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50-HOUR YIN YOGA BASICS TRAINING

DIRECTED BY BIFF MITHOEFER & JULIA KUPKE

2027 Winter Yin Yoga Basics Training

February 7 - February 13, 2027

half full

Yin Yoga offers a different approach to practice—one that balances effort with ease, movement with stillness, and activity with rest. Rooted in Daoist philosophy, Yin Yoga explores the relationship between yin and yang as complementary qualities rather than opposites in conflict.

At Nexus Institute, we approach Yin Yoga through an embodied and practical lens. This 50-hour foundation training combines the practice, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology of Yin Yoga, giving you a strong foundation for both personal practice and teaching.

Throughout the training, we explore the principles of yin and yang, the physical and energetic anatomy of Yin Yoga, and the influence of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We examine how different bodies experience postures and learn to adapt practice to individual needs rather than teaching poses as fixed shapes.

You will develop a deeper understanding of Yin postures, functional anatomy, sequencing, and teaching methodology. Through practice, observation, discussion, and teaching exercises, you will learn how to offer Yin Yoga safely, clearly, and responsively.

The training also includes meditation, mindfulness, and other practices that support awareness and nervous-system regulation. These tools complement the physical practice and provide practical ways to cultivate greater presence and steadiness.

Whether you are a yoga teacher looking to expand your skills or a dedicated practitioner wanting to deepen your own practice, this training provides a thoughtful and accessible introduction to Yin Yoga. You will leave with a stronger understanding of the practice, greater confidence in working with individual bodies, and practical tools for incorporating Yin Yoga into your teaching and daily life.

Deepen your practice and expand your teaching with a certification in Yin Yoga.

One Weeks at Nexus Institute

The immersive one-week Yin Yoga Basics Training is designed to be practical and experience-oriented. In addition to theory, inspiration, and discussion, we engage in shared experiences through practice, exercises, and experiential group sessions. We harness the power of collaborative learning and growth within a group.

The 50-hour basic training creates an understanding of Yin Yoga so that you can pass on the practice with authenticity – both as a formal Yin Yoga practice and in other settings.

Yoga Alliance best ranked yoga school Costa Rica

The Yin Yoga Basics Curriculum

Foundations & Philosophy

History and Development of Yin Yoga
Philosophical foundations in Daoism and Buddhism
Differentiation from other yoga styles and traditions
Understanding the dynamic relationship of Yin and Yang
Cultivating yin qualities as a sustainable life practice

Physical & Energetic Foundations

We explore the effects of Yin Yoga on the physical and energetic body through both modern anatomy and traditional Eastern frameworks.

Physiology and functional anatomy relevant to Yin practice:
The role of bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and organs
Energetic anatomy:
Meridian theory and energy flow within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Foundational understanding of the nervous system:
Stress and relaxation states
Regulation and resilience

This integrated perspective allows you to understand how Yin Yoga influences the body structurally, energetically, and neurologically.

Emotional & Mental Dimensions

Yin Yoga reaches beyond the physical form. We examine its impact on emotional and mental layers of experience:

Location and movement of emotions within the body
Impulses from body-oriented therapeutic and healing approaches
Foundations of mindfulness and meditation practice
Understanding the nature of mind and thought patterns

Postures, Safety & Skillful Teaching
You will gain the confidence to teach with clarity, safety, and adaptability.

Foundational Yin Yoga postures and their intentions, effects, and variations
Contraindications and working safely with injuries, illness, and special conditions
Skillful and intelligent use of props and supportive aids
Differentiation between Yin Yoga, Yin Restorative Yoga, and Restorative Yoga
Yin Yoga & conscious breathing practices

Meditation, Language & Holding Space

Meditation and mindfulness integrated into Yin Yoga practice
Language, voice, silence, and sound as conscious teaching tools
The power of pacing and presence

Sequencing & Class Design

You will learn how to structure meaningful Yin Yoga experiences

Principles of sequencing and class architecture
The cycle of experience
Integrating movement, stillness, relaxation, and meditation
Identifying adaptable formats for sharing the practice

Creating the Container

Teaching Yin Yoga is not only about postures—it is about the field in which they unfold.

Consciously designing the external and internal setting for practice
Maintaining and cultivating your own grounded presence
Learning how to hold space for others with steadiness and sensitivity

This training offers a comprehensive, embodied foundation—supporting you in deepening your own practice while developing the confidence and skill to guide others with authenticity, knowledge, and care.

What's Included

Choice of 6 nights on-site accommodations or commuter option

Option for daily Costa Rican meal plan

Comprehensive training manual

Evidence-based research
Daily Yin Yoga classes
Yin Yoga technique training
Personal skill-building
Yin Yoga lifestyle training

400 steps to sandy beaches, tide pools, and surf breaks
300 steps to restaurants, organic markets, juice bars, and shops
50-hour yin yoga teaching certificate
Friendships that will last a lifetime

Accommodations

Nexus Institute’s private residence is just steps from the Pacific Ocean in the vibrant beach community of Nosara, Costa Rica. Casa Nexus offers a spacious, canopy-level yoga studio, two fully equipped kitchens, a curated yoga library, outdoor patios, and a saltwater pool designed for rest and renewal.

From Nexus, you can easily walk to pristine beaches, tidal pools, local shops, organic markets, and a variety of restaurants. During orientation, you’ll receive a detailed map of the area, including our favorite cafés, dining spots, and grocery options.

Join our optional catered Costa Rican meal plan, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; explore the vibrant local food scene; or prepare your own nourishing tropical meals in the shared kitchens.

At Nexus Institute, we cultivate a warm, family-style learning environment—one that encourages connection, shared experience, and meaningful community.

Accommodations Options

Sunday-Saturday 7 Nights

Tuition-only Commuter $1,100

Tuition + Dorm Room $1,850

Tuition + Double Room $2,250
Tuition + Private Room $2,950

Tuition + Private Suite w/ Bath $3,350

Optional Costa Rican meal plan $380

This training is limited to 24 participants. It generally fills one month before the start date. Register early to ensure a place. A $500 deposit will hold your spot.

We look forward to welcoming you home to Nexus.