This course is for anyone, whether you're dreaming of becoming a certified Yoga teacher or simply want to dive deeper into your personal journey and practice. A life changing experience that goes far beyond the mat.
Our 200hr Holistic Foundation Yoga Teacher Training Course is a Yoga Alliance certified programme delivered in our custom-built yoga studio in St Austell, Cornwall, with stunning sea views across St Austell Bay. Purpose-built for yoga and fully equipped, it's the perfect space to learn, grow and deepen your practice. The training runs from April 2026 to March 2027 – a 12 month in-person course spread over 11 full weekends with 20hrs non-contact hours. Easy to fit around work, life & play.
Asanas, Chakras, Koshas, Pranayama, Mudras, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, basics of Anatomy & Physiology, Yoga Philosophy, Ayurveda basics, Chair Yoga basics, the business side of Yoga and so much more – taught by several specialised and fully qualified teachers who will be sharing their own personal and unique experiences and teachings from a variety of different Yoga backgrounds. Hosted by ELM Yoga, Emma & team.
Learn to teach from a place of integrity and confidence, embracing your own quirks, questions, and wisdom as you connect deeply with yourself and your students.
Move beyond clichés and scripted alignment cues. Learn to truly see each student and support their individual needs with your unique voice and compassionate presence.
Alongside the full 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training curriculum, you'll explore a range of styles to help you teach well-rounded classes and find your own authentic flow.
Guided by Yogic principles like Ahimsa (non-harming) and Svadhyaya (self-study), you'll explore surrender, self-awareness, and Yoga Philosophy both on and off the mat.
Alignment, sequencing, benefits, contraindications, modifications and method including breath cues. Sun salutations and moon salutations. Primary and secondary muscles being used, summary of actions, target areas and the skeletal system.
Class structure, voice, cueing, adjustments. Learning and practising how to teach a class – begin teaching in partners, then to the group and work up to teaching a public class for your final assessment.
Relevant body systems for safe teaching. Study and embodied learning of the basics of Yoga anatomy and an overview of body systems.
History of Yoga, Eight Limbs of Yoga, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Koshas, The Five Kleśas, Non-Dualism & Dualism, Goddesses & Deities, Gunas, Nadis, inner work and chanting.
Doshas, the Ayurveda clock, Dosha Asana-Pranayama-Mudra practices, how we should be eating and living to stay in balance (Dinacharya), Ama & Ojas, elements, nature practices & benefits.
Yoga ethics, self-care, professional boundaries. Marketing, building community and practical aspects of running a yoga business.
Chakras and the subtle/energetic body.
Breathwork practices and teaching methods. Meditation and mudra techniques, benefits and guiding students. Yoga Nidra.
Foundations of chair Yoga for accessibility and inclusivity.
You will become an ELM Yoga certified teacher, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to safely teach yoga classes, deliver basics-to-beginners sessions, and offer suitable modifications using yoga props and supports.
Students who apply for the teacher training programme must meet the following entry requirements:
This course is for anyone, whether you're dreaming of becoming a certified Yoga teacher or simply want to dive deeper into your personal journey and practice. It has been structured to easily fit around work, life & play. Successful completion will require significant effort, focus and practice. Students should ensure they have both the time and the personal support they need to commit fully. Please discuss any concerns or additional support needs at interview.
The first thing we always ask interested students to do is to try and come along to a class with Emma to ensure the style of yoga resonates with you. We want you to love this course as much as we do!
From point of interest. we ask you to complete the application form to reserve your space.
Training period: In person from 18th April 2026 until 21st March 2027
Format: 11 full weekends spread over 12 months (once a month except December 2026), 8-hour days.
Dates may be subject to change
Assessment on this course is designed to be supportive, practical and growth-focused, rather than exam-heavy or intimidating. We use assessment mainly as a way to help you see your progress and to ensure you are ready to teach safely.
Throughout the training we look at willingness to learn, kindness and professionalism, engagement in group discussions and practical exercises, and commitment to personal practice.
Light written or quiz-style assessments in areas such as yoga philosophy, anatomy & physiology, and content from your YTT manual. These may take the form of short written answers, reflection questions, open-book quizzes or simple assignments.
You will design and refine class plans, practise cueing, sequencing and holding space, give and receive peer feedback, and explore use of voice, pacing, modifications and props.
Near the end of the course, you will teach a full or partial class to your peers observed by a trainer. You will be assessed on class structure & sequencing, clarity of instruction, safety and modifications, professionalism, and time management.
If you do not pass a written or practical assessment, don't worry – we will discuss this with you on an individual basis and work together to find the best path forward. Re-sit opportunities may be available depending on the circumstances.
To receive your ELM Yoga 200hr certificate (RYS-200), you must:
At ELM Yoga, we hold a caring and realistic approach to training. We know that our trainees have full lives, families, jobs and responsibilities, and we want this journey to feel supportive rather than stressful.
We strongly encourage 100% attendance at all sessions. To be eligible for certification, trainees must attend a minimum of 90% of all contact hours, and complete all required non-contact/home study hours.
Please aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early for each session so we can start on time as a group. If you know you will be late, please message your lead trainer where possible.
We recognise that unexpected events, illness and family situations can arise. Make-up options include:
If you miss more than 10% of contact hours, we will review your situation individually. Please note that there is no option to defer or delay completion of the qualification – trainees must meet the minimum 90% attendance requirement and complete all non-contact/home study hours within the training period to be eligible for certification.
This Code of Ethics exists to support a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment. It reflects both the values of ELM Yoga and the ethical principles encouraged by Yoga Alliance for yoga professionals.
We view ethics as a living practice. Wherever possible, we encourage trainees to embody:
ELM Yoga aims to create an environment where all trainees feel welcome. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying on any basis. We ask all trainees to use respectful language, listen actively, and avoid making assumptions.
Healthy boundaries are essential for safety in yoga spaces. Consent for hands-on adjustments will always be sought, and can be withdrawn at any time without explanation.
What is shared in personal check-ins, small group work or individual conversations is treated as confidential. Please do not share other trainees' personal stories outside the training space without their clear consent.
Do not attempt to diagnose, treat or prescribe for physical or mental health issues unless separately qualified. After certification, describe your training honestly. Recognise that a 200-hour training is a foundation, not an endpoint.
All trainees are required to read, understand and sign this Code of Ethics as part of their enrolment. By signing, you confirm your commitment to upholding these values throughout the training and beyond.
If a trainee's behaviour falls below the standards set out in this Code, the following process will apply:
At ELM Yoga we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment. Your experience matters, you will be listened to with respect, and we will take your concerns seriously.
A complaint could be about something that happens in training sessions, the behaviour of a trainer or trainee, issues of safety, boundaries, consent or inclusion, administrative issues, or any situation where you feel unfairly treated.
If you feel able and it feels safe, we encourage you to raise concerns informally first. You can always bring someone with you for support.
If your concern is more serious or was not resolved informally, you can submit a formal complaint in writing to emma@elmyoga.co.uk. We aim to acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and provide an initial response within 15–20 working days.
If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can request a review within 14 days. The appeal decision will be considered final within the ELM Yoga process.
You are welcome to bring a support person to any meetings. We commit to treating you with kindness and respect throughout.
Provided after registration.
All deposit money paid for the teacher training programme is non-refundable. If for any reason you are unable to complete the training you have signed up to, we will offer you the opportunity to complete your training at a later date should there be an opportunity. If in the unlikely case the course is cancelled for any reason out of our control, you will be offered to complete the training at a later date.
As this course can be booked online, you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the date of booking during which you may cancel and receive a full refund. To cancel within this period, please contact us in writing at emma@elmyoga.co.uk. After the 14-day cooling-off period, the standard refund and cancellation terms above apply.
All money paid for the training must be made in a timely manner. Any fees for transfer of funds is the responsibility of the payee and must be absorbed at their end.
A hard copy of the training manual is included in the training, but note that you will also need additional budget for any travel and accommodation you may need, and cover costs of any further additional reading books.
This teacher training course has met the stringent requirements set by Yoga Alliance. Our graduates are trained to the highest standards and encouraged to continue on with their career path and learning post course.
In the unlikely scenario that any dates or the timings of the course need to be changed, the course facilitator is in their full right to do so. Date changes will only occur in an emergency and trainees will be notified immediately.
If a trainer is unable to attend a session due to illness or emergency, we will arrange a substitute trainer where possible. If a substitute is not available, the session will be rescheduled to a suitable date.
We require all students to be present in both body and mind at every session throughout the training. It is your responsibility to communicate if you are unable to make any of the sessions and organise any catch-up sessions if required.
ELM Yoga is not responsible for injury, illness, loss, damage or theft of personal belongings. Should you have any health concerns, it is your responsibility to consult a doctor to confirm that you are in good health to practice yoga. If you are pregnant, suffer from very high blood pressure, chronic heart disease, retinal problems, epilepsy, have a joint replacement or recently undergone any major surgery, please consult your doctor prior to booking.
ELM Yoga is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The data controller is ELM Yoga, operated by Emma McKay. For any data protection queries, please contact us at emma@elmyoga.co.uk.
When you apply for or enrol on our Yoga Teacher Training, we may collect the following personal data:
We process your data on the following lawful bases:
Your personal data is stored securely using password-protected systems and is only accessible to authorised members of the ELM Yoga training team. Paper records are kept in a locked and secure location. We take reasonable steps to protect your data from unauthorised access, loss or misuse.
We retain your personal data for the following periods:
We may share relevant data with:
We will never sell your data or share it with third parties for marketing purposes.
Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:
To exercise any of these rights, please contact emma@elmyoga.co.uk.
This policy may be updated from time to time. Trainees will be notified of any significant changes.
Emma is the founder, teacher and lead YAP senior Yoga trainer at ELM Yoga, having created the studio over 9 years ago. Her passion for yoga began with her own journey of self-healing through Yoga and Ayurveda.
Through her practices, Emma has experienced deep healing mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and has learned powerful tools for pain management. Yoga remains her anchor and continues to transform her life every day.
This path inspired her to study yoga in depth, training in Yoga Therapy, asana, pranayama, bodywork, Reiki, massage techniques, restorative yoga, Yin, Nidra, Ashtanga Vinyasa, chanting, mantra, meditation, and more.
Alongside the class timetable, Emma offers private 1:1s, group and corporate sessions, bespoke yoga for all abilities, yoga therapy, retreats, events, and beach yoga.
Imogen creates a supportive space that encourages people of all levels to discover a yoga practice that respects their individual requirements yet challenges them to develop their practice further. She promotes a curiosity to explore, and listen to what the body needs. Using traditional breath techniques (pranayama), her teaching aids deeper connection to oneself and compassion for our shared experience of life together.
Imogen has been teaching yoga since 2018 and has completed 500+ hours of yoga teacher training, including Hatha, restorative, yoga Nidra, chakras and the subtle/energetic body and adjusting asana.
Though her training specialisms are in more restful practice, Imogen enjoys a stronger Vinyasa flow in her personal practice and often attends and practices Ashtanga. Meditation, mantra, Kirtan and breathwork are also huge pillars of support in her practice.
Bhaktananda connected with the spiritual path of yoga around 40 years ago with the practice and study of Yogas from the Sivananda, Satyananda and Satchidananda lineage, becoming a teacher a few years later focusing on asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, Yama and Niyama.
Since then Bhaktananda has integrated the devotional aspects of Bhakti Yoga, the sciences of Mantra and Nada Yoga (mystical sound), Kirtan and sacred music into his teaching.
He is passionate about helping people understand the fundamental truths hidden in all spiritual traditions and religions, in particular yoga philosophy, Vedanta, Hinduism and how to use this great wisdom to progress quickly.
Kerryann is a health professional by background, having worked across physical and mental health services in occupational therapy for 13 years. She teaches occupational therapy at the university and therefore has a good understanding of anatomy/physiology, medical conditions, limitations and adaptations.
Kerryann has been practicing yoga for 20 years and completed her Yoga teacher training (200 hours) accreditation in Bali. She has previously taught meditation and breath work in mental health settings and is part of a women's circle, engaging in regular spiritual practice which she intends to weave into her classes.
£650 of payment is taken as the deposit for the training course and is non-refundable unless we can fill the space. A deposit is required as a first payment to secure your space on the course.
The course is delivered by Emma who is the lead YAP senior Yoga trainer at ELM Yoga and other specialised teachers that are fully qualified, experienced, friendly and professional.
If joining & paying on the open afternoon you'll receive the early bird offer, the recommended course reading list early and 1 free class a week at ELM Yoga over the 12 months you're on the course.
If paying in instalments, the cost is £2,600 (no early bird discount). You can still get the open afternoon offer if you join & pay an instalment on Aug 16th 2025.
We can set dates to suit you, but all fees must be paid at least 1 month before the course start date. If you have not paid in full by this time then you cannot attend the course until the full amount is paid.
Pricing does not include trainee insurance, help can be given to get insurance when required.
ELM Yoga 2026–2027 Yoga Teacher Training Intake Now Full
Our 2026–2027 course is now fully booked. If you'd like to register your interest for the next intake 2027–2028, or have any questions about the training, please get in touch and we'll keep you updated.