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Master the Art of Hands-On Yoga Assists
Start with the Foundations Course, the essential first step in learning the Rubber Band Method®—a consent-based, anatomically informed approach to hands-on yoga assists. Based on the internationally published book, Hands-On Yoga Assists: A Teacher’s Guide to the Rubber Band Method®, this online training introduces yoga teachers to purposeful, safe, and effective assist techniques.
In this self-paced course, you’ll explore the six primary stances for stable assisting, the Ten Tenets of Touch for building student trust, and how to use tactile awareness to support alignment and safety. You’ll also gain tools to develop your own discernment when offering physical assists in group or private yoga settings.
The Foundations Course unlocks over 55 yoga assists from the Rubber Band Method®. After completing it, continue your growth with advanced online courses in Levels II–IV (Levels III & IV coming soon) and downloadable technique PDFs (coming soon in the RBM Store).
Whether you’re new to hands-on assisting or ready to refine your teaching, this is where your journey begins.
Start with Foundations—and elevate your yoga teaching with clarity, consent, and confidence.
Where, How & Why: The Rubber Band Method® Approach to Hands-On Yoga Assists
Testimonials
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The Rubber Band® Method has completely transformed my experience as both a yoga teacher and a student. Learning this method has opened my eyes to the profound impact intentional and purposeful assists and adjustments can have on students during their practice.
As a newer yoga teacher, I was eager to offer a more hands-on experience for my students, but I struggled to understand the purpose behind hands-on assistance. When I received assists as a student, it often felt awkward and left me questioning their necessity. Having been in the fitness industry for a long time, I value alignment and the importance of offering purposeful guidance in my classes. When Kiara used the Rubber Band Method® to assist me in a class, I finally experienced what I had been searching for. Her execution of the method was remarkable. Her hands-on approach was confident and intentional, and I could feel the strength, opening, and power coursing through my body with each assist. Her presence felt safe and, in that moment, I knew I wanted to learn from her.
Since incorporating the Rubber Band Method® into my teaching, I have noticed my classes filling up more and receiving positive feedback from my students about the depth the assists bring to their practice. I believe every yoga teacher could benefit from understanding and implementing this methodology, as it has the power to truly enhance the student's experience and create a deeper connection in their practice.
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Video Library
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Who is RBM for?RBM is designed for certified yoga instructors who want to safely and confidently integrate hands-on assists into their teaching—whether in group classes, private sessions, or specialty workshops. It’s ideal for teachers seeking to deepen their understanding of consent, anatomy, and trauma awareness in touch.
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What is the Rubber Band Method® (RBM)?The Rubber Band Method® is a consent-based, trauma-sensitive approach to hands-on yoga assists. It teaches yoga instructors how to offer touch that is safe, respectful, and rooted in anatomical awareness and communication. At RBM, we believe that every hands-on intervention—whether it’s an adjustment or an assist—should always be able to answer three essential questions: Why, Where, and How. Why: Every touch must serve a clear purpose that enhances the student’s practice. Where: The teacher must understand the anatomy well enough to know exactly where their hands should be placed. How: The quality of touch and directional pressure must be intentional, refined, and responsive to the student’s body. This framework ensures that every assist is thoughtful, ethical, and grounded in both science and presence.
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Is RBM a trauma-informed yoga training?While RBM is informed by trauma sensitivity, it is not a substitute for clinical trauma treatment or a full trauma-informed yoga certification. It equips instructors with a method of touch that respects individual boundaries and nervous system states, making it a supportive addition for trauma-informed teachers.
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Do I need prior experience with hands-on assists?No prior experience is required, but a 200-hour yoga teacher certification is recommended. RBM meets you where you are—whether you’re new to assists or refining an existing practice.
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What kind of trainings do you offer?We offer a variety of ways to learn and deepen your understanding of the Rubber Band Method®: On-demand courses through our online school Our structured curriculum is designed to be taken in order—from Foundations through Level 4—building your skill set step-by-step with clarity and precision. Downloadable techniques (coming soon) These are individual assist variations—bite-sized PDFs with just one technique each. Perfect for quick reference or progressive learning. A published guidebook Hands-On Yoga Assists: A Teacher’s Guide to the Rubber Band Method® is now available at all major retailers. It’s the comprehensive reference for the RBM approach, complete with visuals, ethics, and cueing strategies. Amazon | Human Kinetics *20% off at HK with code RBM20 June 7, 2025- July 7, 2025 In-person trainings Offered in select locations based on demand. These immersive experiences allow you to receive and practice assists in real time with expert feedback.
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Are your online courses Yoga Alliance–approved for CEUs?Yes—Rubber Band Method® courses fully qualify for Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Units (CEUs). We’re in the process of uploading each course to the Yoga Alliance platform, so official listings are coming soon. In the meantime, you can still log your hours manually and count them toward your continuing education requirements.
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What is the RBM book about?Hands-On Yoga Assists: A Teacher’s Guide to the Rubber Band Method® is a comprehensive, illustrated manual that walks yoga teachers through the principles, ethics, and techniques of RBM. It is published by Human Kinetics and now available worldwide in print and ebook formats.
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How are the downloadable assist technique cards different from the book?These are advanced tools designed for instructors already familiar with RBM fundamentals. They provide quick-reference visuals, progressive variations, and specialized assists not included in the main book.
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Is the book required for your courses?The book is a companion to the methodology but not required to begin. Our online trainings stand alone, though the book offers expanded visuals and in-depth explanations that enrich your learning.
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What is the RBM book about?Hands-On Yoga Assists: A Teacher’s Guide to the Rubber Band Method® is a comprehensive, illustrated manual that walks yoga teachers through the principles, ethics, and techniques of RBM. It is published by Human Kinetics and now available worldwide in print and ebook formats.
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Is the book required for your courses?The book is a companion to the methodology but not required to begin. Our online trainings stand alone, though the book offers expanded visuals and in-depth explanations that enrich your learning.
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How are the downloadable assist technique cards different from the book?These are advanced tools designed for instructors already familiar with RBM fundamentals. They provide quick-reference visuals, progressive variations, and specialized assists not included in the main book.
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What is your cancellation policy for the Foundations course?The Foundations course is a month-to-month membership. You can cancel your subscription at any time directly through your account dashboard—no email required. Just be sure to cancel before your next billing date to avoid being charged for the upcoming month. Once a monthly payment has been processed, it is non-refundable, regardless of course progress or access. Please note: All one-time purchases of Levels II–IV are final and non-refundable. If you run into any technical issues with canceling, reach out through our Contact page and we’ll be happy to help.
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Looking to host an RBM training at your studio?We’re always looking to partner with like-minded studios to bring the Rubber Band Method® to more teachers and communities. If you’re interested in hosting an in-person training, let’s collaborate! Send us a message through our Contact page to start the conversation.
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Can I use RBM techniques in my private sessions, workshops, or teacher trainings?Yes. Rubber Band Method® is designed to support you across all teaching formats—whether you’re offering one-on-one sessions, leading group classes, facilitating workshops, or training the next generation of teachers. We strongly encourage yoga teacher training (YTT) programs to include the RBM book as part of their curriculum and to guide trainees in exploring the method’s principles and practices. That said, please note: Trainees and teachers who study RBM through a YTT program or use the book as a resource are not considered certified in RBM, unless they complete formal training directly through the Rubber Band Method® organization. RBM techniques may be taught, applied, and explored—but certification is reserved for those who train directly through us.
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Still have questions?Reach out through our Contact page—we’re happy to help.
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How do I access my course or ebook after purchase?After completing your purchase, you’ll receive an email with access instructions. Delivery is immediate—if you don’t see the email within 5 minutes, please check your spam or promotions folder. If you still need help, contact us through our Contact page and we’ll get you sorted as quickly as possible.