What is YogaBellies Teaching Foundations?

If you've ever felt the pull of the mat, the allure of the breath, or the dance of energies within, this is where your journey begins. We've crafted a special 50-hour immersion that’s not just for the seasoned yogi, but for every woman who feels the call.

This 50-hour fully online course will help you understand the basics of hatha yoga philosophy, teaching and practice - for women and men!  Dive into yoga history and principles and learn techniques and practices to boost your personal yoga practice and prepare you for teaching others.


An Introduction to Teaching Hatha Yoga

 Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or someone who can't tell their asanas from their pranayama (yet!), this foundational course is your gateway. Tailored specifically for those who might not have thought of themselves as "yoga teachers," we're here to show you that the essence of teaching comes from the heart, not just the history books.

So, whether you're dreaming of guiding others or deepening your own connection, step into the embrace of YogaBellies Teaching Foundations course. Together, let's discover the boundless beauty of yoga, blending timeless tradition with the pulse of today.

Flexible To Suit Your Life

You get immediate lifetime access (3 years) to all of the course materials and can complete in your own time. You will also get a 10% discount if you decide to upgrade to purchase our EMPOWER programme or one of our other teacher training courses within a year.

Who Is This For?

  • Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training

    Perfect for those who are thinking about becoming a yoga teacher or those who wish to undertake EMPOWER teacher training who don't currently teach yoga

  • Refresh The Basics

    For yoga teachers who want to refresh the basic yoga teaching principles or bridge their knowledge gap before beginning 300-hour training

  • Deepen Your Yoga Knowledge

    Perfect for dedicated students who wish to deepen their knowledge of all things yoga outside of the classroom or to prepare for beginning a 200-hour yoga teacher course

What The Teaching Foundations Course Covers:

Ease of Access:

Embark on your transformative journey with the user-friendly YogaBellies App. It's designed to offer you a seamless experience, ensuring that you can navigate effortlessly through the rich tapestry of knowledge we’ve woven together for you.

Laying the Groundwork:

This section provides the context and handy study tips to optimise your learning experience. Here, we delve into the delicate balance of practice versus knowledge, ensuring you gain both the soul and essence of yoga.

Roots & Philosophy:

Journey into the heart of yoga, understanding its rich history and roots. From exploring the 8 Limbs and branches of yoga to delving into the layers of the mind (Kohsas), this is where the timeless wisdom unfolds. Plus, grasp the poetic language of yoga with an introduction to Sanskrit.

Body Wisdom:

Your body is the temple of your soul, and this segment dives deep into yoga-tailored anatomy & physiology. Alongside, we offer interactive study tools such as a comprehensive anatomy handbook and a fun colouring book, ensuring you grasp the core concepts in a tangible way.

Safety First:

As a potential guiding light for many, you'll learn to prioritise student safety and autonomy in your classes. This segment empowers you with the knowledge to navigate the realm of common injuries & conditions, ensuring every practice is a safe haven.

Art of Teaching:

Embrace the essence of teaching, right from understanding yoga ethics to the art of "holding space" for your students. You’ll master the nuances of teaching diverse groups, be it eager beginners or a mix of seasoned yogis, and learn to craft a sacred and safe yoga environment.

Yoga Techniques & Tools:

Deepen your practice with the treasures of yoga – Drishti, Mudras, and Bandhas. This segment offers an intricate dive into asanas, spanning from understanding individual postures to their myriad benefits. Plus, breathe in tranquillity with lessons on pranayama, mindfulness, and meditation.

Self-Assessment & Growth:

The path of learning is paved with self-awareness. Our interactive workbook is designed for a reflective self-assessment, helping you gauge your growth. And, for moments of doubt, our detailed answer pack ensures clarity.

Resources & References:

Every yogi needs their toolkit. We provide you with quick cheat sheets on essential yoga vocab, from the roots of asanas to the intricacies of anatomy. And as a cherry on top, embark on your Sanskrit journey with foundational words, adding depth to your practice.

Final Assessment & Beyond:

Your journey doesn’t end here. Check out our extended 300-hour EMPOWER syllabus for those looking to dive even deeper - you are eligible to dive right into this on completion of Teaching Foundations. Explore opportunities to shine as a YogaBellies Ambassador and immerse in practical assignments. And, as a token of your dedication and growth, claim your well-deserved certificate.

What Students Have Said About YogaBellies Teaching Foundations Training 50-Hours

5 star rating

Incredibly useful foundation

Briony Cobb

This was such a complete foundation course. So detailed and well thought out. I particularly like the cheat sheets for the Sanskrit which I was most nervous ...

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This was such a complete foundation course. So detailed and well thought out. I particularly like the cheat sheets for the Sanskrit which I was most nervous about. There was so much more content than I expected.

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5 star rating

Very informative

Victoria Morton

This course was bitesize information, yet very informative. I love how it was broken down into sections, which was helpful to understand and follow.

This course was bitesize information, yet very informative. I love how it was broken down into sections, which was helpful to understand and follow.

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5 star rating

Yogabellies Teaching Foundations

Bridget Orbell

The foundations course is a great introduction to Hatha yoga and a great accompaniment to the Yogabellies Empower course. The curriculum is nothing short ...

Read More

The foundations course is a great introduction to Hatha yoga and a great accompaniment to the Yogabellies Empower course. The curriculum is nothing short of comprehensive. It covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, asanas, pranayama, teaching arts (safe spaces, teacher beginnings), the philosophy of yoga and a self-assessment workbook (very comprehensive). Each module is meticulously designed to build a strong foundation in both theory and practice. The course materials provided were well-structured and easy to comprehend. The comprehensive manual, videos, and supplementary resources were instrumental in reinforcing concepts. The access to an extensive library of resources even after completion of the course is a valuable asset.

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Your Host and Yoga Master

YogaBellies Founder, Master Yoga Teacher Cheryl MacDonald

I am a Yoga Master and founder of YogaBellies® and the Birth ROCKS Method. Over the past 20 years, I’ve trained in more female-centric holistic modalities than you could shake a big stick at including yoga; tantra; hypnosis; somatic movement; naturopathy; massage; meditation and so much more. I love introducing women (ALL women) to yoga and showing them the difference that yoga can REALLY make to your life – on and off the yoga mat. YogaBellies is a whole-life approach to wellness for women: Yoga practices, breathing techniques, mindfulness, shadow work, self-improvement and nutrition. Helping women to love themselves and live their best life is my soul purpose.

Why the YogaBellies Teaching Foundations Course is a Must-Attend

Stepping Stone to a Soulful Journey

So, you've felt the allure of the mat, the symphony in every breath, and the dance of energies within, but you're teetering on the edge, unsure of the next step? That’s where our Yoga Teaching Foundations Course comes into play.


Mastering the Basics of Yoga Philosophy & Practice:

Dive deep into the core of yoga. With YogaBellies, you’re not just learning poses; you're imbibing the very essence of yoga. Unravel the rich tapestry of yoga philosophy that's been interwoven over millennia. Grasp the foundational practices that have transformed lives and inspired souls.

Learn Robust Teaching Principles & Guidelines:

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a newbie, there's an art to teaching. And guess what? It’s more than just knowing your asanas. With our course, you'll master the nuances of guiding a class, holding space, and ensuring every yogi feels seen, heard, and cherished. We ensure you’re equipped with robust teaching principles that are not just effective but also compassionate.

A Taster for the Uncertain:

If you're at that crossroad, wondering if teaching yoga is your path, this course serves as a delightful taster. Experience the world of yoga teaching without the full plunge. It’s like dipping your toes into a serene river, testing the waters, feeling the flow, and then deciding if you want to dive deep.

In Essence...

The YogaBellies Teaching Foundations Course isn’t just another training programme; it's a transformative journey. It's about aligning with your passion, understanding the depth of yoga, and determining if this path resonates with your soul.


So, whether you're aiming to deepen your own practice, or contemplating the enriching path of guiding others, this foundational course is your guiding star. And remember, with YogaBellies, you're never alone on this journey. We’re here, cheering you on, every step of the way.

Full Course Curriculum

    1. Welcome to the YogaBellies Teaching Foundations Course

    2. Yoga Teaching Foundations Intentions

    3. How It Works and Where To Find Things

    4. Using the YogaBellies App To Access Your Course

    1. Practice vs. Knowledge

    1. Roots of Yoga

    2. An Introduction to Yoga Philosophy

    3. Branches of Yoga

    4. Branches of Yoga Slideshow

    5. The 8 Limbs of Yoga

    6. Sanskrit Introduction

    7. The Subtle Body

    8. Introduction to The Chakras

    9. The Kohsas (Layers of the Mind)

    1. Tips for Studying & Teaching Anatomy

    2. YogaBellies Anatomy & Physiology Handbook

    3. Anatomy & Physiology Coloring Book

    1. Student Autonomy & Safety

    2. Injuries & Conditions in Yoga

    1. Teaching Foundations Overview

    2. Teaching Ethics

    3. Creating a Safe Space: Fundamentals

    4. Sacred Space, Ritual & “Holding Space”

    5. Class and Studio Logistics

    6. Defining and Teaching Alignment

    7. Teaching Beginners

    8. Teaching Mixed Level Classes

About this course

  • 48 lessons

Ever wished you could have all your yoga classes, recordings, handbooks, cheat sheets, and live lessons in one place, accessible at the click of a button?

Well, we've made it happen! We're thrilled to introduce our custom YogaBellies app, designed just for you.

 We understand that our teachers are Busy: whether that's with careers or kids or one million other responsibilities and that this could be one of the things holding you back from making the commitment to your teacher training journey. Our new YogaBellies App means that you can say goodbye to rummaging through emails or juggling different platforms. With our app, you can access everything you need for your YogaBellies Teacher Training Course, whenever and wherever you want, right from your phone or any device. It's perfect for busy women and mums like you!

It has lots of custom features to make your life easier. You can submit your assignments directly from the app and complete your exams on the go. No need to switch between apps or devices. Plus, you can stream both live and recorded sessions and classes to your TV. Imagine that - your living room turned into your own personal yoga studio and teacher training classroom!

Staying in the loop is super easy with our app. You'll get all the important announcements, so you never miss out on anything. And the cherry on top? You can chat with Cheryl, and the senior YogaBellies teachers, as well as your fellow classmates, in the app community. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Our YogaBellies app makes learning and connecting effortless, so you can focus on what truly matters - your journey to becoming a wonderful YogaBellies teacher.

So, are you ready to make the most of your YogaBellies journey with our custom app? We can't wait for you to try it out!


Pricing options

Pay in full or over 3 installments.