The Essential Low Back Teacher Training
A Residential Intensive at Aldermarsh | July 6–12, 2026
Immerse yourself in one of the most acclaimed yoga therapy trainings in the field — now offered as a fully residential retreat on beautiful Whidbey Island. Join Robin Rothenberg, C-IAYT, for this transformative 7-day intensive at Aldermarsh Retreat Center, a serene sanctuary nestled in the Maxwelton Valley on the south end of Whidbey Island, Washington.
Get the Knowledge You Need
The Essential Low Back Program is based on a landmark NIH study that shifted the tide in how we understand and treat chronic low back pain. Click here to download the study! Robin's experience training teachers and therapists is renowned — every yoga teacher, regardless of lineage, can benefit from this program.
Tailored for Teachers and Yoga Therapists: A Proactive Approach to Safety
In this intensive training, yoga teachers and therapists will develop the means to intelligently address the primary low back dysfunctions: hypo- and hypermobility, S.I. destabilization, pelvic misalignment, scoliosis, and lumbar disc conditions. The intricate relationship between functional breathing and functional movement will be explored, with scientific evidence to support the specific approach to sequencing and adaptation.
Course Highlights
This training focuses on functional anatomy of the pelvic girdle, stabilizing exercises that develop core support, and an evaluative process that facilitates teachers and therapists in learning how to organize yoga practices which ensure students’ safety. The daily workshop format will include developmental and therapeutic practices, skill building through observation, co-teaching, and case studies to provide you with an abundance of knowledge and skills that are readily applicable.
What You’ll Learn
Functional Anatomy & Core Stabilization: Develop a deep understanding of pelvic girdle anatomy and stabilizing exercises to support core strength.
Safety-Centered Yoga Practice: Learn a structured evaluative process to design safe and effective practices for your students.
Hands-On Experience: Participate in daily workshops with therapeutic practices, observation, co-teaching, and case studies.
The intricate relationship between functional breathing and functional movement
How to adapt practices for hypo-mobility, hypermobility, SI dysfunction, pelvic misalignment, lumbar disc conditions, and scoliosis
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Monday, July 6 After 3:00 pm — Arrive & get settled 6:00 pm — Dinner 7:30 pm — Opening Circle: Back facts and foundation practice
Tuesday–Saturday, July 7–11 Each day follows a full residential rhythm: 7:00–8:30 am — Morning Practice 8:30–9:30 am — Breakfast 9:30 am–12:30 pm — Morning Session 12:30–2:30 pm — Lunch 2:30–5:30 pm — Afternoon Session 6:00 pm — Dinner
Daily content:
Tuesday: Introduction, hypo-mobility & the deconditioned body; fascial anatomy & inner core
Wednesday: Hypermobility & SI dysfunction; inner core and stabilization focus
Thursday: Pelvic girdle & outer core; chakras and energetics of the pelvic girdle
Friday: Lumbar disc; case study
Saturday: Scoliosis with case studies; Q&A, ELBP practicum overview, closing circle
Sunday, July 12 Breakfast and departure before noon
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Practicum Requirement
Certification is awarded upon completion of a post-training practicum, to be completed within 6 months of the training.
To complete the Practicum, ELBP trainees will:
Teach the 7-week series, following the ELBP protocol and adapting for individuals as learned in the training
Conduct student intakes, collect class evaluations, and complete a self-assessment of your teaching experience
Meet with a Practicum Mentor to discuss the series and receive feedback (the mentor is also available for questions throughout the series)
Upon completion, you will earn:
Certification to teach The Essential Low Back Program as a series
IAYT Continuing Education Credits, aligned with C-IAYT competencies: Yoga Foundations, Biomedical Foundations, Yoga Therapy Tools, and Professional Practice
Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits
The Residential Experience
This is more than a training — it's a full immersion in healing, community, and the natural world.
Aldermarsh is a nonprofit retreat center nestled in the beautiful Maxwelton Valley on Whidbey Island, held in sacred relationship with the land and guided by principles of collaboration, community, and sustainability. The 5-acre property includes natural marsh and woodlands, maintained pathways, beautiful gardens, an outdoor firepit, a cordwood sauna, and a heated Japanese soaking tub. Group sessions take place in the Marsh House, a stunning gathering space with a hardwood maple floor and floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the surrounding meadow.
Lodging is spread across the Main House, the Studio, and several woodland cabins. Evenings naturally unfold around the communal spaces — the kind of unhurried, connective time that deepens a training in ways a classroom alone cannot.
Community is central to the Aldermarsh ethos, and participants are invited to enter into its co-creative spirit. A self-serve breakfast is provided each morning, and participants share in the simple rhythms of communal life — preparing breakfast, enjoying, and cleaning up together after meals. Lunch and dinner will be lovingly prepared by Ayurvedic chef Aria Peterman, bringing a nourishing and intentional quality to every shared meal.
Room, board, and all meals are included in tuition. Bed and bath linens are provided.
Tuition & Registration
Early Bird: $2,500 (register by May 1, 2026) | Regular $2,800
Tuition includes the ELBP practicum, 6 nights lodging at Aldermarsh, all meals (breakfast self-serve; lunch and dinner prepared by Ayurvedic chef Aria Peterman), course manual. A non-refundable deposit of $400 is required to reserve your spot, with the balance due by June 1, 2026.
Dates & Location: July 6–12, 2026 (Arrive July 6 after 3:00 pm; depart July 12 before noon)Location: Aldermarsh Retreat Center, 6436 Maxwelton Road, Clinton, WA 98236
Refund Policy
Deposits ($400) are non-refundable. For cancellations received by June 1, 2026, the balance of tuition paid (minus the deposit) will be refunded in full. For cancellations received between June 2 and June 22, 50% of the balance paid will be refunded. No refunds will be issued after June 22, 2026. In the event of a cancellation by Essential Yoga Therapy, all tuition paid will be refunded in full. Transfers of registration to a future training are available for a $50 administrative fee, subject to availability.
Getting There — and Making a Long Weekend of It
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July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, making it a natural long weekend to spend in the Pacific Northwest before the training begins. Consider flying into Seattle on July 3rd or 4th and giving yourself a day or two to settle in, explore, and celebrate before crossing over to Whidbey Island on July 5th or 6th.
Seattle in early July is at its sparkling best — long golden evenings, farmers markets overflowing, and the city alive with 4th of July festivities. Head to Gas Works Park or South Lake Union for the fireworks over Lake Union, one of the most celebrated Independence Day displays in the country. Some ideas for your time in Seattle:
Wander Pike Place Market and grab coffee at one of the original Seattle roasters
Explore Green Lake, Discovery Park, or the Washington Park Arboretum for a quieter, nature-focused start to your week
Treat yourself to dinner in the Capitol Hill or Ballard neighborhoods, both known for their vibrant farm-to-table restaurant scenes
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From Seattle, take I-5 north to Mukilteo and board the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry, operated by Washington State Ferries. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. No reservations are required — boarding is first-come, first-served. View current schedules, fares, and real-time alerts at wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries.
A note for holiday weekend travelers: The ferry can be very busy around the July 4th holiday. If you're crossing on July 5th or 6th, allow extra time and consider traveling earlier in the day to avoid peak wait times.
Alternatively, if you're coming from further north, the Deception Pass bridge connects Whidbey Island to the mainland via Highway 20 — a dramatic and scenic route worth taking if time allows.
From the Clinton terminal, Aldermarsh is a short, scenic drive through the Maxwelton Valley.
Please plan to arrive no earlier than 3:00 pm on Monday, July 6th.
