Functional Anatomy – Advanced Study July 8 – 12, 2024

For  Yoga and Other Movement Modalities

A 40-hour in-person training with Bernie Clark
July 8 – 12, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada

This is the second time that Bernie is offering a second level training which goes beyond the basic information about anatomy and physiology offered in his Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings. The focus is on how the body moves and, more importantly, what limits movement, when these limits can be extended and when they should be accepted. This understanding is important not only for yoga students and teachers but anyone who helps people move functionally. The term “functional” is used to contrast this approach to instructions and alignment which focus on “aesthetics,” which is a pre-conceived notion of how people should look rather than what actually works for them.

The Functional Anatomy—Advance Study course will include:

• Understanding the physiological and biomechanical limits to range of motion
• The differences between a functional approach to movement and postures versus an aesthetic approach
• The difference between flexibility and mobility
• When hypermobility is okay and when is it not
• A deep look at the major joints, how they work and where/when compression may arise
• Special focus on the hips, lumbar spine and shoulders
• The importance of human variation and investigating the unique limits to everyone’s range of motion
• Exploring your own uniqueness and what it means for your range of motion
• Understanding the variations and effects of proportion and asymmetry
• De-bunking many traditional ideas of how people should look in yoga asanas or while moving their body
• A certificate of completion

Required texts

The required texts for this course are from a trilogy of books by Bernie Clark:

• Your Body, Your Yoga
• Your Spine, Your Yoga
• Your Upper Body, Your Yoga

You will be expected to do five hours (one hour per night) of self-study, which will consist of assigned readings from the books as part of the 40-hours of training

Notes

This training will not include yoga classes; however, please bring a yoga mat as it will prove useful. Various yoga postures will be performed to illustrate functional anatomy points. For Yoga Alliance certified teachers, the credits of the course can be applied towards your Continuing Education Units requirements.

Schedule Details

Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12, 2023 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This includes a one-hour lunch break from 12:00-1:00.

Location Details

Our host for the course is Ballet B.C. on Granville Island, 1286 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, B.C. Visit here for directions. We will be in the Pyatt Room on the main floor. 

Fee

The price for this course $1,050 Canadian plus a 5% general services tax (GST)

Information for Visitors to Vancouver

Attendees to the course coming from outside Vancouver often ask for advice about where to stay, where to eat, and other points to know about visiting Vancouver. The following documents may prove helpful in planning your stay.

Things to Know About Visiting Vancouver
Places to Stay and Eat in Vancouver

Frequently asked Questions

For answers to more FAQ click here.