The art of hands-on assists
Assisting done properly gives your student confidence, encouragement, trust, and invitates the student to explore the movements further. Done poorly, and you might leave the person feeling confused, awkward or even violated.
In this training you’ll gain confidence exploring one of the most important tools you have as a yoga teacher: your hands! Both yoga teachers and yoga students are welcome to explore the art of giving and receiving hands-on assists in the yoga practice.
For who?
This training is open to everyone interested in deepening their understanding of yoga and developing their hands-on assisting skills. You don’t need to be a yoga teacher to participate!
If you are a yoga teacher, the training also qualifies for 20 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education (CE). You’ll receive a certificate issued by Alexander Lemberg, registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider).
Whether you’re teaching yoga or simply looking to deepen your own practice and understanding, you’re warmly welcome!
Topics
– Transmitting confidence to your students through touch.
– Assisting VS adjustment
– When is it appropriate to assist
– How to treat different personalities
– Asking the student for consent
– Using your hands as antennas
– Establishing a breath-connection
– Rooting stability
– Staying present
– Intention of your touch
– Encountering resistance in the students body
– Learning the direction of the asana
– When to leave the student alone
– Can you assist too much?
– How close is too close?
– When to use words instead?
The training
This is a very practical training, where you’ll spend most of your time actually working with hands-on assisting techniques.
Assisting is best learned through experience, which is why 60–70% of the training will be dedicated to hands-on practice, working directly with other participants.
We’ll also make time for discussions about the philosophy and principles behind assisting, and how to apply these skills thoughtfully in your own teaching.
Drawing on his years of practicing and teaching Ashtanga Yoga, Alexander has developed this training for yoga teachers and practitioners from all yoga traditions.
“I believe hands-on assisting, when used with care and understanding, can greatly enrich the experience of students in many different yoga environments.
With more yoga teachers now completing their teacher training online, I think it’s increasingly important to offer in-person training where we can actually work with each other, explore different techniques, and gain real hands-on experience.
But assisting isn’t only about what we can offer the student. It’s also a valuable tool for us as teachers to better understand the person we’re working with – how their body moves, where they hold tension, and what they might need from us.
There are many things you can learn through a simple touch.”
English
This training is taught in English
Venue
We practice in Yoga Shala Espoo in Niittykumpu.
Taivalmäki 9, 02200 Espoo
Schedule
Friday 19.2.2027
09:00 – 12:00 Training
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch (bring your own)
13:00 – 16:40 Training
Saturday 20.2.2027
09:00 – 12:00 Training
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch (bring your own)
13:00 – 16:40 Training
Sunday 21.2.2027
09:00 – 12:00 Training
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch (bring your own)
13:00 – 16:40 Training
Yoga Students Are Saying
“I started practicing yoga online with Alex during Corona when I was forced to work from home.
To me it was very good to have scheduled activity so it was not only work 24/7. The yoga practice helped me to wind down and lift my energy levels.
Now several months later I am more flexible, have more strength and stability.
I highly appreciate that Alex have had energy to arrange his online courses during the pandemic, when I otherwise would not have had an opportunity to join a yoga class ledd with such a high skill of teaching!”
-MATHIAS
“Alex’s Ashtanga classes give me a good boost. He explains the poses clearly and keeps the vibe relaxed.
The workouts are tough enough to feel progress but never too much. I also like how he listens to us, he offers easier or harder versions of each pose and has a safe option if your knees (or anything else) need extra care.
After just over a month of practice, forward bends and vinyasas already feel easier – my hip flexors have loosened up, so everything flows a bit better.”
-KIMMO
I have had huge problems with (probably) stress-related symptoms in my body.
It has put limitations on my normal training routine. I now feel like the symtoms are slowly getting better thanks to the yoga practice.”
-ANONYMOUS CUSTOMER
Meet your teacher
Alexander Lemberg – E-RYT & YACEP certified since 2015
Alex is a Swedish-speaking Finn who found yoga by accident due to various health issues, and then became a certified Hatha yoga teacher in 2014.
During the summer of 2015 Alex went to an Ashtanga Yoga summer camp in Houtskari with Petri Räisänen and Juha Javanainen from Helsingin Astangajoogakoulu, and fell in love with the depths of the ashtanga yoga practice.
Since then Alex has been teaching over 6000 hours of yoga classes with a wide range of people, while managing Yogashala Raseborg in Tammisaari, and has actively been practicing with different world renowned teachers on different workshop, such as Eddie Stern, Kino McGregor, Simon Borg-Olivier, and also online courses with David Garrigues.
“To me it’s important that the practices are taught in a safe, healthy and effective way for each student. As a yoga teacher it is important to understand that all people are different, and to embrace the strengths and differences of each individual.
In my teaching style you will learn to turn your senses inward (pratyāhāra), you will improve your focus and learn to practice to the rhythm of your own breath. The meditation and concentration makes the practice meaningful, and is a gateway to your inner world.
Booking & Cancellation Terms
Your registration is confirmed once payment has been received.
Cancellations and refunds
- Before 1 January 2027: 75% of the participation fee will be refunded.
- 1–31 January 2027: 50% of the participation fee will be refunded.
- From 1 February 2027: No refund will normally be issued.
Illness or unexpected circumstances
If you are unable to attend due to illness, you may request a 75% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate. Other serious, unexpected circumstances will be considered individually.
Transfer of registration
You may transfer your registration to another eligible participant at no additional cost, provided you notify us before the training begins.
Cancellation by the organiser
If the training is cancelled by the organiser, you will receive a full refund of the participation fee.
These terms do not limit any mandatory rights you may have under applicable Finnish law.
Payment methods
Payment methods
- Finnish Internet- / mobile banking
- Electronic Sports benefits: ePassi or Edenred
- Invoice (7 day due date)
If you want to combine different payment methods, then choose “invoice” in the checkout form and send us a note in the order.
Binding registration
All course registrations are binding.