Level 1: Yin Yoga Asana & Biomechanics

Referred to as "The Quiet Practice" by its innovator Paul Grilley, Yin Yoga offers a framework for attending to the often overlooked inner realms of our body, mind, and spirit. The simple, floor-based postures, held for several minutes, provide a unique opportunity to release deeply held tension, free stagnant or blocked energy, and cultivate a peaceful quality of mind.

In Level 1: Yin Yoga Asana & Biomechanics, you will learn the essential elements of practicing and teaching Yin Yoga.

* Insight Yoga Institute Credit is available. See Below. *

"In my 30 years as a practitioner, this was, by far, one of the best trainings I've attended. Jennifer is extremely knowledgeable on a wide variety of yoga and mindfulness practices. It was an honor to learn from her. I'd recommend this training to anyone with an interest in Yin, anatomy, philosophy, and mindfulness." ~ Randi W.

Learning Objectives

Through lectures, posture labs, and multiple full-length Yin Yoga classes, in this online course you'll get an embodied experience of the theories behind the practice.

You'll also get lots of access to the instructor, Jennifer O'Sullivan, in optional weekly Yin Yoga classes and virtual office hours.

History and Principles of Yin Yoga - Discover the Taoist roots of Yin Yoga & its complementary relationship to other forms of yoga.

Posture Labs - Learn how to expertly practice and teach the essential Yin Yoga poses and the variations that support each individual's anatomical structure.

Safety & Personalization - Learn how to help your students safely explore their own body's capacities and use props to creatively enhance their experience in the poses.

Fundamentals of Functional Anatomy - Find out how skeletal variation, biomechanics, and the Theory of Exercise help us understand how to support individual students and design innovative class plans.

Fascia - Learn about fascia physiology and how Yin Yoga affects this ubiquitous tissue.

Sensation - Learn the basics of pain science and how to appropriately play the edge in Yin Yoga postures. You'll also develop an understanding of the difference between tension and compression and how to relate that to your students.

Principles of Teaching Yin Yoga - Learn and practice teaching masterful Yin Yoga classes including sequencing, cueing, and holding the space for your students’ personal experiences.

Your Investment Includes...

Jennifer brings a compassionate approach and talent for making complicated material accessible and interesting.

50 hours continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance US (39 contact, 11 non-contact)
Printed manual
Fascia 101 online physiology course ($89 value)
Yin Yoga class sequences you can use in your own classes
Access to Jennifer's weekly virtual Yin Yoga class on Monday evenings for during the course ($90 value)
Office hours with Jennifer via Zoom
Access to recordings of some lectures from the course (note: this is not meant to be a substitute for attending the program live)

"I would really recommend the Yin Yoga & Biomechanics training with Jen. She has a wealth of knowledge, years of experience, and the variety of her own teachers results in a most comprehensive and evidence-based curriculum. Teachers would be lucky to gain such a thorough grounding in the practice." ~ Grace T.

Get to Know Your Instructor

Jennifer O'Sullivan has been teaching yoga and meditation in the Washington, DC area for more than 20 years after completing her first training in 2004. She has studied with exemplary yoga teachers from a number of disciplines but is most influenced by Don and Amba Stapleton of Nosara Yoga Institute and Sarah Powers. Jennifer is also endorsed by Sarah Powers to teach Insight Yoga, a heart-centered approach that weaves together yin and yang Yoga, Taoism, Buddhism and spiritual psychology.

Jennifer has completed nearly 1000 hours of Yin Yoga, biomechanics, and fascia physiology training and education with some of the most renowned teachers including Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Biff Mithoefer, Tom Meyers, and Jules Mitchell.

She is also greatly inspired by the mindfulness teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and Bhante Gunaratana with whom she has sat several retreats. Jennifer received the Five Mindfulness Trainings (precepts) and her spiritual name from Thich Nhat Hanh. She continues her Buddhist studies through various centers across the US.

For 15 years, Jennifer has offered innovative in-person and online yoga programs, Jennifer sees herself a force-multiplier, educating yoga teachers around the world to share depth practices that truly transform lives.

“I truly think this certification program was one of the best I have ever taken. The care and attention that Jen put into developing a comprehensive, informative, organized program was evident. Every activity was well thought out and built upon the knowledge we were gaining from our readings and lectures, to culminate in a great understanding of the foundation, principles, and practice of Yin. The program was the perfect blend of lecture, readings, hands-on demonstrations, group practice, and leading others in practice. As a hatha yoga teacher, I feel like Jen's training has made me a better yoga teacher beyond Yin. Thanks for all you do, Jen!” ~ Jill S.

Availability

Jennifer is on semi-sabatical and teaching very part time through spring 2027. But this course is available by request. If you have a group of at least 6 participants, get in touch to discuss next steps.

“Jen's knowledge and delivery is fantastic. Her ability to organize and structure information in digestible chunks was so helpful to my application of this material in my practice and teaching. She has helped me view my practice in such exciting new ways. Every minute was intentional and well-spent!” ~ Katie A.

To Receive Certification & Credit

As this is an experiential program, yoga teachers who wish to receive a certificate and Yoga Alliance and/or Insight Yoga Institute credits must attend all live sessions and fully participate in the program. Anyone who misses more than 10 hours will not receive a certificate.

While portions of this program will be recorded, they are for reference only and not a substitute for attending program sessions live. Please consider your energy and availability when signing up for this course. Recordings will be available within a month of the last program session.

Asynchronous elements – including Fascia 101 course + quiz, reading assignments, posture surveys, quizzes, and final homework assignment – have all been factored into the non-contact hours for this course and are also required.

Insight Yoga Institute Credit: This training qualifies for 50hrs toward the Insight Yoga Institute Yin Yoga/Anatomy requirement. To receive the full 50hrs of credit, students are required to complete all program requirements including attending at least 4 virtual Yin Yoga classes with Jen.

Required Reading

Related writings and articles will be shared before and during the course.