with Cal Wansbrough
February 2027
anatomy and yin yoga 50-hour training
overview
A comprehensive 50-hour Yin Yoga training with an in-depth focus on functional anatomy. This immersive training will renew your confidence in teaching a variety of yoga styles and equip you with the knowledge to work effectively with diverse body types. Designed for yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners, this course blends Eastern wisdom with Western anatomical understanding.
Students will delve into the philosophy underlying Yin Yoga, cultivate a rich understanding of Chinese medicine, the fundamentals of core Yin poses and their variations. Led by Cal, whose teaching is informed by years of experience, extensive anatomy training, and studies in Chinese medicine, this training offers a truly integrated approach to Yin Yoga.
This 50-hour training gives you accreditation and empowers you to teach Yin Yoga in any setting. The course runs over 2 weekends (in person) and 5 hours of online + self-study. Learning will include visual materials, repetition, kinaesthetic learning, and direct experience through both self-practice and work with classmates. Yoga anatomy cannot be learned from a textbook; it needs to be felt and experienced.
The training is a 50-hour ADVANCED CERTIFICATION, for RYT 500 hours certified. You will experience a complete immersion of Yin Yoga and Anatomy and, as expressed by Cal, you can expect “a full exploration of you, your body, your self.”
Limited Space – Book early to avoid disappointment
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga is a slow, floor-based practice which uses long held stretches to rebalance the body. It is simultaneously a profoundly relaxing and re-energising form of yoga. It stimulates the vital energy, the life force, prana, or Qi to flow through the meridian lines, which are believed to be located deep within the fascial tissue. In doing so, it restores health and wellbeing while helping to prevent disease. Yin Yoga draws on the philosophy and understanding of Chinese Medicine, making it distinct from other styles of yoga.
“I wanted to THANK YOU for the most amazing teacher training, even though it was challenging at times. You teach with such joy and passion and you are incredibly charismatic and draw everyone in. You provide a safe and welcoming space where students feel comfortable to question and learn and your patience with each of us has been amazing. Your wanting to share and inform others is amazing along with your humour and down to earth attitude which puts everyone at ease instantly. Your knowledge of anatomy is outstanding and your teaching and presentation of such a dry subject is fun and engaging. You don’t over promise and you are willing to listen and question things yourself. There is a special skill in this and you have it – I am in awe!” — Ali Masterman, Yoga Teacher
“I loved my yin training with Cal, it breathed new life into all my teaching. I felt confident to go out and start teaching yin straight away. I use all the tools I have been given to plan classes around meridians, the Five Elements and TCM which is fascinating to both me and my students. I highly recommend this course.” — Katie Fobbester, Yoga Teacher
“From the first moment I entered Cal’s class I knew I had found the perfect teacher and inspiration for me. Cal has enormous knowledge and experience of yoga, anatomy and nutrition but also a deep understanding of the profound esoteric philosophies, which she beautifully imparts through her teaching. She is a wonderful instructor, strong and firm, yet gentle in coaxing the body.” — CB, NHS Consultant
course content
WEEKEND 1 – YIN YOGA & THE ANATOMY OF THE HIPS
This first weekend centres around the movement, joints and muscles of the hip, leg, and lower leg. Students will become familiar with ranges of motion, ultimate range of motion, and the distinctions between tension and compression, particularly in the hip area. Muscles of the hips and thighs will be a key focus, together with their movement, in addition to myofascial release techniques and trigger points for this area.
Students will get the chance to apply their learnings to both Yang (Vinyasa) and Yin Yoga poses, which will enrich your teaching approach. You will come away from the course with a greater awareness of how different body types respond to movement and a wide variety poses. Students will get the chance to analyse how some poses, while excellent for many, will cause injury or damage to others.
A large focus will be on Yin poses, so that students complete the training not only with a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology, but also with the ability to teach Yin Yoga in a safe and informed way. Yin Yoga draws on the wisdom of Chinese Medicine, with a focus on the Five Elements and meridian theory. You’ll learn how specific Yin poses influence particular meridian lines and organs, and the physical, mental, and emotional manifestations they then offer.
WEEKEND 2 – YIN YOGA AND CHINESE MEDICINE
In this module, students learn about the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with the Five Elements, exploring how these teachings can be applied both on and off the yoga mat. Students will also delve into the emotional, physiological and mental dimensions of the Five Elements, the 10 organs, and the 12 meridian channels. This module will elucidate this ancient philosophy and reveal how specific patterns, behaviours, and habits shape the human experience.
Chinese medicine is an energetic practice and teaches us that Qi underlies all bodily and mental functioning. This vital life force works to warm, move, transform, and protect everything within the body and mind. Ancient Chinese wisdom embodies a holistic approach to health, viewing it as a living state of balance. Practitioners look beyond what is immediately visible, seeking to understand the deeper patterns of imbalance that shape how a person feels, thinks, and functions.
The Five Elements consist of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These important phases underlying Qi are the energetic substances, or processes, out of which the world is made. Each element corresponds to a distinct quality of life, reflected in its associated season, colour, odour, and taste. Together, they show how all aspects of existence are interconnected, along with the maintenance of harmony via cyclical patterns of movement.
When balance is present, Qi flows with ease; when disrupted, patterns of tension or depletion may arise. The Five Elements offer a map for understanding both the rhythms of nature and the inner landscape of human experience.
course structure
Weekend 1: Yin Yoga and Anatomy of the Hips
Weekend 2: Yin Yoga, Chinese Medicine, and the Meridian Lines
learning outcomes
Weekend 1 – Course Aims:
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To teach Yin Yoga effectively and competently
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To understand basic anatomy and movement, applying this learning to yoga poses, specifically of the hip and knee joint
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To understand the key parameters of yoga poses and be able to offer modifications and adjustments
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To gain an understanding of the principles of Chinese Medicine and Philosophy
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To understand the meridian theory
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To understand your responsibilities as a Yoga teacher
Weekend 2 – Course Aims:
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To understand the fundamental premises behind Chinese Medicine
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To understand the concept of Qi, Yin and Yang and the Five Elements
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To apply ancient philosophy and wisdom, both on and off the mat
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To understand the organs and meridian lines, their meanings and the poses which affect them
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To gain an insight into the delicate interplay of energy and emotions
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To reveal your inner world and your underlying predisposition
accreditation
50-hour advanced certification, accredited by Yoga Alliance
additional information
Cal Wansbrough
Cal came to yoga 30 years ago and is a highly experienced yoga teacher (500-hrs certified). Having previously taught many forms of yoga, including power, vinyasa, hatha and pre/post-natal, she now teaches exclusively Yin Yoga. Cal is passionate about spreading the magic of Yin and in her words “Yin is like giving yourself a warm hug, a therapeutic stretch and massage all at the same time”.
Cal trained with Paul and Suzee Grilley, known as ‘the godparents of Yin’, and has also completed extensive anatomy trainings. Alongside her work as an Anatomy and Yin Yoga teacher, she is also a qualified Yoga Life Coach, Reiki practitioner and Acupuncturist (College of Integrated Chinese Medicine).
next course
13th & 14th February 2027, 13th & 14th March 2027
cost
course fee: £850 (£775 early bird until 31st Dec 2026)
venue
Camden
contact
Teacher: Cal Wansbrough [email protected]
Website: https://yogainthebigsmoke.co.uk/
faculty
Cal Wansbrough
