Sage Rountree's Blog, page 19

Registration Open: Running Summit CLT

One of the highlights of the speaking circuit I was on pre-pandemic was the Running Summit. This continuing education workshop always has fascinating, professional, and friendly speakers. Here’s me with the absolutely lovely Coach Jack Daniels in 2015.

And now the Running Summit is back! Join me and an impressive panel of speakers Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, in Rock Hill, SC (just across the state line from Charlotte, NC).

You will discover the best, scientifically backed ways to train and to help others train better.

Whether you’re an athlete or a coach, you will learn a ton. And you’ll enter next season with actionable ideas, clear eyes about what works and what doesn’t, and excitement about using what you’ve picked up.

I’ll be presenting a practical yoga-for-runners session and a lecture called “The Coach’s Guide to Recovery,” keyed to the forthcoming second edition of The Athlete’s Guide to Recovery.

Read all about it and register here. The code SAGE will save you $25!

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Know Yourself Better: Become a Yoga Writer

Much of yoga’s benefits lie in self-study (svadyaya). Turning your attention to your inner process is a way to know yourself better and to recognize, then quiet the fluctuations of your mind.

One way to do this is through writing! My friend Jilly Shipway is here to help.

Jilly is the author of several wonderful books on yoga and creativity. Chakras for Creativity is the most recent—it’s a great resource for getting to know your energetic body better as you tap into your creative side.

And now Jilly is offering an all-new online course: Become a Yoga Writer. With prompts and cues and direct feedback from Jilly, you’ll go deep into your practice and your writing. What a great way to get to know yourself while honing your craft!

Just like your practice grows when you attend to it diligently, so will your writing. It takes a little bit of effort most days. Joining a course like this is like membership at a studio: it offers you routine and accountability in really useful ways!

The early bird rate for Become a Yoga Writer is offered now through November 20. The course will be quite small, so sign up ASAP to ensure you can join. I know it’ll be a fulfilling experience!

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Sneak Peek: 2024 Schedule

Here’s a preview of the start of my 2024 teaching schedule! Details and registration are online and open for all three of these continuing education workshops for yoga and movement teachers of all stripes.

Fundamentals of Teaching Mindfulness

Saturday–Sunday, February 17–18, 2024, with pre- and post-meeting assignments and mentorship

Lead with Your Words: Perfecting Your Yoga Cues

Saturday–Sunday, March 16–17, 2024, with pre- and post-meeting assignments and mentorship

Teaching Yoga to Athletes: A Five-Day Teachers’ Intensive

Monday–Friday, July 8–12, 2024

the first time this keystone course, which is also available online, is being offered in person since 2020!

All of these workshops are held are at my home studio, Carrboro Yoga Company. It’s an easy trip from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and drivable from much of the Eastern Seaboard.

When you’re ready to level up your teaching skills, I am here to help!

Each of these workshops will help you serve your students even better. You’ll learn to think through what they need, meet them where they are, and communicate clearly.

No specific yoga or movement teaching experience is required for any of these offerings. If you’re wondering whether a certain workshop is for you, send me a message and I’ll be happy to talk you through it. You can start, though, by reading the descriptions of all the workshops here.

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Unlock Deep Peace: Sign Up Now for Fundamentals of Teaching Yoga Nidra

Learn to lead students how to go within to find deep peace. Yoga nidra is a form of guided meditation that leads students through the layers of their being to reveal a sense of essential connection and well-being. I hope you’ll join me for Fundamentals of Teaching Yoga Nidra, a workshop geared to meditation and movement teachers and students from any background. You’ll learn how to design and deliver yoga nidra classes and recordings.

Register TODAY

If you’ve ever been interested in guiding your students (or maybe just yourself) on a journey of introspection and serenity, now is the perfect opportunity.

Why Should You Attend?

Delve Deeper into Yourself: Dive deep into the koshas, the layers of being as defined in yoga philosophy. It’s a transformative experience, not just for your students, but also for you.

Customize Your Practice: With personalized imagery and language, make each yoga nidra session truly your own.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Learn to preemptively tackle common challenges like discomfort and snoring during sessions.

Confidence Boost: Our hands-on approach will equip you with the confidence to lead sessions both in person and recorded.

Mentorship: After the in-person meeting, I’ll be there to review your yoga nidra outlines and offer guidance. Think of it as a one-on-one masterclass.

Early Bird Pricing: Why Wait?

There’s an added bonus if you act quickly: our early bird pricing. Save $50 when you register before September 28.

Please remember: the workshop includes a preassignment you’ll need to complete beforehand. So sign up soon to ensure you have ample time for preparation.

We welcome teachers from any movement modality, or even none at all. You don’t need to teach to enjoy the practice of yoga nidra!

Dates/Times: Saturday, October 28 (10 a.m.–1 p.m. & 2–5 p.m.), and Sunday, October 29 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Venue: Carrboro Yoga Company
Early Bird Pricing Ends: September 28

Register TODAY

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Coming in January: 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Carrboro Yoga

I am super excited to share that my frequent collaborator and all-around excellent teacher/person, Alexandra DeSiato, will be leading our next foundational 200-hour yoga teacher training at Carrboro Yoga!

Alexandra is herself a graduate of this program, which has run for 12 years. Her experience is vast, both in the classroom and in the movement studio, and our program—and you!—will benefit immensely from her leadership!

About Our Program

Dates: January 18–April 28, 2024
Duration: Seven weekends over four months
Days/Times: Thursdays, 6–8 p.m., Fridays, 6–9 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Carrboro Yoga’s front room

Our comprehensive program covers:Yoga philosophy and historyYoga techniques, including asana, pranayama, and meditationAnatomy, physiology, and kinesiologyTeaching skills and classroom inclusivity

Whether you aspire to become a yoga instructor or simply deepen your practice, this program offers valuable skills and self-discovery.

Program HighlightsSustainable four-month scheduleInclusive and accommodating session datesDiscounts available, including early bird and reparatory discountsFree weekly yoga class during trainingOption to upgrade to an unlimited membership at a major discountRead full program detailsJoin Our Free Information Session

Get all your questions answered by Alexandra and me. Meet fellow prospective trainees and learn more about this life-changing opportunity.

Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Carrboro Yoga’s front room

Next Steps

If you’re interested or have questions, schedule a call with Alexandra or attend one of her classes at Carrboro Yoga.

Schedule a call with AlexandraStill Have Questions?

Download our free guide, “Essential Questions to Ask About Yoga Teacher Training,” for more insights. This is useful if you can’t make it to train in North Carolina, but are interested in what to ask as you explore local options.

Get the guide

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a life-changing yoga journey with us. We look forward to guiding you on your path to becoming a certified yoga teacher or deepening your practice.

Join the free info session on 9/30

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Elevate Your Yoga Teaching Experience with Me and Alexandra at Kripalu This October

In the world of yoga, connection and authenticity are paramount. Yoga is far more than just movements and poses; it’s about creating an environment where students can connect deeply with themselves and with the world around them. It is about the journey, the experience, and the lessons learned on the mat.

A primary challenge for instructors is to continually present themes that resonate with students, creating classes that are not just physically invigorating but mentally and spiritually uplifting. If you’ve been looking for a way to infuse fresh ideas into your yoga teachings, Alexandra DeSiato and I have an event that’s tailor-made for you.

We meet at the glorious Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where you’ll have access to world-class dining and yoga classes, as well as the best hiking in the Berkshires, in addition to our program. Expect the fall color to be stunning!

Based on our bestselling book, Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Practical Workbook for Integrating Themes, Ideas, and Inspiration into Your Class, this immersive program promises a transformational journey for yoga instructors.

Sign up today

Here’s what you can expect:

Dive into mindful themes that truly support your students, enabling them to engage with yoga in an authentically personal way.Equip yourself with innovative techniques and ideas that promise to breathe fresh life into your classes.Engage in practical sessions, journaling, and group exercises, all designed to give you the tools and inspiration you need to be at your best, every single class.

No matter where you are on your teaching journey, whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, this workshop is for you. It’s an opportunity to refine, reimagine, and rejuvenate your approach to teaching yoga.

Join us over the holiday weekend, Friday through Monday, October 6–9, for this career-enhancing workshop.

Embrace this chance to elevate your yoga class and join a community that’s just as passionate about teaching as you are. We can’t wait to see you there!

Sign up today

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Rediscover Your Passion for Teaching: A Retreat at Kripalu Center

Are you a yoga or movement teacher in search of a fresh breath of inspiration? Perhaps you’re looking for some innovative ways to plan your classes or need a boost in confidence when sharing your teachings. If so, Alexandra DeSiato and I have the perfect solution for you.

Register here today!

Join us for a transformative retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where not only will you reconnect with your inner purpose as a teacher, but you’ll also find yourself amidst a sea of brilliant fall foliage, invigorating hiking trails, and a community of like-minded professionals.

We meet Sunday through Friday, October 1–6, at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in gorgeous Western Massachusetts.

Why This Retreat?

Hike in the Glory of Fall: Embrace nature as you take a leisurely or challenging hike, surrounded by the mesmerizing hues of autumn. Let each step you take be a reflection of your journey as a teacher.Diverse Yoga Classes: Experience a variety of yoga sessions helmed by some of the most wonderful and experienced teachers you’ll ever find. Reconnect with the practice, reminding yourself of the student within. Reignite your passion for what you teach.Reinvent Your Class Planning: Sometimes, the best way to rejuvenate your classes is to look at them with a fresh perspective. We’ll provide you with innovative, concrete ideas that will breathe life into your sessions, ensuring your students stay engaged and inspired.Confidence in Your Voice: Every teacher has a unique voice, a special way of sharing their knowledge. Our retreat will help you amplify that voice, ensuring you’re heard, understood, and appreciated.Classroom Management Mastery: We all face challenges in managing a class: distractions, varied student needs, or unexpected interruptions. Learn tips and tricks that will transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, for both you and your students.Feel Connected and Seen: One of the profound benefits of our retreat is the sense of community it fosters. Surrounded by fellow teachers, you’ll find validation, understanding, and a shared purpose. This retreat is your sanctuary—a place where you’re not only seen but deeply valued and appreciated.

Teaching is more than just a profession; it’s a vocation, a calling that demands passion, commitment, and continual growth. At times, the journey can be demanding, and we might lose sight of the reasons we started. This retreat offers you a chance to step back, reflect, and rediscover those reasons.

Come to the Kripalu Center, and find everything you need to rejuvenate your spirit, rekindle your passion, and return to your students with a renewed sense of purpose.

Spots are limited. Reserve yours today and embark on a journey of rediscovery.

Register here today!

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Unlocking Balance: The Workshop Every Yoga Teacher Needs

Balance: it’s more than just standing on one foot. It’s one definition of yoga. We strive for equilibrium in our bodies, minds, and lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your teaching journey, my upcoming workshop “Designing and Teaching Balance Focused Sequences and Classes” is tailored to revolutionize the way you approach balance in your classes.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 23–24

Times: Saturday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Venue: Carrboro Yoga Company, Carrboro, NC (fly into Raleigh-Durham, RDU)

Price: $399, includes mentorship on preassignments and postassignments, so you will have ongoing support in helping your students find balance

Who is this balance workshop for?

1. Flow Teachers: If you’ve been teaching vinyasa or any dynamic flow classes, you know the challenge of keeping sequences fresh and engaging. This workshop will introduce innovative balance postures and transitions that can spice up your class while working for all levels of students. It’s a hands-free way to add that extra zest!

2. Sports Enthusiasts & Coaches: Working with athletes? Balance plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance, ensuring stability, agility, and most importantly, injury prevention. Equip yourself with the tools to make your athlete students injury-proof.

3. Gentle Yoga & Senior Yoga Instructors: Balance is not just for the young or athletic. It’s vital for our older students, too. As we age, maintaining balance becomes essential in reducing the risk of falls. Learn sequences that scale for all ages, ensuring they can practice safely and confidently.

Balance Fits Everywhere!

The beauty of this workshop? It’s not restrictive. The principles and techniques you’ll learn about balance can be integrated into any class. Whether it’s a high-intensity flow, a gentle session, or a specialized class for athletes or seniors, balance is the secret sauce for crafting a helpful class.

Why Should You Join?Deepen Your Understanding: Explore the intricate world of balance in yoga, from its philosophical foundations to its biomechanical intricacies.Versatile Techniques: The workshop offers adaptable methods and sequences, ensuring that you can cater to diverse classes and needs. And you’ll be working up your own to share with the group!Connect Better: Enhance your student-teacher connection by addressing a fundamental aspect of their practice: balance. Whether you work with athletes aiming to enhance performance or seniors looking to walk more confidently, your guidance can make all the difference.Earn CEUs: In addition to all the skills and knowledge, earn 18 CEUs to further your professional development.Join me and redefine the way you, and your students, perceive and practice balance in yoga.

Spaces are limited, and the art of balance awaits. Secure your spot now!

Read more and register here

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Retreats, Workshops, Intentions, and Goals

My teaching schedule for this fall includes both several workshops and a very special retreat, too. What’s the difference between a retreat and a workshop? I’m glad you asked! (Let’s pretend you asked.)

My mother is an experienced photographer who just last week took this picture of me. She frequently joins workshops both online and in person to better her skills. She comes out of each workshop with a new toolset and a bunch of new images. But this summer she went on a photography retreat, and the leaders made clear from the start that a retreat is different from a workshop.

In a retreat, you’re focusing not on output—which is what workshops offer you—but instead on your own process, inspiration, and input.

This analogy aligns nicely with my thinking about intentions and goals. Intentions are about the attitude you bring to bear in any situation. They are personal, interior, and usually not measurable. Goals, on the other hand, are about the outcome: “I will develop three yoga nidra scripts,” for example. Your goals are professional, exterior, and others can see whether you achieved them.

Goals help keep us motivated and growing. Intentions help guide every step of the experience. When you’re feeling stuck as a teacher, as an athlete, as a human, come back to both. Remembering and targeting your goals will help you change the things you can. And aligning with your intentions helps you find peace with the things you cannot change.

(If this is intriguing you, check out my book Racing Wisely, which applies this philosophy to endurance sports. It’s available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats!)

When you’re feeling like you’ve lost your mojo—or maybe even that you never found it—as a yoga or movement teacher, a retreat might be just the ticket. It will put you in touch with your why and help you feel jazzed about serving your students.

That’s why I’m so happy to be joining Alexandra DeSiato, my frequent collaborator and coauthor, in leading this special retreat:

Recharge: A Retreat for Yoga and Movement Teachers—Refresh, Regroup, and Support Your Students Even Better

with Alexandra DeSiato

Sunday–Friday, October 1–6, 2023

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lenox, MA

Read more & register

We would love for you to join us! Reach out with any questions via DM or at info@sagerountree.com.

If your mojo is firmly in place, or your availability is focused on the weekends, here are three workshops that will help you expand your toolkit as a yoga teacher. You’ll leave each with full class plans and tons of ideas for generating even more!

Designing and Teaching Balance-Focused Sequences and Classes

Saturday–Sunday, September 23–24, 2023, with pre- and post-meeting assignments and mentorship

Carrboro Yoga Company, Carrboro, NC

Read more & registerTeaching Yoga Beyond the Poses: Create Inspiring Classes for All Students

with Alexandra DeSiato

Friday–Monday, October 6–9, 2023 (a three-day expanded version over the holiday weekend)

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lenox, MA

Read more & registerFundamentals of Teaching Yoga Nidra

Saturday–Sunday, October 28–29, 2023, with pre- and post-meeting assignments and mentorship

Carrboro Yoga Company, Carrboro, NC

Read more & register

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Meet the Cover: The Art of Yoga Sequencing

Here is the gorgeous final cover of my forthcoming book The Art of Yoga Sequencing!

The book will be published by North Atlantic Books on February 27, 2024. You can preorder it right now—and I’d be super grateful if you do, as preorders matter a whole lot to the ultimate success of a book.

You can find links to preorder at all your favorite bookstores here, and an affiliate link for Amazon (great if you’re a Kindle lover, as I am) here. And you can put in a preorder request at your local library now!

Here’s the back copy of the book:

An inclusive guide for yoga teachers and practitioners to create balanced movement sequences and well-rounded classes for all students.

Discover a unified theory for sequencing fresh, contemporary yoga and mindful-movement classes that reflect the diversity of modern practitioners.

Yoga instruction innovator Sage Rountree’s approach to teaching grows from a simple truth: bodies feel better when they move in many different ways and directions. And when they feel better, they work to make the world a freer, more liberated place.

But in a social-media fueled yoga scene that over-celebrates acrobatic, unrealistic poses, it’s easy for even the most experienced instructor to lose touch with their students. The fix is clear: Real students need simple lessons taught clearly. 

Yoga teacher, trainer, and bestselling author Sage Rountree draws on years of expert experience to offer a fresh, contemporary approach to yoga sequencing and mindful movement that reflects the diversity and meets the needs of the modern yogi.

The Art of Yoga Sequencing celebrates students of all kinds, styles, and levels. Grounded in exercise physiology while honoring yoga traditions, Rountree’s new offering includes:

Adaptable examples, templates, and preset lesson plans475 inclusive photos demonstrating over 35 full sequencesActionable tips for increasing student accessibilityCreative ideas for props, lighting, music, and more

Whether you’re a current or aspiring teacher or advanced practitioner, you’ll find here every tool you need to create inspired yoga classes and home practices. Even if you teach in a set format—like at a franchise or strongly branded studio—this yoga tool kit will help you lead students along any path with a clarity that honors all bodies.

And here’s an excerpt that I think speaks to the philosophy behind the book, and my philosophy on asana and movement and body autonomy in general:

Underscoring our approach in this book is a belief in and celebration of the resilience, adaptability, and strength in each of us. Instead of listing things not to do, or things not to tell your students to do, I will suggest a lot of different things you and they might like to do, and I will trust you and them to make choices that best work for each of you, depending on your personal taste, needs, and intuition. Let’s move from a language of fear to a language of festivity: how wonderful our bodies are! How capable! How changeable! And how glorious it is to make our own choices about what we do with them!

I can’t wait to share this book with you! If you can’t wait either, you’ll get a good preview in my Sequence Library, including a totally-free unit on warmup sequences that will also give you lots of ideas for your next gentle yoga class. See it here!

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