I'm hosting the hybrid version of my popular retreat, Thai Yoga Stretching for Yoga Teachers and Fitness Professionals.  Study online with a 50-minute Zoom exam session for certification worth 16 continuing education credits with the Yoga Alliance (for Registered Yoga Teachers). For the popular 2-day hands-on in-person retreat, see the in-person retreat listing. The choices are yours. Just select the Zoom add-ons if you want more interactive training. 

Hi, I'm Debra Stefan, ERYT-500, an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with the highest distinction granted by the Yoga Alliance.  As a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider YACEP, I will verify your 16-hour credential and provide an authorized certificate.

A 16-Hour Continuing Education Course (YACEP-Eligible)

Course Description:

This 16-hour Self-study course is designed to teach yoga teachers and fitness professionals the art of Thai Yoga Stretching—a dynamic bodywork system combining assisted stretching, acupressure, and breathwork. Participants will learn to safely guide clients through twelve passive yoga postures using leverage, body mechanics, and intuitive movement techniques. This course enhances skills in hands-on assistance, mobility work, and therapeutic stretching applications.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the foundational principles of Thai Yoga Stretching, including its roots and applications for yoga and fitness.

• Learn proper body mechanics and leverage techniques to assist clients safely.

• Develop skills in passive stretching, compression, and joint mobilization techniques.

• Gain confidence in offering one-on-one assisted stretching sessions as a yoga teacher or fitness professional.

• Learn how to integrate Thai Yoga Stretching into private sessions, group classes, or recovery programs.

Educational Categories (Yoga Alliance CEU):

This course qualifies under the following Yoga Alliance Continuing Education categories:
✔ Techniques, Training, and Practice
✔ Anatomy and Physiology
✔ Teaching Methodology (applied to teaching settings)

Who Should Take This Course?

Yoga teachers seeking hands-on assisting skills and CEU credits.

• Fitness trainers looking to expand their mobility and recovery techniques.

• Bodyworkers, coaches, and movement professionals wanting to enhance client flexibility and exercise recovery.

CEU Hours Allocation:

Total Hours: 16

• Techniques, Training & Practice: 10 Hours

• Anatomy & Physiology: 4  Hours

• Teaching Methodology: 2 Hours  

If you want to immerse yourself in a wellness course to hone your best teaching skills, complete the booking. We will meet on Zoom for your final exam before you receive the Yoga Alliance Continuing Education 16-credit hours. 

TALK TO DEBRA
Debra Stefan is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) with the ERYT-500 certification and over 15,000 teaching hours. With over 55 years of practice, she studied for two years in residence while teaching at the Integral Yoga Institute of Los Angeles. Upon relocating to Las Vegas, she started the first yoga programs in the area. Evolving with the fitness industry, she has hosted countless retreats at her Live-in Vegas Fitness Retreat Residence since 2008.  In addition to yoga, she offers private and semi-private sessions in golf biomechanics, bicycle education, and powerlifting.  This online course includes a one-on-one Zoom session, which you can schedule online. 

(VIDEO) Demo of Thai yoga stretch mobility assistance practiced by fitness professionals to improve the mobility of their clients. 

 (VIDEO) SUPINE POSITION - CLIENT LAYS ON BACK

LEG SHAKING

Begin by gently shaking the legs up and down, giving the client a feeling of trust with your handling. Then, continue into leg swinging to increase circulation and joint mobility. 

Follow fluidly with figure 8s in both directions. As a Thai practitioner, your body movements become a well-choreographed rhythmic dance. 

SINGLE-LEG AND FOOT

Release one leg to focus on each foot, ankle flexing and rotating. 

Cupping your hand under the client's heel supports the manipulations for feet and ankles.

This short warm-up sets the mood for the client to trust the practitioner and feel comfortable and confident from the first practice. There are no sudden movements, just easy transitions from one move to another. 

TRACTION PULL

Maintain contact with the client's body for energy continuity as you progress from one movement to the next. 

Finish with leg traction. And that's it! We're ready to begin the movements now.  

RPI Rate of Perceived Intensity Explained 

FEEDBACK AND INTENSITY

Encourage client feedback and explain the RPI Rate of Perceived Intensity, with a goal not exceeding eight on a scale of ten. Ten must never be done. This is based on the client’s preference and sensitivity. As a Thai practitioner, you will quickly sense the desired tension for each movement. Check-in with the client during each new posture. 

ARM POSITIONS

Inversion lifts are stabilized with the client’s arms close to the sides. 

Rotations require the client's arms to be stretched out in a T-formation. 

REPETITIONS

Movements are best done with three repetitions for full benefit. 

Point out the range of motion difference from one side to another. 

(VIDEO) CLIENT EXPERIENCE

UPON BOOKING THIS COURSE YOU WILL RECEIVE ACCESS TO THE 18-MINUTE VIDEO 

Corresponding Yoga Warm-Up Sequence for Thai Stretches

The student may use a stretching strap while on their back, doing repetitions for the hamstring and lower back. Otherwise, they may simply raise and lower one leg at a time, preparing for the practitioner to assist.

While waiting for individual Thai Stretching assistance, students will maintain a flow of yoga sequences  that complement the targeted muscle groups

• Rotational partner work ensures seamless movement without downtime
• Group-led sequences, including spinal twists, backbends, and restorative postures

Wheelbarrow Variations

Kneeling Cobra Setup – Acupressure Gluteal Hamstring

Cobra Raising- Coaching the breath

 Side-lying half Bow with foot bracing done on both sides for upper and lower body benefits. 

SEATED THAI YOGA-ASSISTED POSTURES INCLUDE:

Seated Lateral Stretch Arm Lever

Seated Butterfly

Seated Forward Bend

After completing your Thai Yoga Course and practice, schedule your Zoom exam with Debra. You will receive a certification for 16 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education.