired to explore their own bodies and practice with confidence. Alexis' expertise in teaching includes depth and breadth: she seamlessly across a variety of styles of yoga, and helps each student connect to the practice from wherever they are.
Amy Boerner, (E-RYT 500), leads our new Destination Yoga Teacher Training and brings over twenty years' of experience in massage therapy, teaching yoga, guiding retreats, and supporting students in their practice. Her teaching blends strength, creativity, and tenderness, and she is known for helping students feel joyful in movement, at ease in stillness, and grounded in mindful presence. Amy’s leadership and warmth make her a steady, encouraging guide for those stepping into the role of teacher.
We meet eight weekends over five months. This model allows for a deeper dive and an opportunity for self-study, plus the freshness of a compact timeline. Alexandra, Alexis, and Amy will be joined by other expertise yoga teacher guests, including program director and studio owner Sage Rountree.
DATES FOR FALL 2025
Weekend 1: January 30–February 2
Weekend 2: February 13–15
Weekend 3: February 27–29
Weekend 4: March 13–15
Weekend 5: March 27–29
Weekend 6: April 10–12
Weekend 7: April 24–26 Weekend 8: May 1–2
Got a busy life? We got you!
This schedule was created for attendees who are juggling a family life while moving into a deeper experience of yoga. And we’ll wrap before Mother's Day!
TIMES
Fridays, 6–9 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–noon, 1–5 p.m.
Sundays, 9 a.m.–noon, 1–4 p.m.
*Note: The final weekend is two days only (Friday & Saturday), there is NO Sunday session.
In addition to these hours, you will meet five times in small groups for practice teaching. The times for these meetings will be determined by your teaching group.
TO APPLY
Please visit our 200YTT page here to read all about the program and begin your application! Once you are admitted, you can return here to make your deposit and program payment. Paying with a credit card includes a nonrefundable $100 surcharge. We'll give you instructions if you'd like to pay via check!