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dedicated yoga lovers
You've got the yoga bug and you’re ready to deepen your practice, on and off the yoga mat. You you know you need to make big lifestyle changes, but you’ve no idea where to start. Perhaps you’ve lost your direction in life or you have personal baggage that you’ve been avoiding dealing with for years and you know it’s now or never. You could be moving into a new life phase and what to understand what that looks like and learn how yoga can help with the changes and challenges ahead.
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aspiring yoga teachers
You’re completely new to teaching yoga, but you already know that teaching women is your calling and want to dive right into the in-depth expert knowledge on the female life stages and how yoga can empower women throughout life. You want the support of a loving all-female community of yoga teachers as you begin your teaching journey. You want advice and support on how to create your personal yoga brand, and how to launch and grow your business from a master yoga teacher, who’s been there and done that.
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qualified yoga teachers
You don't feel confident advising your female students on the best yoga practices for their life stage and you want to teach yoga for the menstrual cycle; pregnancy and post-partum with baby - and throughout menopause. You want to do this in an integrated way as a complete feminine journey. Perhaps you’ve been yoga teaching for years but you still can’t fill classes or you’ve lost your momentum. Maybe you want to take your yoga business to the next level and want to learn how to firsthand from a multiple business award-winning yogipreneur. You want to join a high-quality, interactive and world-recognized yoga alliance international accredited 300/500-hour course.
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birth and baby workers and wellness entrepreneurs
You don’t necessarily want to teach yoga classes, but you want to learn yoga practices that will help your female clients throughout the various life stages, adding to your existing toolkit of skills. You may already work with women, but don't feel confident in your understanding of what they’re going through or in advising them on the best practices for where they are at in life. You want to know how to really create and grow your wellness brand from someone that's successfully done that over the past 15 years.
Women's Yoga Teacher Training & Empowerment Programme
ACCREDITED BY
Introducing EMPOWER™ by YogaBellies:
EMPOWER™ is a unique yoga teacher training and personal empowerment programme.
It's for all women at every stage of life.
You don't need to be a yoga teacher already to join!
Let me explain...
YogaBellies is not just about pulling some shapes on a yoga mat. Yoga can be a lifestyle choice that means you’ve got tons of energy; feel positive; have your hormones under control and look and feel great … all month long.
I created EMPOWER for women who want to live their best lives. Maybe you’ve lost direction - in your life or your career - and you know you need to make big lifestyle changes, but don’t know where to start. We begin this journey by empowering YOU to embrace your yoga practice - on and off the yoga mat - so that you can enable other women to do the same. You will become a qualified expert in teaching yoga for women throughout life.
I also think it's important you know this wee thing about yoga...
Nobody comes to yoga with their sh*t together.
If your life was perfect and you knew all of the answers... you probably wouldn't be practising yoga.
Yogis are Seekers: We come to the yoga mat looking for answers! To improve ourselves and our quality of lives.
Yoga isn’t just for the zen supermodels who can tie themselves up like pretzels and have super-ripped bodies.
Yoga is for all of us.
I created YogaBellies for myself and for all women...
Let me tell you how this started. I had just gotten married and was working as a business analyst and was teaching yoga for my friends at night. I didn’t think for a minute it could ever be my ‘real job.’
I’d struggled with PMS and heavy and irregular periods during my teens and twenties and now I was looking into having children and knew I wanted to practice yoga during my pregnancy too.
I loved my yoga practice but I knew I wasn’t necessarily getting from it what I needed from it. My 6-day-a-week hardcore Ashtanga yoga practice had basically halted my periods altogether and although I looked the part physically, my hormones were all over the place and I knew this was going to affect my ability to get pregnant. This is when I started looking at how yoga could be adapted to actually work for women: Improve their health, balance their hormones, keep them fit and well… but at the same time embrace those cyclical changes and life phases… helping instead of hindering them!
NEWS FLASH: Yoga was originally created for young boys - not childbearing hips and hormones and breasts and pregnancy...
I wanted to offer yoga classes that showed me not only how to practice yoga not just safely, but therapeutically during my period, during pregnancy, and with my baby.
With a focus on yoga for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing throughout the female life stages - we’ll cover yoga and wellness for the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, post-partum (and baby!) and the stages of menopause, female-specific illnesses and conditions - as well balancing hormonal fluctuations; yoga through the seasons, nutrition, self-care, Ayurveda for women's health… and so much more :)
I will personally lead you on a deep, personal journey, no matter your level of yoga experience. EMPOWER™ will allow you to understand and embrace the cyclical nature of female life and show you how to lead other women to do so too."
Check out below just some of the publications that Cheryl and YogaBellies have been featured in over the years.
What Some of Our EMPOWER Graduates Have Said:
This has changed my life - even if I hadn't wanted to become a Yoga teacher for babies and Mums and women, I would have done this. It covers everything and more and Cheryl has left no stone unturned to equip us all with the tools to live a better life on and off the mat! Thank you, Fee x
Fee Speed RYT-300 EMPOWER Graduate and Kids Yoga TeacherHaving taught and practiced yoga for over a decade I had never come across the style and form that the Empower 300 Hour YTT contained. I really enjoyed the depth of focus on topics often ignored (such as the different stages of a woman’s life). I thoroughly enjoyed the content and the community formed between the students and look forward to keeping in touch as we each move forwards in our own way.
Kim Katre RYT-500 EMPOWER Graduate and Existing Yoga Teacher 200-HourEMPOWER was everything I was looking for and more. I was at a loss with where to start becoming a women's yoga teacher. It has given me confidence and renewed energy. I wasn't sure how I would find the online aspect of the course, but it gave me the flexibility around my young family and I could catch up on my own time and the nest was perfect for additional support. We are women supporting women and it's brilliant. I wish EMPOWER wasn't ending because I have loved it so much.
Georgie Ward RYT-300 EMPOWER GraduateMeet The Teacher
Cheryl MacDonald, BA (Hons) PgDip Psy., E-RYT 500
"I understand why women need yoga throughout life - and that it can benefit us off the yoga mat as much as it can in class. Everything I teach I use in my own life - and it's the difference between living my best life and being a lump of wood.
I want you to STOP trying to twist yourself into knots (literally,) starving yourself or attempting yoga practices originally created for men!
Let me show you how you can enjoy the right yoga practice - even if you’re pregnant or postnatal or in menopause - feel great about yourself, have tons of energy and a body you love ... based on working with thousands of women over the past 15 years.
I've practiced and I've taught women at every life stage - in fact, over 100,000 women in the UK alone, have come along to YogaBellies classes to balance their hormones; relieve stress; find their calm place for birth; chill with baby afterward and battle the symptoms of menopause. I've also personally trained and coached hundreds of YogaBellies teachers in feminine yoga and wellness practices that have made YogaBellies a global phenomenon.
Yoga is as important to women at 14 as it is 99, and over my 25 years of personal yoga practice, I have developed The YogaBellies Sadhana, to give women exactly what they need in a safe and therapeutic practice.
YogaBellies isn't just about pulling shapes: It's about loving yourself, on and off the yoga mat. Body positivity, Self-love, and Self-worth are all important elements of the YogaBellies journey.
Here are some of the awards I've won over the years:
LuxLife Most Inspirational Women's Yoga Teacher 2021
The Great British Entrepreneur Award 2019
The Scottish Edge Award for Enterprise 2013
Woman of the Year Award 2014
Mumpreneur UK Award 2012
3 x What's On for Little Ones Awards 2014
Working Mums Top Employer Award 2015
Mums Club Top 100 Businesses 2012
You may also have seen me featured in:
The Huffington Post - talking about my yoga journey and YogaBellies® beginnings
As a winner of BBC Dragon's Den (watch us in the video below!) - the Dragons loved the concept of YogaBellies®
Appeared on ITV's This Morning - teaching yoga to women and children at various life stages
All of the magazines, TV channels and publications you can see on this page, talking about yoga for women throughout life
Been personal yoga teacher to celebrities such as Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud), Fearne Cotton and Catherine Tyldsley (check out some of the featured press below)
EMPOWER Guest Experts and Senior Yoga Teacher Team
Our EMPOWER Teacher Training also has a number of Guest Experts and Senior Yoga Teacher Mentors from across the globe (United Kingdom, Singapore, Dubai, and Thailand!) These women's yoga and health experts will lead sessions throughout the programme.
Watch YogaBellies on ITV's This Morning with Phil and Holly
Cheryl and her YogaBellies Teachers demonstrate yoga for mum and baby
What EMPOWER Students Have Said
Read Our Graduates Testimonials
A whole new depth of yoga knowledge *****
Empower 300 YTT *****
A course that every female can benefit from *****
Life Changing *****
Informative, relevant and manageable *****
Empower - Amazing! *****
Inspiring *****
I think the course title sums up the entire ethos of the course. Love It *****
A wonderful experience *****
Life changing learning opportunity noto be missed! *****
Why EMPOWER™?
EMPOWER™ is a culmination of 25 years of personal yoga practice. I have been training yoga teachers in the YogaBellies style of yoga for women for 15 years, and thousands of women across the globe have used YogaBellies practices to improve their lives.
I’m so psyched to be offering this much-needed specialist programme for the second time because I know that we ALL need this. Yoga teachers, experienced yoginis, fitness professionals, mums – we can all benefit from EMPOWER™ .
Here’s what I promise you:
YOU will continue to learn, grow and evolve, as you help empower other women. Using unique yogic practices, you will find the confidence to move forward in every area of your life and feel EMPOWERed to help other women live their best lives through yoga. You'll take comfort in knowing you can offer women the unique feminine yogic practices and tools that you have used yourself for long-lasting results.
YogaBellies ® EMPOWER™ will give you indepth expertise when it comes to helping women fully embrace a yoga - on and off the yoga mat. YogaBellies is so much more than pulling shapes on the yoga mat - our practices help out ladies improve their lives - even outside of class.
You will get to connect and be a part of a sisterhood of YogaBellies Teachers all over the world, that provide unwavering support towards each other and our individual yoga journeys. Making some very close friendships will be a side-effect you'll need to be aware of too .
The YogaBellies business model that you have access to really is designed for you to be successful at every level (personally and business) while being fully supported, enabling you to focus on what you do best - teach yoga. All the information, templates, and worksheets to run your classes, workshops, etc are all at your fingertips in our Licensed teachers resource library. Our aim is to continue developing your skills as a YogaBellies® Teacher so you are seen as the go-to womens yoga and wellness expert in your local area.
Our EMPOWER™ programme will ensure you continue to grow personally as a woman and build a successful yoga business of your own, where you will be showing up as your very best self.
This is the most comprehensive women’s yoga teacher training around marked by our exclusive feminine approach to yoga, health and well-being. Whether you want to be more educated and skillful yogini living your best life or start an exciting new career as a yoga teacher or lightworker… Or recession-proof your finances with an extra income stream… EMPOWER™ was made to work for you.
EMPOWER™ training begins by focusing on your personal yoga and wellness journey and making your life better in every way. As part of your journey, you'll be encouraged to follow a hormone-balancing diet (and given the resources to do so,) as well as tracking your menstrual cycle (or lunar cycle if you don't menstruate) and to live in line with what your body needs and wants throughout the month and throughout life. As we change our own lives, we learn the YogaBellies practices and skills to empower other women on their wellness journey.
Over a 6 month period, we’re going to uncover your deepest desires; set real-life goals, and understand what’s currently holding you back. I’m also going to help you to create your personal and business brand; identify your tribe and create the most-kick ass business and marketing strategy, guaranteed to meet your career and life goals - no matter what your work or business is!
Keep Reading If You...
- Want to earn your Yoga Alliance International 300-hour certification.
- Want to completely transform YOUR personal health, wellness and life on and off the yoga mat.
- Want to gain essential business skills to turn your dream of teaching yoga as a career into a reality
- Want to save thousands on learning key yoga practices for every female life stage in an integrated and logical way: Become qualified to teach yoga for pregnancy; post-partum with baby; menopause; the menstrual cycle and even baby massage!
- Want to take time out to figure out what YOU need from life and become your most vibrant self to do this!
- Struggle to find your unique voice or tribe as a yoga teacher or leader.
- Are passionate about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of yoga for women.
- Want to integrate feminine yoga practices into your birth, baby, or women's wellness work - even if you don't teach yoga!
- Want to become a better wellness leader by using the YogaBellies Sadhana to structure your offering and be able to create client yoga prescriptions, for female life stages and conditions
- Are ready to be seen as an expert in the field of feminine yoga.
- Want to gain confidence in and expand your yoga teaching skills or therapy/coaching practice.
- Don't know how to take your yoga business to the next level if you are already a yoga teacher.
- Are seeking a like-minded community of women supporting women.
- Are ready to make a life-changing impact on your female clients and students.
Being part of YogaBellies® means that you're connected with an amazing global network of like-minded women, who want to support you and won’t judge you – because they’re right where you are too. It’s about waking up to the value of women supporting women, bringing back sisterhood and ‘the village’ as something that is absolutely essential for our wellbeing.
On Completion of EMPOWER 300-Hr YTT You Will:
- Have overcome your personal limiting beliefs and blocks and understand what you want from life long term;
- Have embraced fully a yoga lifestyle and feminine yoga practices to enhance your wellbeing;
- Will understand your true calling as a yoga teacher and have an easy-to-implement yoga business plan, which you will create with Cheryl's support;
- You will be qualified to teach Yoga for the Menstrual Cycle and female-related issues and ailments;
- Yoga for Pregnancy and Childbirth;
- Post-Natal Yoga for Mum and Baby Yoga too;
- Baby Massage
- Yoga for the Phases of Menopause;
- Have a range of proven technical, marketing, social media and networking skills for your yoga business. You will be taught personally by the founder of YogaBellies global women's yoga collective, from her own skills and experience.
Training Resources To Suit All Styles of Learning
Access from your mobile, laptop, iPad or keep a physical copy
Handbooks, online resources, yoga videos, audio, cheat sheets, live and recorded yoga practice sessions and lectures, Asana manuals and more.
More Testimonials
What EMPOWER Students Have Said About The Course
"In the past I have enjoyed yoga (asana) meditation, eating well, reading, podcasts, and self-care and insight into the self. Following postnatal depression, these were the things that pulled me out of it in the end, not the antidepressants prescribed. After learning about the 5 doshas, I realize all of these practices were part of the yogic lifestyle. I've found all the different aspects of this course so interesting so far. The Vikalpha section made me cry, in a good way. When you asked us “Who do you want to be”
I am already starting to see how this course can help me feel more 'empowered' as a woman, to honour all the different aspects of being female. This course is helping me gain confidence. In your handbook you talk about 'Yogabellies does not promote a flat belly and welcomes all the natural curves of a woman' This is my Vikalpha, my self-doubt. Something that may seem so insignificant to some people but which has haunted me for years. Having IBS especially and gaining weight after two kids, means I most likely will always have a round, bloated belly. I have often hidden myself away, turning down social events and only daring to dream that I could be a yoga teacher.
This course is allowing me to think that as women we go through so many stages in our lives, and our 'bellies' are part of that :-) I am starting to learn to honour myself, to honour my body and it's this course that is helping me to heal :-) I definitely want to try and incorporate this idea into my business as it feels authentic to me."
"The content is absolutely amazing, so much information. I feel like I am learning way more than I ever realized I could!"
"I really like how you have set it out on the website, so I can keep dipping in and out when I have an hour or two free. Sometimes I literally manage one of your videos a day but I can clearly see where I'm at and keep writing notes on which section to do next."
"Gaining a better understanding of my own self in line with the lunar cycle and seasons, and now aiming to incorporate the affirmations and yoga practices in line with my natural cycle by listening to my emotions and body more instinctively to allow it to rest and recover when necessary, to just be, taking more me time and also accepting the different stages and cycles and allowing them to flow without resistance.
Really enjoyed this module, and also feel it has allowed the group to share real personal experiences with each other developing a real supportive sense of community in the course."
"Really enjoyed the practical aspect via the live yoga practice and also the videos provided with yoga asanas for menstruation and the luna class videos from the various yb teachers, to see how different teachers deliver the classes in their own style. Also the handy modifications list in the manual for menopause is a great reference to have at hand. Theoretical content - again a great breadth of information and ties in nicely with the yoga life journal."
YogaBellies helped me make a sustainable career of teaching yoga, and it offers this within a community of strong independent kind and intelligent women. I trained with YogaBellies in 2011 and after a period of illness, I'm back on board!
The EMPOWER Programme Will Help You:
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Discover what you REALLY want from life and help you get there - on the yoga mat; in your personal life and in business
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Live your dream life as a yoga teacher that's earning a sustainable incoming and exceeding their personal wellness and career goals
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Uncover your optimal personal health so that you have the energy, vitality and motivation to help other women do the same
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Fully support female clients through pregnancy, post-partum with baby, menstrual issues and menopause
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Explore ways in which yoga can help alleviate and treat female-specific medical conditions
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Understand why yoga has special benefits for women (that benefits us off the yoga mat too!)
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Learn how to live in alignment with our natural cycles and nature, in our yoga practice and in our daily lives
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Discover what a woman's yoga practice needs to look like and why the BAP’s (back, abs and pelvic floor) are central to a woman’s wellness throughout life.
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Take all of this expert knowledge and learn how to create an ethical and profitable business model that fully serves you and your clients' needs
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Use everything you learn in EMPOWER™ to burst through any blocks, exceed your goals and absolutely live your best life!
Katieanne Duncan-Bruce RYT-300
EMPOWER Graduate Testimonial
"Hi, I’m Katie! Over the past 6 months, I have been undertaking a 300-Hour Yoga Alliance International accredited Women’s Yoga and Empowerment Teacher Training called ‘Empower’.
My background is in the Entertainment industry and I have over a decade of professional experience. Holding a BA(Hons) in Dance, I have worked around the world as a performer as well as in various production and management roles.
However, the proudest yet most significant moment of my life was the birth of my identical twin boys Alfie & Charlie.
The challenges I faced physically and mentally during and after my multiple pregnancies are what drove me to become a yoga teacher. Following my C-Section, I needed a further 2 abdominal surgeries. This saw me dig into the depths of my physical and mental health. I was working full-time as a Dance Teacher & Team Leader in the Central Belt of Scotland. I loved it but thought about expanding my repertoire and had always taken an interest in yoga.
Intuitively, it felt like the correct step to seek out this opportunity and at the perfect time – after relocating to my hometown in the North East of Scotland after 17 years away.
I had heard about Yogabellies many years ago and saw Cheryl & Mike on Dragon’s Den. I was inspired by the business model and had been following them for a while. When I saw ‘Empower’ advertised I looked into it and immediately knew I wanted to add another string to the bow. I wanted to invest in good quality training and the programme was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. The timing was perfect for me! With the course being delivered online, it enabled live interaction with Cheryl from Singapore and other Senior Yogabellies Teachers from across the globe. The final module – Soulful Entrepreneur: Business, Branding, Leadership & Productivity was my favourite. Having Cheryl as a mentor all the way through has been so inspiring and really invaluable. She is so knowledgeable, welcoming and down to earth – a fantastic role model. The training included assignments and assessments, practice teaching, yoga teaching video submissions, modules quizzes, regular yoga practice, completing a reading list and actively working on my personal Empower plan.
I have learned so much during these past 6 months and can’t wait to get started with my plans. I feel confident in what I have learned so far and I’m excited about the future! I hope to start a range of Yogabellies classes in my area as well as launching my own business offering workshops fused with dance and yoga later this year.
I am truly grateful for the experiences and destinations my career has taken me and look forward to this next chapter of my journey. My twin boys are what have shaped me into the person I want to be today and I hope my experiences are what will help my future clients."
More EMPOWER Graduate Testimonials
I can honestly see why the course is called Empower. It’s so inspiring to me as a female. The wealth of information is amazing and will keep me invested to keep learning for years to come! Even if you do not want to teach at the end of it, I’m still on a bit of a journey with this 😊 the things you learn about yourself for your own personal development is great. I love the content. I’m a busy working mum of two kids so i do wish I had more time to spend on the course as I love it but I’m trying to give myself more time for me. That’s one of the things this teaches us. It’s not optional to look after ourselves as women, it’s essential. I’ve loved getting to know Cheryl who I think is the most incredible woman I’ve ever come across and the other ladies who are all so supportive. I just wished we all lived near each other but I’m sure we will all meet in person at some point in the future!
Nicola Emmett EMPOWER Graduate
I enrolled on the course with little yoga experience feeling excited and nervous all in one! The support from Cheryl and the ladies also enrolled is great, we are all learning together.
The course has lots of information and I had a lot to learn, this can be done in my own time which is great around family life and work. I’m so happy I decided to enroll, it’s life-changing! Absolutely amazing!
Want to Know More About What's Covered?
Here's a complete breakdown of the syllabus
Module 1. Empower
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Learn about YogaBellies beginnings and the foundation and theory behind what we do.
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An introduction to working with women, understanding your goals and blocks and overcoming them, creating your life strategy.
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Looking at challenging and changing beliefs: Samskara, Sankalpa, Vikalpa and Vasanas. Releasing Fear & Owning Your Desires. How to deal with the limiting beliefs holding you back from your vision–and put them to bed once and for all!
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Stop holding yourself back. How to release your obvious and not-so-obvious fears and cultivate serious confidence in who you are, what you do and what you desire. This includes examining your purpose and messaging and how to get clarity on your vision.
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Uncover the #1 belief you must cultivate if you want to feel confident in your work and earn what you're worth.
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Explore the basics of Ayurveda for women: The Doshas, practical lifestyle considerations for optimal yoga-living
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Creating a safe container, crafting ritual and holding space for optimal healing for you and your clients
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Learn about The YogaBellies Sadhana, the practice and system we apply throughout the female life stages to optimize our yoga practice for overall wellness and vitality.
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SENSE: Learn about YogaBellies grounding, embodiment and sensory practices, connecting to ourselves and alining with our external nd internal environment, to find equilibrium
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BREATHE: Explore the YogaBellies Key Pranayama practices for women's health
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MOVE: Discover the 29 key YogaBellies Asana, chosen for their therapeutic benefits for women throughout life.
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SLEEP: Uncover YogaBellies unique practice for the deepest level of relaxation. Our blend of self-hypnosis, yoga nidra, affirmations and nada yoga take Savasana to a different level.
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CIRCLE: Understand the importance of ‘the village’ for all women.
Module 2. Cycles and Seasons
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Dive deep into the roots of women in yoga and discover why it's essential that women have a unique yoga practice from men;
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Learn about the role of the Goddess and how we can embrace Maiden, Mother, Enchantress, and Crone archetypes throughout life for our personal empowerment;
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Learn why every female life stage is incredible and how to tune into the positive elements of each;
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Learn about the female reproductive anatomy and the physiology of the menstrual cycle and why this information is important and empowering for all women;
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Understand the influence and relevance of the lunar cycle to the female life and monthly cycles and why tuning into lunar energy can improve our personal wellness and help alleviate symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety;
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Learn how to chart and regulate your menstrual cycle (or the lunar cycle if you don’t menstruate!) and why it’s essential to be aware of where we are at in our cycle;
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Understand the phases of the menstrual and lunar cycles, so that you are able to plan your life around your hormonal peaks and troughs, by tuning into your natural energy levels, instead of fighting against them!
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Learn how to adapt your yoga practice for every stage of the menstrual cycle, so that yoga feels good all month long!;
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Learn yoga asana and practices to aid hormone-related ailments such as cramps; irregular periods; menstrual migraines; irregular periods and mood swings;
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Learn the YogaBellies method (The Sadhana) of Sense Breathe Move Sleep Circle to create (and teach) complete yoga sequences with all of the essential elements required for a therapeutic women's yoga practice;
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Explore how to adopt the correct feminine self-care practices and rituals for each stage of the menstrual cycle;
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Explore the Wheel of the Year and learn how to adapt your yoga practice and lifestyle by living in season;
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You’ll connect with and learn from like-minded women who are ready to embrace a feminine yoga practice as part of the YogaBellies community
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Gain a 50-hour Yoga Alliance International accredited qualification which allows you to teach yoga to and advise women throughout the menstrual cycle
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Be able to upgrade your qualification to the EMPOWER 300 Hour yoga teaching qualification at a later date
Module 3: Embracing the Crone
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Explore the beauty of perimenopause, menopause and what lies beyond. Uncover what women are experiencing at these times, on all levels. Understand the benefits of yoga for menopause and how to work with women to alleviate the most common symptoms.
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Identify the signs and symptoms for each stage of the Menopause and learn yoga practices for relief of symptoms
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Learn about the power of the Crone archetype and how to embrace her power in our everyday life
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Understand the role and importance of hormones in the female lifecycle. Discover how to use yoga to stimulate the endocrine system and balance hormonal fluctuations, not just in menopause, but throughout life.
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Explore the various types of hormone testing available for women and wether they are necessary
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Use the YogaBellies Sadhana of Sense Breath Move Sleep Circle to work with women throughout perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.
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Explore common female conditions throughout life and key risk factors for women as they age. Learn what adjustments we can make to our yoga practice to benefit our clients.
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Understanding female anatomy and physiology as related to menopause and learning the BAPs practices. Discover the importance of working in the correct way with the BAPs (back, abs and pelvic floor) during menopause to strengthen the key seat of women's health
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Exploring hormone-balancing nutrition and self-care for Menopause and living a hormone-healthy lifestyle, including aromatherapy, herbs and supplements for optimal health
Module 4. Birthing the Mother
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The unique, world-renowned YogaBellies for Pregnancy Sadhana or method, which helps mothers have an optimal pregnancy and comfortable birth.
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Yoga practices, meditation and self-care that is not only safe but therapeutic for pregnancy and birth. YogaBellies only uses postures and practices specifically beneficial for pregnant women.
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How to approach pregnancy naturally and give mum and baby the best possible chance for optimal health throughout.
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Prepare for a fast and comfortable birth, free from fear and anxiety and learn positions and practices for natural birthing.
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Find out about what to expect for mum and baby, the incredible journey of psychological and physiological changes that a woman travels , guided each step of the way by world-class experts in prenatal yoga and wellness.
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How to pregnancy-related alleviate ailments such as morning sickness; SPD and sciatica and more, using your YogaBellies practice.
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Anatomy and physiology during pregnancy, how organs function during pregnancy, an overview of the complications, including miscarriage, premature labour, hypertension, preeclampsia and body mechanics.
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Examine the incredible journey of psychological and physiological changes that a woman travels during pregnancy and childbirth. Human anatomy and physiology (both physical and subtle body) related specifically to considerations during pregnancy.
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Dive into the female reproductive system and the YogaBellies BAP's philosophy, that women must maintain the integrity of the Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor, during pregnancy and beyond.
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Find out how holistic birthing practices, nutrition, and supplementary treatments can benefit your clients during pregnancy and birth
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YogaBellies SLEEP practices (our blend of self-hypnosis, yoga nidra and nada yoga) for pregnancy, that will help relax and destress your clients from conception to birth
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This is a guided deep-dive into living a yoga lifestyle for pregnancy and birth.
Module 5: Mother and Child
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Learn everything you need to know about postpartum anatomy and physiology. What is mum going through at every stage of the fourth trimester and beyond emotionally, physically and spiritually.
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Use the YogaBellies Sadhana of Sense Breath Move Sleep Circle to work with postpartum mum - with and without baby.
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Principles of postnatal recovery (core-realignment, pelvic joint stabilization and decompression of the spine, by means of gentle isotonic stretches using deep abdominal breathing and some bandhas)
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Progression of Asanas after childbirth. Simple teaching points ensure safe transition from yoga class to home practice, applicable to both experienced yogini and women new to yoga.
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Postnatal relaxation with baby and without baby: integration of the birth experience; postnatal self-nurturing practices; principles of integrative relaxation and self-referral for calming self and baby
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Postnatal yoga to address common complaints (weak pelvic floor, instability of pelvic joints, lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, split abdominal muscles
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Explore the powerful journey into motherhood and the psychological and physiological changes that a woman goes through after childbirth.
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Understand the critical stages of post-natal recovery and the key health themes of the fourth trimester. Identify key risk factors to look out for in class; what changes mum should expect and what adjustments we can make to benefit mother become comfortable in her new post-partum body.
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Learn about the importance of healthy BAPs (back, abs and pelvic floor) in the postnatal period and how to begin safely working with these key areas for full recovery. Learn about core activation and working with Diastasis Recti.
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Learn the yogabellies SLEEP practices (our blend of self-hypnosis, yoga nidra and nada yoga) beneficial for mum AND baby, to allow the deepest levels of relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Explore YogaBellies baby yoga postures for infants and toddlers to incorporate into your class: Why they are beneficial and how they can assist their growth, development and overall health.
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Become a qualified YogaBellies NURTURE/Baby Massage Instructor , looking at how baby massage benefits both mum and baby and how to teach a class
Module 6. Soulful Entrepreneur
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Embrace a positive money mindset and become comfortable with charging what you are worth
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Craft your personal vision for life, your mission statement and create a clear business plan
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How to create your soulful brand identity and how to get your message to the right people
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Identify 'your tribe,' uncover why they love you and differentiate your teaching to make an impact
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How to create your 'Signature Offer' and a bespoke range of classes, services or products around that
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Implement the Basic Funnel of Know. Like. Trust.
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How I create kick-ass Lead Magnets to build my email list.
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My business tool Rolodex: My best practices, apps, tools, and project management systems
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Discover how to be your best self on social media: be authentic, knowledgeable and effective
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Create an actionable plan for your yoga business, eliminate overwhelm and make things happen
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How to create an online 'funnel' to promte and sell your offerings, from classes to products. Create a lead magnet, tripwire and core offering. Cheryl will take you step-by-step how to earn money from your yoga business while you sleep!
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Align your business with your core values and cement your place as an expert in your field
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Learn everything else you ever need to know about a successful yoga business in these 121 sessions
Need Additional Support Setting Up Your Yoga Business?
The YogaBellies Business Package and Teaching Licence could be right for you(optional)
Whether you’re a brand-new yoga teacher or you’ve been teaching for years, you can also choose to become part of the YogaBellies family when you sign up for EMPOWER.
Established for 15 years as one of the world's leading yoga collectives for women, multiple yoga and business award winner, Cheryl will support you on your yoga business journey.
This package gives you an immediate head start with your women’s yoga business by providing you with a 16 year established womens yoga qualification as backing for your yoga business and classes.
You can describe your women's yoga classes as 'YogaBellies approved.'
How Does EMPOWER Training Work?
Having had some pretty deplorable 'online' training experiences myself, I wanted to make sure that EMPOWER provided as much as an in-person training BUT with the added benefits of having up to 9 months access to the resources and access them in your own time.
How is the EMPOWER Training Delivered?
The Empower Plan
At the beginning of your training, we help you identify what you really want from your life - personally and professionally - and we use this as a guiding tool to make sure you get exactly what you need from the training.
Pre-Recorded Live and Interactive Sessions
EMPOWER includes reordings of live yoga teacher training and guest expert sessions (including Cardiologists, Weight Management Specialists, Physiotherapists and Female Sexuality Coaches)
The great news? All of the sessions are recorded so even if you can't make a live, you can watch it later.
Handbooks and Class plans
In addition to this, you have access to complete handbooks for each module; a full YogaBellies Asana Manual; adaptions for each female life stage and condition and more. You'll also be provided with pre-written YogaBellies class plans if you chose to become a licensed teacher.
Online Learning
We provide over 30 hours of pre-recorded live YogaBellies class videos for your review and learning; 60 hours of lecture and asana break down videos, all of which you have lifetime access to and can watch at a time to suit. We even give you my hormone-balancing recipe book and meal plans for you to use personally throughout your EMPOWER journey!
Assignments and Assessment
If you wish to gain the 300-Hour Qualification, there are various criteria that need to be met including practice teaching: Yoga teaching video submissions; online exams for each module; keeping a yoga practice and menstrual/moon cycle log; a reading list to complete and actively working on your personal EMPOWER plan.
Wrap Up and Your Personal Business and Life Plan
In the final month of your training, you will be putting together your personal business and life plan. We will look back at your objectives and find out where we are now and how we take our personal wellness and yoga business forward after training.
EMPOWER Course Curriculum
View the contents of each module below
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Welcome! START HERE
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How to Master the EMPOWER Journey: Where Everything Is and How It Works
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An Overview of Your Attendance and Assignments
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Reading and Teaching Kit Lists
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Track Your Unique Journey
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Your EMPOWER Plan
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Empower Live Classes Video Vault
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Welcome!
FREE PREVIEW -
Module 1 Handbook
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The YogaBellies Sadhana
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An Overview of the Koshas
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SENSE: Yogaroma
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SENSE: Nada Yoga and Sacred Sound
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BREATHE: The Sadhana
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BREATHE: The Respiratory Diaphragm
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MOVE: The Sadhana
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MOVE: YogaBellies Asana Manual
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MOVE: Asana Categories
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MOVE: Cheryl's Overview of the 29 Asana
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MOVE: The 29 YogaBellies Asana Individual Instructional Videos
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SLEEP: The Sadhana
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Session Replay Video: Luna Class with SYT Siobhan
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Assessment Module 1
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Assignment: Module 1 Feedback Form
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OMWork Further Study and Reflection
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Welcome!
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Vikalpas and Releasing Your Limiting Beliefs
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Yoga for Dosha Balancing
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Workbook: Vikalpas, Your Limiting Beliefs and Tapping Into Your Divine Purpose
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Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle
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Living Your Yoga: An Introduction to Ayurveda and Doshas
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OMWork Further Study and Reflection
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Welcome!
FREE PREVIEW -
Module 2 Seasons and Cycles Handbook
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HERStory and The Triple Goddess
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Quiz: Which Goddess Archetype Do You Embody?
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Webinar Replay: Why The Right Yoga Practice Has Extra Benefits for Women
FREE PREVIEW -
Is Your Menstrual Cycle Normal? Quiz
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Menstrual Physiology
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Female Monthly Cycles and The Moon
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The Menstrual Cycle: An overview of the physical, spiritual and archetypal meanings of your cycle
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Syncing Your Menstrual Cycle with The Lunar Cycle
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Charting the Eleven Moon Centres
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Yoga Throughout the Stages of the Menstrual Cycle: Walk through of the Asana
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Asana Modifications and Recommendations Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
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Adapting Your Yoga Practice Throughout the Month: Additional Pointers
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Yoga and Self-Care During Menstruation
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Quick Reference: Modifications for The Menstrual Cycle
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YogaBellies Seed Cycling Cheat Sheet
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Yin & Yang
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An Introduction to Seasonal Yoga
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Seasonal Yoga
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The Wheel of the Year
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Solstices
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Adapting Your Yoga Practice By The Wheel of The Year
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What Is Luna by YogaBellies?
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Watch Live YogaBellies LUNA Classes in Action
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Recap with Cheryl: Seasons and Cycles
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OMwork, further reflection and study
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Assessment Module 2
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Assignment: Video Submission
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Assignment: Feedback on Seasons and Cycles
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Assignment: Submit Review of The Yoga Life Journal
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Welcome!
FREE PREVIEW -
Module 3 Handbook
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The Power of Menopause
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Is This Menopause?
FREE PREVIEW -
What Are Hormones and How Yoga Can Help to Balance Them
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Yoga Practices to Stimulate the Endocrine System and Impact Hormones
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Are You Suffering From (Peri) Menopause Symptoms?
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Is Hormone Testing Necessary? (video)
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YogaBellies Guide to Hormone Testing - Everything you need to know in a Handbook
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Why Yoga Is So Incredible As Women Age
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The Stages of Menopause and What Happens
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The YogaBellies Sadhana for The Stages of Menopause
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MOVE: Therapeutic Asana and Modifications for Menopause with Ellie
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Reference Table: Yoga for Menopause Asana Modifications and Recommendations
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Common Female Conditions
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Female Anatomy and Pysiology
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All About the BAPs (Back, Abs and Pelvic Floor)
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The Core and Back
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The Respiratory Diaphragm
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Vaginal Atrophy
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Embracing a Hormone Healthy Lifestyle: Endocrine Disruptors and Eating for Hormonal Health
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Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Menopause
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Aromatherapy for Menopause
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GUEST SPEAKER REPLAY: DR MIKE MACDONALD: A Cardiologist Guide to Longevity and Wellness in Women
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Watch LIVE CorePlay Classes in Action
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CorePlay Class Run-through with SYT Ellie
FREE PREVIEW -
Recap with Cheryl: Menopause
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Assessment Module 3
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Assignment: Video Submission
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Assignment: What Did You Think of Module 3 Embracing the Crone?
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OMWork and Further Reflections
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Welcome!
FREE PREVIEW -
Module 4 Handbook
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The Female Reproductive System
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Overview of The Trimesters of Pregnancy
FREE PREVIEW -
Contraindictions for Exercise in Pregnancy
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Pre-existing Health Conditions and Pregnancy
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An Introduction to Yoga and Pregnancy
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SENSE in Pregnancy
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BREATHE: Pranayama for Pregnancy and Birth
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BREATHE: YogaBellies Breathing Practices for Pregnancy and Birth (videos)
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MOVE: Practice Considerations Through The Trimesters of Pregnancy
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MOVE: Adapting Yoga for Pregnancy: Discussion and Class Runthrough
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MOVE: Adapting Your Yoga Practice During Pregnancy
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MOVE: Therapeutic Asana and Modifications for Pregnancy
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MOVE: YogaBellies for Pregnancy DVD Sequence Breakdown
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MOVE: Asanas for Pregnancy Modifications: Quick Reference Guide
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MOVE: Checking for Diastasis Recti (video)
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MOVE: YogaBellies for the Pelvic Floor
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MOVE: YogaBellies Pregnancy Yoga Sequences Quick Reference
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SLEEP: Deep Relaxation in Pregnancy
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Holistic Remedies for Common Pregnancy Complaints
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BIRTH: YogaBellies Guide to Birth Preparation
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BIRTH: Preparing for Birth (video)
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BIRTH: Alternative Wellness Trends in Pregnancy and Birthing
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Recap with Cheryl: Pregnancy and Birth
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Watch YogaBellies for Pregnancy Live Class Videos
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Assessment Module 4
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Assignment: Video Submission
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Assignment: Review Module 4 Birthing the Mother
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Assignment: Submit Reviews of YogaBellies for Pregnancy and Birth ROCKS Books
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OMWork and Further Reflections
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About this course
- 205 lessons
Regular Price
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Access to ALL Course Content Immediately
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FREE Yoga Teaching Foundations Course
£1997
Pay Over 6 Months
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Access Module 1 Immediately on Sign Up
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Access Module Content Monthly Over 6 Months
£333 per month x 6
FAQ
Got More Questions? We Have Answers
Where will the training take place?
The training will run over 6 months with the next live training kicking off as soon as you're ready. Upon sign-up, you will get immediate access to all of the course materials and recorded sessions - just carry on at your own pace.
I understand that life happens so I've made this programme as flexible as possible for busy women. You can begin and complete the course as soon as you like as everything you need is already there.
The programme has a blend of pre-recorded lectures and practice classes, recorded seminars and classes, reading materials and handbooks and audio. All sessions are also recorded and professionally edited into bite-size chunks, so that you can take part in the training wherever you are in the world, at a time to suit you. You will also 9 months access so you can refer back to the training whenever you like.
Can I still join the mini-courses?
Yes! You can choose to join the individual course programmes in an area of specific interest, for example, menopause or pregnancy. These are specialist women's yoga and wellness courses and accredited by Yoga Alliance International for a 50-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Qualification.
You will receive a downloadable certificate from YogaBellies on completion of each course and these can also be counted as credits towards with 300-Hour EMPOWER YTT within 9 months. If you require a paper certificate you can request this from Yoga Alliance International.
How do the 50-hour courses work?
You can join the live sessions with the other EMPOWER students or you can choose to watch the recordings later and work through the course at your own pace. Again, you can start these at any time and have unlimited access. The full 50-hour courses are also available online to study in your own time, at any point in the year. To gain accreditation, you must complete the online assessment for the course, but this is optional if you wish to join the programme for personal development.
Can I teach yoga once I've completed a 50-hour course?
There is no legal standard for teaching yoga however, the generally accepted minimum standard is at least a minimum of 200 hours of yoga teacher training. Many of our students undertake our individual courses for personal development (for example, if they are pregnant or going through menopause) or add to working with clients in another area e.g. pilates or physiotherapy work. Whether you are ready to teach yoga is a personal decision you must make, based on your experience and confidence in the subject matter.
Do I have to be a yoga teacher or already have a 200 HR certification to take this training?
No, absolutely not! Many of our EMPOWER students don't and never intend to teach yoga! You do NOT need a 200-hour yoga teacher training as a prerequisite before you do EMPOWER™. If you don't hold an existing qualification, we do recommend some additional reading, prep work and practice for you. We also offer a Yoga Teacher Training Foundations course for non-yoga teachers if you want to go on to teach. This gives you a great basis in all of the core fundamental yogic concepts. Our 300-hour EMPOWER training is designed to be accessible for all levels and if you haven't done a yoga teaching qualification previously, you will be provided with an additional reading list and advice and support on what to brush up on.
What is a 300-hour Teacher Training?
Yogis, teachers, women and wellness professionals who are serious about yoga (and want to deepen their knowledge and practice!) can join EMPOWER. Unlike most other 300HR training, which only covers yoga or yoga philosophy, our EMPOWER™ 300HR programme is different.
We include in-depth training to help you understand the female body, mind and soul and our journey through the feminine life cycle, using yoga and personal empowerment as our guiding tool. Think of EMPOWER as a Master's degree in Feminine Yoga and Wellness: You will become an expert in all things woman and yoga. You will LIVE and embody the practices as you learn them so that everything you share with other women, you will have used yourself. The purpose of EMPOWER™ is to help YOU live your best life and to enable other women to do this too - this as much a personal empowerment programme as a yoga teacher training. This helps differentiate your yoga teaching expertise, add more value and ultimately make more money. Plus, Cheryl mentors an entire module focused on helping you learn to grow your yoga or wellness business, having done it first hand herself.
What's the difference between the 200-hour and 300-Hour EMPOWER teacher training?
This is a question I get asked a lot! Traditionally, a 200-hour YTT qualification is the base required qualification to teach hatha yoga and you would probably only do this if you want to teach standard yoga classes. I created EMPOWER and chose to make it a 300-hr qualification because there is just so much included! A basic 200-hour course covers hatha yoga basics. EMPOWER provides yoga teaching basics PLUS personal empowerment work, specialism in the menstrual cycle, hormones, living in season, pregnancy, post-partum, baby yoga and massage and menopause AND yoga business skills! So although we used to offer a 200-hour as our base yoga teacher training qualification, 300-hours really gives us the time and space to cover so much more.
I always think the best way to describe this is to think of a 200-hour qualification as a Bachelors' Degree (basic) and to think of the 300 hours as a Master's Degree (specialist.) You can jump right in there with EMPOWER, you'll just need to fill in the basic blanks, which we will help you to do.
Who should take the 300-hour EMPOWER training?
- You're ready to cut the bullshit and work on yourself. We'll deep dive into what's been holding you back, where you want to be in life and how to get there
- You want to explore deeply, each area of women's yoga or have a specialist interest in one area
- Existing Yoga teachers who want to specialize in teaching yoga for women
- Midwives, teachers, chiropractors, doulas, hypnobirthing, massage therapists, personal trainers and placenta encapsulators who wish to incorporate yoga practices for women into their work, without necessarily teaching yoga classes
Will I receive a certificate upon completing this training?
Yes! You will be eligible for triple accreditation: Certified YogaBellies Teacher EMPOWER 300_Hours; Yoga Alliance International 300-hour certificate and approved by the World Yoga Federation.
If you join the individual modules, the specialist women's yoga mini-courses are accredited by Yoga Alliance International for a 50-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Qualification and accepted as CPD if you are an existing YogaBellies Teacher.
You will receive a certificate on completion of each mini-course and these can also be counted as credits towards with 300-Hour EMPOWER YTT within 3 years.
Can I take this course if I live in a different time zone? What if I have a full-time job?
Yes! One of the main benefits of online yoga certification and training is that anyone can make it work under their own circumstances - we have students taking part from the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Australia, Dubai and Singapore already!
Will I have one-on-one access to Cheryl?
No this is a fully pre-recorded programme. There will also be expert guest speakers including Medics, Physiotherapists and Female Sexuality Coaches.
Is online training effective?
Yes! Check out some of our amazing testimonials above! I love online training and I believe it’s a wonderfully accessible way to earn your Yoga Alliance International 300-hour Certification. It is profound how much transmission can come through online.
We use a combination of pre-recorded training for a genuine one-of-a-kind, immersive experience. Plus, unlike in-person training, online training also offers you the unique opportunity to revisit any sessions you like at any time you like!
Finally, online learning allows you to earn your 300HR certification at a fraction of the cost of in-person training — there’s no overhead for your meals, travel, and accommodations and we are able to offer the same curriculum at a fraction of the cost.
How much does the EMPOWER™ programme cost?
The full programme price is then GBP1997. The price includes 9 months access to all online course materials.
Can I sign up for individual modules?
Yes! Installments are not available for modules.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes! You can pay for the full 300-hour programme over 6 installments, with the first installment due on signup or over 6 months .
Is YogaBellies a franchise?
No, we no longer offer a franchise model. YogaBellies now offers stand-alone yoga teacher training for all women and practitioners, with no obligatory fees, restrictions, or ongoing commitments.
Can I start teaching YogaBellies branded classes and be listed on their website?
No, we no longer offer a liensing option.