Modern yoga for the modern practitioner – offering Yoga Alliance registered continuing education, retreats and group classes in Central Kentucky, serving Lexington and surrounding communities.
Now online! Choose whether in-person training or live-stream attendance fits your lifestyle and preferences. Immerse yourself in practice from the comfort of your home, join us in studio, or both!

Participating in the program at the Essence of Yoga Center was truly a life changing experience for me in so many ways. The faculty was wonderful and I really appreciated the different viewpoints offered by the wide variety of people who participated in helping us learn. Amanda and Cara were fabulous in connecting everything and I learned so much, and also came to realize how much more there is to know.
Pam T.
I have studied under Amanda McMaine, E-RYT, YACEP for both my 200 and 300 hour YTT programs. I am so grateful for her careful attention to detail in her teaching and approach to yoga practice. For anyone seeking well organized, embodied yoga teaching, I highly recommend enrolling here at The Essence of Yoga Center. I am a physician and the attention spent teaching appropriate anatomic alignment, kinesiology and spinal safety in all postures is outstanding and impressive. Amanda’s partner in this school, Cara Sparkman, is equally talented as a teacher and supported my learning during the 300 hour course. I highly recommend this yoga school for anyone wanting to learn how to be an excellent yoga teacher, or if you would like to immerse into the study of yoga. Wonderful experience and I plan to continue my connections with this school as both a continually learning student and a teacher.
Traci W.


Amanda and Cara are amazing! There is no replacement for 60+ years experience and self study of kinesiology. I would recommend this program to everyone. I have a doctorate in kinesiology and health promotion and still gleaned more from this program than I ever would have imagined.
Carrie D.