200hr Vinyasa Yoga teacher training gold coast


A soulful journey to awaken the teacher within
Nestled in a peaceful forest sanctuary on the Gold Coast, where birdsong echoes through the trees and native wildlife wanders freely, the Essence of Living Academy invites you to step away from the noise and into a life-changing journey.
Our 200hr Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training is more than just a certificationāitās an immersion into your heart, your truth, and your purpose. Whether you dream of teaching or simply long to deepen your connection to yourself and the practice, this sacred training offers the space, support, and soul nourishment to help you rise.
where teacher training feels like a 5-star retreat
Surrounded by natureās beauty, youāll begin each day in stillness and communityābreathing deeply, moving mindfully, and remembering who you truly are. This training blends the rigour of a globally recognised Yoga Alliance certification with the softness and spaciousness of a luxury retreat. Itās where study meets sanctuary.
Expect nourishing movement, soul-stirring philosophy, heartfelt connection, and a curriculum that weaves modern anatomy with ancient wisdom.

what you'll experience
Ā ā¢Ā š§āāļø In-depth Asana & Sequencing
Learn to teach safe, inspiring Vinyasa flow classes that honour body, mind, and spirit.
Ā ā¢Ā š Yoga Philosophy & Lifestyle
Explore the roots of yoga and how to live and teach with authenticity and purpose.
Ā ā¢Ā š« Pranayama, Meditation & Mindfulness
Establish your own daily rituals for clarity, calm and inner strength.
Ā ā¢Ā š« Energetic Anatomy & the Subtle Body
Dive into chakras, koshas and the deeper layers of practice.
Ā ā¢Ā š§ Functional Anatomy & Physiology
Understand the body in motion so you can guide students with confidence and care.
Ā ā¢Ā š¼ The Art & Business of Teaching
From cueing and theming to holding sacred space and building a heart-led career.
who is this training for
Ā This program is designed for:
ā¢Ā Seekers, space-holders, and soulful humans ready to live more consciously
Ā ā¢Ā Aspiring yoga teachers craving depth, structure and inspiration
Ā ā¢Ā Devoted students wanting to expand their practice and inner awareness
Whether youāre called to teach or simply wish to awaken the teacher within, this journey will leave you changedāfrom the inside out.
step into your dharma
Since 2009, Essence of Living Academy has guided thousands of students on the path of yoga with wisdom, grace and heart. Youāll be held, seen and supported every step of the way.
If your soul is whispering yes, weāre here to welcome you home.
WHAT OUR STUDENTs SAY

I signed up to the YTT not really knowing what to expect but had a deep calling to embark and commit to my yoga journey.
I tried a class at essence of living to see if it felt aligned and I remember crying after my first class with Michelle because it felt so right for me to there.
First of all the location was amazing and it had this beautiful energy to it being immersed in nature.
I feel like the YTT was alot more than just Yoga, it really opened me up and allowed me to be vulnerable and feel safe doing so.
Coming from a place of not having a solid yoga practice I learnt so much and was pushed out of my comfort zone physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
Michelle really helps you step into the uncomfortable. My experience was fun, liberating and life changing and the people I met are like a family to me.
I learnt so much and gained so much confidence that I started teaching classes straight away.
The community, the philosophy and the asanas make it a really special experience.
Michelle is a great space holder and facilitator and I would highly recommend taking the plunge and doing this training if you feel drawn to it.
You will not regret it.
Amy
weekend Hybrid Course
27th September - 26th October 2025
Lectures and training: 5 weekends in person | Sat & Sun | 7:30am - 3pm
Where: Essence of Living | Gold Coast
Upcoming intensive Course
9th - 20th february 2026
Lectures and training:Ā 2 weeks | Monday - Friday | 6am - 2pm
Where: Essence of Living | Gold Coast
Book a call with Michelle
While you can scroll down and find all of the information about dates, cost, location, assessments and facilitators, we think it's amazing to discuss such a life changing opportunity with a real person!
Michelle has been running Essence of Living since 2004 and these teacher trainings are truly her passion. She would LOVE to discuss any questions you have! Book a call with her!
donāt see a time your like ? click herecomplete all of your assessment.
Many of these pieces of assessment will be delivered during your training, however you do have a total of 6 months to complete all of your assessment.
ASSESSMENT
In order to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a yoga teacher, there are a number of assessments required as a part of the course.
- 40 x session participations (can be 20 online sessions)
- 4 x session observation reports
- 10 x session assists
- 5 x one hour session deliveries (with your fellow teacher trainees)
- 1 x written exam (yoga philosophy & asana)
- 2 x Yoga Centre Reports
- Design & Create Yoga Resume
- 3 x 1000 word reflective essays/book reports
- 6 x two minute presentations on assorted topics
- Develop client screening appraisal
- Personal Development plan
- 5 xĀ online course modules - Yoga History & Philosophy | Anatomy | Personal Trainer | Special Populations | Pregnancy & Postnatal Fitness
Many of these pieces of assessment will be delivered during your training, however you do have a total of 6 months to complete all of your assessment.
REQUIRED READING
There are a number of books required to complete the course, these will be referenced within the training. You do not have to read them cover to cover or purchase before training commences.
- The Heart of Yoga Developing a personal practice by T. K. V. Desikahar
- Breathe Bend Blossom ā Michelle Merrifield (purchase in studio or online)
- Yoga Anatomy - Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
- Mala BeadsĀ
Online retailers we suggest to find your materials include Book Depository, Amazon and AbeBooks. Fishpond.
Course Facilitators
Meet our lovely teachers

Michelle Cassidy

Susie Tagarro

Jema Lee

Natalie Olsen

Harmony Stagg
course curriculum
YOGA PHILOSOPHY
GROUP YOGA TRAINING
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
EXERCISE PROGRAMMING
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
CLIENT SCREENING
BUSINESS SKILLS
NUTRITION
say hello, donāt be shy
Leave your details and she'll get in contact!
EmailĀ : [email protected]
PhoneĀ : +0413137155
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