Sage Rountree's Blog

How to Record Yoga Videos at Home: Your Complete Equipment Setup Guide (Budget to Pro)

The most intimidating part of teaching online yoga isn’t the yoga part—it’s the online part. The technology. I get it. I’ve been recording yoga classes since the age of DVDs, and it can be a lot to handle.

When I first started recording classes, I spent far more time fiddling with cameras than actually teaching, and the whole experience was really draining. But here’s what I’ve learned after over 20 years of creating online content: you don’t need a film degree or a massive budget to offer meaningful online classes that help your students.

You do need a few smart tools and someone to show you exactly how to use them. So today I’m pulling back the curtain on my entire setup, from the $20 gadgets that work surprisingly well to professional upgrades I’ve invested in over time.

Start Simple: Your Phone Is Probably Enough

Your phone is likely all you need to record really great quality video. The key is understanding how to use it effectively:

Essential Phone Setup:

Set your phone to high-quality video settings (if you have the storage space)Use a phone tripod mount that lets your phone snap right inMount it on a sturdy tripod—I recommend this SLIK tripod for its reliability, though you can find more budget-friendly options too

Audio Game-Changer: Add this $20 clip-on microphone from Amazon, and you’ve got a setup that works beautifully for both talking-head videos (like guided meditations) and movement classes. The microphone clips to your collar and moves with you during sequences.

Lighting: From Free to Professional

Free Option: Natural Light North-facing windows are your best friend—they provide even, flattering light all day without harsh shadows. Position your camera almost touching the window so you can sit close to the light source.

If you don’t have good natural light, pull lamps from around your house and position them to mimic window light. You might need to remove lampshades, but this creates surprisingly even illumination.

Budget Upgrade: LED Light Panels I started with Neewer LED lights from Amazon—they’re affordable and get the job done.

Professional Setup: Now I use Lume Cube lights with adjustable color temperature, paired with:

Elgato Mini Key Light (controllable from my Elgato Stream Deck)Luke Cube Edge desk lamp that doubles as both face lighting and workspace illuminationCamera Options: Phone to Professional

Phone Camera: Still the best starting point. Frame your shots carefully—you want to be close enough for talking-head videos but wide enough to show your full body for movement sequences.

Professional Upgrade: I’ve upgraded to a Sony ZV-E10 II with a Sigma 16mm lens. But honestly? The difference is marginal. A fancy camera makes the video slightly better, but your teaching makes it valuable.

Webcam Option: The Elgato Facecam Pro is fantastic for live teaching. It offers multiple shot options—wide for movement, tight for conversation—and fits perfectly into the Elgato Prompter if you want teleprompter capabilities.

Audio: The Most Important Investment

Here’s the truth: audio quality matters far more than video quality. Students will tolerate imperfect video, but poor audio makes content unwatchable.

For Studio Recording: The Røde PodMic USB is my go-to. It plugs directly into your computer, comes with a built-in pop filter, and the boom arm lets you position it perfectly. The sound quality is exceptional.

For Movement Videos: The Røde Wireless Go 3 is a game-changer. It comes with two transmitters (perfect for partner demonstrations), connects via USB-C, and has onboard recording for backup audio. Plus, everything charges in one elegant dock.

Software That Actually Works

For Live Teaching: I use Butter—think of it as a more engaging, user-friendly version of Zoom. It’s perfect for workshops and live movement classes.

For Editing: Descript is hands-down the best editing software I’ve used in years. (The 18-year-old me who learned audio editing on reel-to-reel tapes with a razor blade would not believe it!) It makes video editing approachable and even fun. The built-in AI assistant, Underlord, helps you learn the platform quickly.

For Scripting: Speakflow keeps me organized and confident when recording course content or structured videos.

The Bottom Line: Presence over Perfection

The biggest shift for me was realizing that online teaching doesn’t require perfection. It requires the same presence and clarity you bring to your regular in-person classes.

Start simple, upgrade gradually, and remember that your students care way more about your teaching and how it makes them feel than your production values. The goal isn’t to become a videographer—it’s to serve your students wherever they are.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Watch the Complete Behind-the-Scenes Tour: I walk through every piece of equipment, show you different setup options, and demonstrate exactly how everything works together.

Want More Support?

Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship  includes a full course on the production side of creating video content Prep Station membership  gives you access to all my finished movement recordings so you can see these techniques in action

Questions? Drop them in the video comments, and I’ll help you figure out your next step. Remember, you don’t need to invest in everything at once—start where you are, use what you have, and upgrade one piece at a time as your online teaching grows.

Equipment links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend equipment I personally use and trust. Watch the video and you’ll see I use everything here!

Newly Certified: Sofia Gobbi

Meet Sofia Gobbi, the newest certified graduate of my Teaching Yoga to Athletes course! Sofia brings such a unique perspective to this work—she’s someone who truly understands what it means to bridge different worlds, and that’s exactly what makes her such a natural fit for teaching yoga to athletes.

Sofia’s path to this certification is beautifully winding. She’s been a gymnast herself and has been teaching gymnastics to young girls since she was just 16 years old. That foundation in movement and coaching gave her an intuitive understanding of how bodies work and adapt—knowledge that translates perfectly to yoga instruction. With six years of personal yoga practice and two years of teaching experience, she came to the program already grounded in both the physical and teaching aspects of yoga.

But here’s what drew me to Sofia’s story: she discovered my work by reading one of my books and looking me up online, curious about what it meant to build a career as a yoga teacher for athletes. That curiosity led her to recognize something important about her own teaching trajectory.

Currently teaching at local gyms and studios in Italy, Sofia works with diverse age groups and levels—mainly adults who work during the day and train in the evening. While these weren’t traditional “athletes” in the competitive sense, Sofia could see the potential. She’s personally passionate about rock climbing, running, swimming, and hiking, and she had a vision of becoming what she calls a “bridge” figure between the holistic and sports worlds.

That vision is exactly what this certification helps teachers realize. Sofia wants to work with teams and create personalized plans for individual athletes, particularly focusing on rock climbing and outdoor sports, plus endurance activities like running, swimming, and cycling. Her dream is to specialize while maintaining the flexibility to do seasonal work in different locations—combining her love of travel and cultural exploration with her teaching practice.

One of the things that impressed me most about Sofia was her final teaching video for certification. She chose to teach her sister, who is a musician—and musicians are absolutely a form of peak performer! It was brilliant to see Sofia recognize that athletic principles apply to anyone pursuing excellence in their field, whether that’s on a sports field, a climbing wall, or a concert stage.

Sofia is already putting her certification to work in creative ways. Given her gymnastics background, she calls her approach to yoga for athletes Balance Beam—pretty clever! And she recently hosted a yoga + climbing event, which perfectly embodies her vision of bridging worlds and bringing yoga directly to the communities that need it most. This kind of innovative programming is exactly what the athletic world needs—teachers who understand that yoga doesn’t have to happen on a traditional mat in a traditional studio to be transformative.

Her approach is both practical and inspiring. She’s seeking more stimulation in her teaching work and wants to connect with motivated people who value both physical and mental health. The specialization in working with athletes offers her the opportunity for higher, more stable income while doing work that genuinely excites her.

Sofia is currently based in Italy, where she continues to teach in and around Brescia and can be reached via her English or Italian websites. Her unique combination of gymnastics background, outdoor sports passion, and fresh certification makes her an ideal teacher for athletes looking to enhance their performance and recovery through yoga. She speaks English, Italian, and Spanish, and can help you virtually!

If you’d like to join Sofia as an expert in teaching yoga to athletes, start your work on the course here. Sofia’s journey shows exactly what’s possible when you combine passion for movement with the right tools and framework to serve the athletic community.

Space Management for Large Yoga Classes: How to Make Big Rooms Feel Small

Teaching yoga in a large room can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether it’s 30 students in your studio, 50 in a community center, or hundreds at a festival, the challenge is the same: how do you connect with everyone while keeping the class flowing smoothly?

When I first faced a big group—more than 50 people in a workshop—I realized I was spending almost all my time focused on the front third of the room. The students in the back corners? I barely made eye contact with them. By the end, I knew I needed a better way.

Over the years, teaching everything from festivals to sports teams, I’ve developed practical strategies that make even the largest spaces feel intimate. Here’s how you can do the same.

Arrive Early and Walk the Room

Space management begins before your students arrive. If it’s your first time in the venue, get there at least 30 minutes early. Walk the entire space. Stand in each corner, imagine where students will be, and notice what they’ll see and hear from different positions.

Look for sightline challenges—pillars, lighting, or distractions. Consider how sound travels. If possible, test your microphone or practice projecting your voice. These small preparations make a big difference when the room fills up.

Set Up for Flow and Connection

If you can, mark the floor with tape or place a few guide mats to indicate rows and columns. This not only maximizes space but also leaves clear pathways for you to move around during class. If taping the floor isn’t possible, play “mat traffic controller” as students arrive: “Let’s start a new row here,” or “We can fit another mat in this space.”

Think about where students with special needs might be most comfortable—someone with balance challenges might do well near a wall, while new students might prefer a central spot where they can see you clearly.

Move Like a Fish, Not a Shark

Your movement pattern matters as much as your cues. Teachers often fall into two extremes: staying rooted at the front like a coral in a reef or pacing constantly like a shark. Both approaches can leave parts of the room feeling disconnected.

Instead, be like a fish—glide intentionally from place to place, pause to connect, then move again. I use a “five-point room system”: center front, right front, left front, back right, and back left. Throughout class, I make sure to rotate through these points so no area feels ignored.

Use Your Voice to Reach Everyone

Even with a microphone, voice projection matters. Turn your body and voice toward different parts of the room, especially the back corners. If giving an important cue, say something like, “Especially for those of you in the back row . . . ” to make your awareness clear.

When moving around, avoid “right” and “left” as your only directional cues—they can confuse students (and you!) when you change position. Instead, use landmarks: “face toward the windows” or “reach toward the blue wall.” This keeps everyone oriented, no matter where they are.

Make Demonstrations Visible and Accessible

In a large space, demonstrations can be harder to see. Sometimes I stand on blocks or use a small platform for floor poses so more students can see. I also describe what I’m showing for those who can’t see clearly.

You can even use a student as a demo model—with permission. This shifts attention to different areas of the room and makes more students feel included.

Create Connection Through Names and Breath

If you know students’ names, use them—and spread your attention throughout the room. A quick “I see you working, Lisa” to the front row, followed by “Nice focus, Marco” in the back corner, sends a powerful message: you’re paying attention to everyone.

Another way to unify the group is with breath. Periodically invite everyone to take three breaths together. That moment of shared rhythm can feel intimate, even in a packed hall.

Be Ready for Technical and Environmental Challenges

Large rooms bring unique challenges—temperature differences from front to back, uneven sound, shifting light. Test your music and mic from different spots in the room. Adjust ventilation or lighting if possible.

Have a backup plan for equipment failure. If your mic goes out, you might lead a simple, repetitive sequence that students can follow visually until you regain amplification.

Navigating Savasana in a Large Group

Final relaxation can be the trickiest part of a big class. If you offer assists, consider whether you’ll give them to everyone or not at all. Another approach is to divide the room into quadrants and focus on one each week, making your system clear so students know what to expect.

If you’re not offering touch, you could unify the experience with a singing bowl or chime, moving to different parts of the room so the sound reaches everyone equally.

Close with a Personal Connection

Position yourself near the door to thank students as they leave. Even in a crowd, that brief moment of eye contact or a “thank you” can make someone feel truly seen.

When Things Go Sideways

Despite your best planning, big classes can sometimes lose focus. If you notice disengagement—especially from the back—invite everyone to reset in Mountain Pose or Child’s Pose. This recenters the group and gives you a moment to recalibrate.

Acknowledging the challenge of a large space can also build rapport: “I know some of you might not be able to see me clearly from the back, so I’ll be circulating throughout class.” Transparency like this shows you care.

Reflect After Class

Every large-class experience is a chance to refine your approach. Ask yourself:

Which parts of the room did I connect with most?Were there areas I neglected?How could I set up differently next time?

This reflection evolves your teaching, builds your intuition, and helps make each class smoother than the last.

The Takeaway

Large classes can feel intimidating at first, but they’re also an incredible opportunity to create community on a big scale. With thoughtful setup, intentional movement, clear communication, and small moments of connection, you can make even the largest room feel personal and welcoming.

The size of the group doesn’t determine the depth of the connection—you do. By distributing your energy consciously and being present for everyone in the room, you’ll turn big classes into deeply engaging experiences for your students.

Want to hear more? Listen to episode 49 of Yoga Teacher Confidential!

Listen to the podcast

How to Plan Your Yoga Class Quickly and Easily

If you’re a yoga teacher, chances are you’ve experienced what I call the “Sunday night scramble.” You sit down to plan your classes for the week, open your notebook or laptop, and stare at the blank page. Maybe you scroll through Instagram for inspiration, but nothing feels quite right for your students. Hours later, you’re frustrated, exhausted, and not much closer to having a plan.

Or maybe you’ve swung to the other extreme: you skip the planning altogether and show up with “vibes only.” Sometimes it works, but often it leaves you feeling scattered and uncertain. Neither approach serves you—and more importantly, neither serves your students.

After more than 20 years of teaching yoga and mentoring teachers, I’ve learned something crucial: the teachers who thrive aren’t the ones with the most creative playlists or the flashiest poses. They’re the ones who can consistently deliver reliable, balanced classes that work for real humans, week after week, without burning out.

So how do you get there? How do you plan classes quickly, easily, and with confidence? Let’s explore.

Why Reliable Class Planning Matters

Yoga teachers often feel pressure to be endlessly creative. But your students don’t need constant novelty—they need consistency. Reliable class planning allows you to:

Save time and reduce stressBuild your confidence as a teacherSupport your students’ progress with consistent repetitionCreate space for your authentic voice to emerge

When you plan with a framework, rather than reinventing the wheel each week, you stop second-guessing yourself. Instead of scrambling, you show up prepared, grounded, and ready to serve.

The Middle Path Between Rigid and Random

Most teachers fall into one of two traps:

Rigid repetition. You cling to a few sequences and teach them on repeat. It feels safe, but soon your students get bored—and so do you.Chaotic improvisation. You show up without a plan, hoping inspiration strikes. Sometimes it does, but more often you leave wondering if your class was truly balanced.

The truth is that neither extreme is sustainable. What you need is a middle path: a way to balance structure with creativity, consistency with variety.

That’s where frameworks like the 6–4–2 sequencing method and the S.E.R.V.E. Method come in.

The 6–4–2 Sequencing Framework

The 6–4–2 Framework ensures your classes are physiologically balanced and adaptable for every student who walks through the door.

6 moves of the spine: flexion, extension, side bends, and twists4 lines of the legs: front, back, inner, and outer2 core actions: stabilization and articulation

By weaving these into your sequence, you create classes that feel whole, effective, and safe. Instead of guessing or overcomplicating, you follow a simple checklist that balances effort and ease.

The S.E.R.V.E. Method in Action

The S.E.R.V.E. Method provides a practical roadmap for teachers:

Structure: Ground your teaching in a framework that works.Experience: Practice your own sequences before you teach them.Repeat: Offer consistency so students can build confidence and progress.Vary: Introduce small changes to keep classes fresh.Evolve: Grow as a teacher over time through intentional, sustainable steps.

Using SERVE in your planning means you don’t just survive week to week. You evolve into the teacher you’re meant to be.

Introducing the Yoga Class Prep Station

Even with clear frameworks, many teachers still need day-to-day support. That’s why I created the Yoga Class Prep Station.

Think of it as your teaching lunch counter—a reliable place to grab what you need, when you need it. No overwhelm, no endless scrolling, no second-guessing. Just nourishing, practical tools to make your teaching life easier.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

The Movement Library: A searchable collection of ready-to-use sequences designed for real humans, not Instagram performance pieces.Monthly Yoga Snacks: Short guided practices to nourish your body and inspire your teaching.Theme Seeds: Quotes, poems, and philosophy snippets to weave into your classes.Live Calls and Replays: A chance to connect with me and other teachers in a supportive community.Monthly Teaching Action Steps: Bite-sized professional development that fits into your real life.

The Prep Station is designed to be the antidote to the Sunday night scramble. For just $39 a month, you get professional development that actually works: practical, flexible, and easy to use right away.

Who the Prep Station Is For

The Prep Station is for you if:

You’re tired of wasting hours planning classesYou want consistency without rigidityYou teach real humans with real bodies and real livesYou need community and support from other teachersYou want continuing education without another 200-hour training

If you’re nodding along, you’re exactly who I built this for.

The Difference Between the Prep Station and MMM

You might be wondering how this compares to my deeper mentorship program, Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing (MMM). Here’s the difference:

MMM is like culinary school. It’s a six-month mentorship where you learn to create your own signature style and sequence with confidence.The Prep Station is like your favorite diner. It gives you exactly what you need right now — reliable, nourishing, practical support for your weekly classes.

Some teachers start with the Prep Station and later move into MMM when they’re ready for deeper work. Others complete MMM and then use the Prep Station as their ongoing support system.

Both are valid, and both are here to serve you at the stage you’re in.

Your Next Step

Planning yoga classes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right frameworks and support, you can stop scrambling, stop second-guessing, and start teaching with ease and confidence.

If you’re ready to reclaim your Sundays and simplify your teaching life, the Yoga Class Prep Station is waiting for you.

Join the Prep Station here

How to Find Private Yoga Clients Who Value Your Teaching

Finding private yoga clients who commit to regular sessions, respect your expertise, and pay your full rate isn’t a question of luck. It comes from clarity, strategy, and consistent professional follow-through. Private teaching can be the most rewarding part of your yoga career, both financially and in the deep, personal connection it fosters. But without the right approach, it’s easy to end up with students who cancel often, resist paying your rates, or treat sessions as a luxury rather than a valuable investment in their wellbeing.

This guide walks you through identifying your ideal private clients, knowing where to find them, communicating your unique value, and keeping them long-term—all while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.

Step 1: Define Your Ideal Private Yoga Client

Not all potential students will be a good fit for private yoga. The best private clients share key qualities:

They value what you offer and see it as essential, not optional.They can afford your services and are willing to invest in them.They commit to consistency—weekly or bi-weekly sessions rather than one-offs.They respect your boundaries, showing up on time, following your policies, and paying your full rate without negotiation.

Think of your ideal private client as someone who treats yoga like they treat dental checkups or car maintenance—essential to their long-term health, not a once-in-a-while splurge.

Step 2: Start With Your Existing Community

One of the richest sources of private clients is right in front of you—your group class students. These individuals already know and trust your teaching style. The key is making sure they know you offer private sessions.

Strategies for leveraging group classes:

Mention your private offerings at the end of class (if allowed by your studio).Share specific benefits—e.g., “If you want to work more deeply on that shoulder opening sequence, I offer one-on-one sessions where we can tailor everything to you.”Keep promotional materials handy (business cards, postcards, or a website link) with the studio’s permission.

Note: If you teach at a studio with a nonsolicitation policy, be very sure to confirm what’s allowed before promoting.

Step 3: Build Professional Referral Networks

Healthcare professionals can be powerful referral partners. Physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and mental health providers often have clients who could benefit from yoga.

How to develop these relationships:

Create a short, clear info sheet explaining how your teaching supports their clients’ goals.Offer a complimentary session so they can experience your work firsthand.Stay in touch with updates or success stories that show the impact of your sessions.

If you specialize in trauma-informed or therapeutic yoga, highlight that—it can make you the go-to referral in your area.

Step 4: Go Where Your Ideal Clients Already Are

Think about where your target students spend time and money. If you teach yoga for athletes, connect with running clubs, sports teams, or high-end athletic facilities. If you specialize in prenatal yoga, partner with doulas and childbirth educators. If your focus is stress relief, explore corporate wellness programs.

Practical ideas:

Join community events or clubs related to your niche.Attend workshops in your specialty area to meet potential clients.Offer short, free talks or demos in spaces your audience already visits.Step 5: Speak Directly to Their Needs

Generic “book a private yoga session!” posts don’t work. Instead, tailor your messaging to address specific challenges. For example:

“Three ways personalized yoga can help you recover from knee surgery faster”“How private yoga sessions can help executives reduce stress without leaving the office”

This approach immediately shows how your teaching solves real problems.

Step 6: Offer Packages, Not Just Single Sessions

One-off sessions rarely produce lasting results—for you or the student. Packages create commitment and structure. Examples:

Foundations Package: six sessions to build a custom home practice.Yoga for Better Sleep: four sessions focused on calming the nervous system.Seasonal Reset: eight sessions to refresh body and mind.

Package pricing also frames your services as an investment in transformation, not just an hour of your time.

Step 7: Price With Confidence

Underpricing doesn’t just hurt your income, it signals low value. Confident pricing reflects your experience, training, and the results you deliver. When discussing rates:

Focus on investment rather than cost.Emphasize long-term benefits: “This package gives you tools you’ll use for the rest of your life.”Avoid deep discounts that attract price-sensitive clients who won’t stay long term.Step 8: Create a Simple, Professional Inquiry Process

From the first interaction, set the tone for a professional relationship. Use a standard process such as:

An intake questionnaire to learn goals, challenges, and experience level.A brief consultation (phone, video call, or in person) to assess fit.A clear outline of your approach, policies, and next steps.

Listen more than you talk in this first conversation—clients will feel heard and understood.

Step 9: Serve Your Existing Clients Exceptionally Well

Retention is as important as acquisition. Build loyalty by:

Following up with notes or a short video after sessions.Celebrating progress and milestones.Bringing up renewal before a package ends.Adapting your teaching as their goals evolve.

Long-term clients are also your best source of referrals—happy students talk.

Step 10: Maintain Clear Professional Boundaries

Private sessions create intimacy, but boundaries are essential. This means:

Sticking to your scheduling and cancellation policies.Keeping physical adjustments professional and consent-based.Avoiding oversharing personal details.Staying within your scope of practice and referring out when needed.

Clear boundaries build trust and respect.

Step 11: Stand Out in a Crowded Market

If private yoga feels saturated in your area, lean into your unique niche. Consider:

Specializing in a specific population (e.g., golfers, prenatal clients, corporate executives).Offering flexible formats like in-home sessions or hybrid in-person/online packages.Using tech tools—custom practice videos, progress tracking apps, or virtual options.Establishing yourself as an expert through writing, speaking, or creating niche content.The Big Picture

Finding private clients who value your teaching is about alignment: matching your unique skills and approach with the needs of the students most likely to benefit. When you’re clear on your value, communicate it consistently, and serve your clients with professionalism and care, you create relationships that last years—and that’s where the deepest rewards of teaching lie.

How to Build Community in Your Yoga Class (Without Forcing It)

Why Community Is the Hidden Ingredient in a Great Yoga Class

As yoga teachers, we spend a lot of time thinking about our sequences, our cues, and our playlists. But the single most powerful thing you can cultivate in class? A sense of community.

When students feel seen, supported, and connected—not just to you but to each other—they keep coming back. Their practice deepens, and your teaching becomes more fulfilling. And the best part: you don’t need to be a social butterfly to create it.

Let’s explore practical ways to foster community in your classes—before, during, and after practice. These methods are subtle, inclusive, and adaptable to any teaching style or setting.

This is also the topic of Yoga Teacher Confidential, episode 46.

Listen nowBefore Class: Set the Tone for Connection

The best community building starts before class even begins. Here’s what that can look like:

Arrive Early: Show up 15–20 minutes ahead of time so you can greet students individually. Your calm, present energy will shape the room before you even say a word.Use Names: Learn and use your students’ names. If you’re bad at names, create a system: jot them down with identifying notes, like “purple mat, nurse, loves child’s pose.”Facilitate Introductions: Introduce new students to regulars. “Sam, meet Maria—she’s a runner too.” Simple icebreakers build instant rapport.Design for Interaction: Set up your room so students naturally gather near props or wait in shared spaces. Create opportunity for casual conversation.Set an Intention: Quietly decide on a community-building goal for the class. It might be “I want every student to feel seen today” or “I’ll create one moment of shared laughter.”During Class: Foster Shared Experience

You don’t have to change your whole class to create connection. Small adjustments can have a big impact.

Acknowledge Group Effort: Notice when the whole class is moving in sync or holding a challenging pose. Say things like, “I love how we are all focusing together in this balance pose.”Optional Partner Work: Invite (but don’t ever require) students to work together. Think: seated breathing back-to-back, intention sharing, or observing a simple posture.Eye Contact and Greetings: Even asking students to turn and say “good morning” to a neighbor can shift the energy dramatically.Group Challenges: Try achievable goals like “Let’s hold this shape for five shared breaths” or “Let’s all try this variation together.”Circle Formations: If your space allows, setting up mats in a circle instead of rows can promote a sense of shared purpose.Name the Energy: Call attention to what you notice. “There’s such calm energy in the room today” or “I love how focused the breath is right now.”After Class: Leave Space for Belonging

Once class ends, you still have a window for meaningful connection. Here’s how to use it:

Stay Available: Instead of rushing out, hang around for a few minutes. Conversations and questions often lead to community moments.Group Invitations: Say, “I’m heading next door for tea, you’re all welcome to join me.” It invites everyone without spotlighting one-on-one relationships.Celebrate Milestones: With permission, acknowledge when someone hits their 50th class or returns after a break. Include everyone: “Whether it’s your first class or your hundredth, I’m so grateful you’re here.”Create Traditions: Maybe you bring cupcakes on your birthday, or host a seasonal class with a theme. Rituals create anticipation and identity.Digital Touchpoints: Consider starting a Facebook group or email thread where your regulars can stay connected, share experiences, or ask questions.Navigating Common Challenges

Building community doesn’t mean you won’t face bumps along the way. A few examples:

Cliques: If certain students always group up, gently shuffle partner pairings or encourage different mat placements.Oversharing: Some students might dominate conversations. Redirect gently with phrases like, “Thanks for sharing that. I’d love to hear from others too.”Reluctant Participants: Respect introverts. Make all connection points optional. Some students simply want to practice quietly, and that’s more than valid.Adjusting by Class Type

Your approach to community will differ depending on what you’re teaching:

Weekly Classes: These offer the richest opportunity for long-term community. Celebrate seasons, life changes, or recurring rituals.Workshops: Use simple icebreakers and shared experiences. You can create quick connection even in a one-off session.Corporate or Team Yoga: Keep things simple and inclusive. Shared breathing or collective intention setting works well without over-personalizing.Balancing Boundaries and Connection

As you nurture community, remember to maintain your boundaries. Being a community architect doesn’t mean becoming everyone’s best friend.

Think of yourself as a facilitator, not the center of attention.Respect your energy. You don’t have to socialize after every class.Stay consistent. Treat every student with care, even if your personal connection varies.What Success Looks Like

How do you know if your community-building efforts are working? Look for signs like:

Students chatting before and after classInquiries about missing classmatesPeer-to-peer support or socializingStudents bringing friendsA shift in energy from “me” to “we”The Ripple Effect of Yoga Community

When you foster belonging in your classes, you do more than retain students—you impact lives. Students carry that sense of connection into their days, families, and relationships. And you, in turn, find deeper satisfaction in your teaching.

Start small. Learn one new name. Set one intention for connection. Point out one shared breath.

Over time, these tiny touches create big transformation.

And if you’re craving community yourself, come join us in The Zone—a free community for yoga teachers where we support each other in building better classes, better practices, and better lives.

Post-YTT Overwhelm: Why Your 200-Hour Certificate Doesn’t Feel Like Enough (and What to Do About It)

If you’ve recently completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training and still feel like you don’t know how to teach, or like the one thing you know is how little you know, you’re not alone. That feeling of “Wait, what now?” is more common than you think. I call it Phase 1 of the Yoga Teacher Success Timeline: Post-Training Overwhelm.

It’s the season when you’re planning classes for hours, second-guessing every pose and transition, and thinking, “How did everyone else figure this out so fast?”

Let me assure you: they didn’t. They’ve just taught the same sequences dozens of times.

You’re not broken. You’re just trying to do too much, too soon, without a framework that helps you feel grounded.

So let’s walk through why this overwhelm happens—and what to do about it.

And if you’d like to listen on the go, this is the subject of episode 45 of Yoga Teacher Confidential.

Listen hereThe Common Symptoms of Phase One

Here’s what it looks like when you’re in post-YTT overwhelm:

You’re spending 3+ hours planning each class—it takes more time to plan than to get to class, teach, and come homeYou alternate between rigid memorization and complete improvisationYou’re worried about every possible student need in classYou’re Googling modifications on the way to classYou feel like your 200-hour didn’t actually prepare you to teachYou don’t feel confident in your voice or teaching identity

This isn’t a failure. It’s your brain trying to perform a complex task—teaching—while still processing a ton of theoretical knowledge. It’s like learning to drive while also studying for your driving test.

The Mistake That Keeps You Stuck

Many teachers make the same well-intentioned mistake: creating a brand-new sequence for every class.

It sounds noble. Creative. Devoted, even.

But it’s exhausting. And it actually holds your students back.

When your sequence is always changing, your students are always adapting. They don’t get to build mastery or confidence—and neither do you. You’re spending hours reinventing the wheel, and no one is benefiting from that effort in the way you think.

What Worked for Me (and My Students)

After years of doing exactly that, I shifted. I started teaching the same base sequence for a month at a time. I’d vary the emphasis, the pace, the transitions—but the structure stayed steady.

Here’s what happened:

My students improved fasterThey felt more confident and safer in classI got better at cueing, adapting, and observingMy planning time dropped dramatically

I call this the capsule wardrobe approach to sequencing: a small set of go-to combinations that you mix and match with confidence.

How the 6-4-2 Framework Can Help

When you’re unsure what to include in your sequences, the 6-4-2 framework offers instant clarity.

6: The six movements of the spine (forward fold, backbend, side bends, twists)4: The four lines of the legs (front, back, inner, outer)2: The two core actions (stabilization and articulation)

If you include all of those in every class, if not every sequence, you’re already creating a well-balanced experience. It’s that simple.

Instead of trying to remember dozens of poses or transitions, use this as your recipe. You can vary it endlessly—but the base is reliable, efficient, and effective.

Repetition Isn’t Lazy—It’s Loving

One of the biggest mindset shifts in Phase One is learning that repetition is not the enemy.

In fact, repeating a sequence helps your students (and you!) feel more confident. They know what to expect. They can refine rather than just survive. And you can focus more on language, presence, and connection—rather than frantically remembering what comes next.

Start Here: Five Steps to Move through Phase OneClarify your core values. Ask yourself: Why do I want to teach? What do I want my students to experience? This anchors every class you teach.Build a base recipe. Use the 6-4-2 framework to plan a simple warmup or short sequence. Teach this for several weeks with slight variations.Practice it in your own body. Feel how the transitions land. Adjust as needed before taking it to your students.Teach it at least three times. Don’t switch it up after one try. Familiarity builds confidence.Focus on student-centered language. You don’t need perfect cues—just clear, inclusive ones that help your students feel safe and supported.Want More Support? Start Here for Free

I created a free mini-course just for teachers in Phase 1. It’s called “Finding Your Voice as a Yoga Teacher,” and it’s available now inside Comfort Zone Yoga.

It walks you through clarifying your teaching values and building confidence in your unique voice—without needing to know everything or have it all figured out.

Get the mini-course for free here

This phase of overwhelm won’t last forever. But it will shape your foundation.

When you stop trying to do it all, and start building from what you actually know—you teach from presence, not panic.

When It Still Feels Hard to Teach Yoga

“I’ve been teaching for three years and I still feel like I’m faking it.”

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that . . .

Actually, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve thought that—and for longer than three years—I could fund a whole yoga studio.

The truth is, feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

It means you care.

Still, that doesn’t make the discomfort any easier. Especially when you’re putting in the time, taking extra trainings, showing up for your classes—and yet, the planning still takes hours. You’re still tweaking every cue. You’re still wondering if your students can tell you’re just barely holding it together.

The Real Reason Teaching Still Feels So Hard

I want to tell you a story about my Monday night class.

For years—literally, years—I’d show up each week with a brand-new, completely different sequence. One week, Paul Grilley–style yang flow. The next, balance drills. Another, most of the Ashtanga primary series because I’d taken my David Swenson book off the shelf.

I told myself I was keeping things fresh. But I was actually being inconsistent.

And inconsistency isn’t comforting for students. It’s confusing.

The truth?

I was anxious. I didn’t trust that what I knew was enough.

Naming the Phases of the Yoga Teaching Journey

That period—when you’re post-training but not yet confident—is what I now call Phase One: Post-Training Overwhelm.

It’s the first of five phases in what I’ve come to recognize as the Yoga Teacher Success Timeline. And once I started naming it that way—for myself, and for the teachers I mentor—everything started to make more sense.

If you’re stuck in Phase One, you might:

Spend hours planning every classMemorize your sequence, then blank the moment class beginsTry to teach like your favorite teacher instead of teaching what you knowFeel like you have to prove yourself every time you walk into the room

And if that sounds like you, I want to tell you something important:

You are not broken. You are not behind.

You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Why the Yoga Teacher Success Timeline Changes Everything

When we don’t understand the natural progression of a teaching career, we do two harmful things:

We beat ourselves up for being “not good enough.”

We try to skip steps, which just leads to more confusion and burnout.

But when you do understand the phases, everything shifts. You stop spinning your wheels. You start showing up with more confidence. And your students feel it.

When your students can count on you—your energy, your pacing, your framework—they can relax. They go deeper. And that’s where the transformation happens.

It doesn’t require a brand-new sequence every week.

It doesn’t require another certification.

It just requires you to trust what you already know—and teach from what you know.

The Five Phases of Yoga Teacher Development

In Episode 44 of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I walk through the full Yoga Teacher Success Timeline, including:

Post-Training Overwhelm: where you care deeply, but feel unsureIdentity Formation: where you begin to find your authentic voiceProfessional Development: where you start building sustainable systemsThriving Teacher: where teaching feels intuitive, joyful, and alignedMastery and Legacy: where you support others on their journey

I also share why this isn’t a straight line. It’s not one and done.

Even now, after decades of teaching, I cycle back to Phase One when I try something new.

That’s not failure. That’s growth.

How to Build Confidence as a Yoga Teacher Right Now

Here’s your homework:

Identify where you are right now—without judgment.

Name one thing you know how to teach well.

Build your next class around that thing.

This approach will save you hours of planning. It will rebuild your confidence. And it will remind you why you started teaching in the first place.

To help you put this into practice, I’ve created a free mini course called Fundamentals of Confident Teaching. It includes a full breakdown of the Yoga Teacher Success Timeline and practical tools to help you move through each phase with more ease.

🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts:

Listen to the podcastGet the free mini-course

You don’t have to be perfect to be helpful.

You just have to teach from what you do know.

How Teaching the Same Yoga Sequence Over and Over Made Nyisha a Better Teacher

Ever felt like you need to reinvent your yoga class plan every time you teach? Many teachers feel pressure to create something totally new for every session—especially when teaching the same students regularly.

But what if the real key to confidence isn’t creativity—it’s repetition?

That’s what my mentee Nyisha Rylander discovered after she started teaching yoga on Kauai. In episode 43 of Yoga Teacher Confidential, she shares how one repeated class sequence helped her shift from overthinking to embodied, present teaching.

Listen to the podcastA Pandemic Pivot That Turned into a Calling

Nyisha didn’t start her career in yoga. She spent over 25 years as a cosmetologist and salon owner before the pandemic forced a massive professional pivot. After moving to Kauai and completing a 200-hour training online during lockdown, she found herself with time, curiosity, and a desire to share yoga.

When a teaching opportunity opened at a local gym, she stepped in—even though she’d never taught a class before.

Teaching in Three Formats: Studio, Resort, and Online

Today, Nyisha teaches in three very different settings:

At a gym, with a consistent group of regular studentsAt resorts, where students are often brand-new to yoga and only there onceIn her online yoga library, recorded for her health coaching clients

Each of these formats demands something different. But what unites them is how Nyisha uses repetition as her foundation.

Repetition Isn’t Lazy—It’s Liberating

When Nyisha began teaching at resorts, she quickly realized it didn’t make sense to plan a new sequence for every class—the students came only once. So she created one master sequence—a well-rounded, accessible flow—and taught it again and again.

She made small adjustments based on who showed up, but the structure stayed the same.

Over time, the repetition helped her:

Memorize her planLook up from her notesCue with greater fluencyWalk around the spaceAdapt based on what she saw

“It started to feel like teaching instead of just instructing,” she said.

When You Stop Planning from Scratch, You Start Teaching with Confidence

Nyisha’s planning process has also evolved. At first, like many new teachers, she spent hours writing in notebooks, typing sequences, and pasting from different sources.

Now, she builds classes with what she calls “vignettes”—modular mini-sequences she can swap in and out based on the needs of the moment.

This approach reflects the heart of the modular 6-4-2 framework we use in Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing—where clear structure supports freedom, and repetition opens the door to intentional variation.

How MMM Helped Her Grow

Nyisha is a member of my mentorship program, Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing, and she shares how having access to a full “cookbook” of sequences, themes, and community ideas has helped her stay inspired.

She still teaches her own way—but when she’s feeling stuck or low on time, MMM gives her the structure and spark she needs.

It’s like opening a cookbook and going, “Oh right—I already knew this, I just forgot.”

Repetition as the Path to Confidence

If you’re in the early stages of your teaching career—or even years in but still stuck in the planning-confidence cycle—Nyisha’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be constantly creating something new to grow.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is repeat yourself. On purpose.

Do it enough times, and the structure will live in your body. You’ll teach with less demo and more time with your eyes on your students. You’ll adapt with ease. And you’ll grow—not just as a planner, but as a teacher.

Want help building your own structure for teaching with ease?

Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing offers the tools, templates, and support to help you step confidently into the teacher you’re becoming.

Join MMM today!

The No-Mat Yoga Flow That Works Anywhere (Hotel Room to Office Break)

Here’s a yoga truth that might surprise you: some of the most effective sequences don’t require a single prop, not even a mat.

I’m talking about standing flows that work in hotel rooms, office spaces, or anywhere you have enough room to extend your arms. No equipment, no excuses, just intelligent movement that meets you exactly where you are.

Why Standing Sequences Matter

We’ve gotten so attached to the idea that “real” yoga happens on a mat that we’ve forgotten how powerful standing poses can be. These sequences are:

Accessible to bodies that can’t easily get up and down from the floorPerfect for small or shared spacesIdeal for travel or workplace wellnessGreat for building functional strength and balanceThe Power of Equipment-Free Practice

In my latest follow-along YouTube video, I share a hands-free standing flow that moves through Warrior II, side angle, suspended cartwheel, and tree pose. But here’s what makes it special—every transition gives students permission to stay where they are or explore something new.

No forcing into “full expressions.” No assumptions about what everyone’s body can do today. Just intelligent movement that adapts to any situation.

Breaking Down the Sequence

This flow proves that yoga doesn’t have to be complicated to be transformative:

Warrior II with breath: Building heat and focusSide angle variations: From supported to challengingSuspended cartwheel: Balance without intimidationTree pose options: From wall-supported to eyes-closed

The beauty is in the adaptability. Hotel room with low ceilings? Modify the arm positions. Office clothes? Skip the deeper twists. Post-surgery restrictions? Use wall support throughout.

Perfect for Every Teacher’s Toolkit

Whether you’re teaching in traditional studios or corporate wellness programs, having sequences like this in your back pocket is invaluable. Students love knowing they can practice anywhere, and you love having tools that truly work for every body.

Ready to Try It?

Watch the full sequence and experience how much you can accomplish without any equipment. Then take this framework to your students—they’ll be amazed at what’s possible in any space.

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Sometimes the most powerful yoga is the simplest. This flow proves it.

Looking for more creative sequences and lesson plans you can adapt to your unique student base? Check out Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing, my mentorship membership!

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