This 25-hour training is designed for yoga teachers, graduates, current trainees, and is also open to non-yoga teachers. As the population ages, the need continues to grow for teachers who can offer safe, accessible, and enjoyable yoga experiences for older adults.

Yoga for Seniors Teacher Training

Created for teachers who want to deepen their skills and broaden their understanding, this course focuses on how yoga can support older adults to remain mobile, confident, and positive as they age. You will explore how to adapt practices to suit the changing needs of seniors while helping them build a sustainable and rewarding practice.

The training is delivered through an experiential approach, with practical sessions that allow you to try techniques first-hand. These are supported by theory-based workshops that draw on recent research and offer insight into the physical and mental challenges commonly faced by seniors.

This course will be facilitated by Byron Yoga Centre Senior Teachers, led by Bec Isaacs and Marita Dortins.

Course Content

Principles of anatomy and physiology relevant to older populations
Common physical and mental health concerns in older adults
How to adapt postures and use props for safety and accessibility
Effective sequencing for a range of class outcomes
Ways to adapt your teaching style for seniors
Injury prevention strategies and appropriate adjustments
Communication techniques to support a fulfilling practice
Pranayama and meditation for seniors
How yoga philosophy can be integrated into older adults’ lives
Time to relax by the pool and enjoy the retreat centre

Training Inclusions

Shared accommodation in a quad-share cabin, with ensuite and/or private rooms available at additional cost, subject to availability
All meals included: 3 meals per day featuring light, delicious sattvic vegetarian cuisine
Herbal teas and fruit available throughout the day, with sweet treats and cold drinks available for purchase
Daily in-person training and instruction in varied styles, plus philosophy talks
Teacher training manual
Twice-daily yoga, morning and afternoon
Evening sessions
Use of the mineral salt swimming pool

Certificate of Attainment

On completion, you will receive a certificate of completion. This training counts as 25 hours toward Byron Yoga Centre’s 300-hour Teacher Training Program.

It may also be used as CPD (Continuous Professional Development) for Yoga Alliance (YACEP) and Yoga Australia requirements.

Sample Program

Across the 25 hours, you will take part in yoga classes, theory sessions, practical teaching opportunities, and time for rest and reflection.

Day 1:

2:00pm - Arrive and settle in to your accommodation
3:00pm - Welcome Circle
4:00pm - Restorative yoga class
6:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Meditation/Pranayama

Day 2-3:

6:45am - Asana Flow Class
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Theory session eg Effects of aging
10:30am - Break
11:00am - Practical session eg Asana adaptations
12:30pm - Lunch
2:00pm - Practical workshop eg Chairs and props
4:00pm - Chair yoga class
6:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Meditation/ Teaching practice

Day 4:

6:30am - Asana class
8:00am - Breakfast, check out of rooms
9:00am - Theory session eg Sequencing
11:00am - Closing circle
12:30pm - Lunch

* Daily program may vary slightly

Course Venue

This fully residential training takes place at the Byron Yoga Retreat Centre in Byron Bay.

Accommodation

At Byron Yoga Centre, accommodation is considered an important part of the overall wellness experience. Options are simple, comfortable, and suited to different preferences and budgets.

Choose from a quad-share cabin, a twin room with shared bathroom, or a private ensuite room with verandah, and enjoy a peaceful space to rest and recharge between sessions.

Vegetarian Menu

The centre’s 3 acres of organic gardens supply much of the food served on the vegetarian menu. Meals are carefully prepared to be balanced, cleansing, and nourishing.

In keeping with the SLOW approach, produce is sourced from the gardens whenever possible, alongside local, organic, seasonal ingredients. The result is fresh, flavourful food designed to support the body with maximum nutrients.

Commitment to Sustainability

For more than three decades, Byron Yoga Centre, led by John Ogilvie, has integrated sustainability into its core values. The centre recognises the connection between personal wellbeing, planetary health, and community vitality. Its practices include solar power, rainwater harvesting, eco-friendly toilets, recycling initiatives, composting, and community outreach.

About Byron Yoga Teacher Trainings

Byron Yoga Centre is one of Australia’s longest-established yoga teacher training centres, with over 30 years of experience in accredited training across both the practice and philosophy of yoga.

The centre’s 50- and 25-hour Specialty Trainings can be taken as stand-alone courses or applied toward 200- or 300-hour certificates. They are especially well suited to Level 2 300-hour study. To count toward Level 1 or Level 2, the modular course must be completed after the residential intensive, not before. These hours may also be used for annual professional development requirements with Yoga Alliance and other professional bodies.

11351NAT Certificate IV in Yoga Teacher Training

11351NAT Certificate IV in Yoga Teacher Training is accredited as an ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) nationally recognised course.

To maintain this high standard of training, Byron Yoga Centre operates as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Australia, with nationally recognised trainers and assessors.

Testimonials:

The course really increased my knowledge and confidence to teach a class that is inclusive of a wide range of abilities that provides safety and challenge for all.

Julie C.

For any teachers interested in expanding their yoga knowledge directed at guiding and facilitating seniors this course offers.

Maggie

Chair yoga for seniors class