Sage Rountree's Blog, page 2

Should You Use Music in Your Yoga Classes? A Guide for Thoughtful Teachers

When it comes to yoga class planning, music can feel like the finishing touch that sets the whole mood—or the thing that throws everything off. Many yoga teachers feel a lot of pressure to craft the perfect playlist to match the arc of their class. This piles on extra stress to the work that might already be making you anxious. Other teachers avoid music entirely, worried that it will disrupt the practice or bring unnecessary legal risk.

Mmusic isn’t inherently good or bad. Like any teaching tool, it depends on how—and why—you use it.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the key considerations around music in yoga: what’s legally required, how music shapes the energetic experience of your class, and practical ways to work with sound that align with your teaching style. Whether you’re a playlist devotee or a silence-first minimalist, you’ll walk away with clarity.

Rather listen to this as a podcast? It’s episode 42 of Yoga Teacher Confidential!

listen here

What the Law Actually Says

Let’s start with the least sexy but most important piece: licensing.

In the United States, playing recorded music in a yoga class is considered a public performance—even if you’re using a paid streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music. Unfortunately, those subscriptions don’t grant you the legal right to use the music in a commercial or group setting.

To be fully compliant, you need licensing from one or more of the performing rights organizations:

ASCAPBMISESAC

Each covers different catalogs of artists, which means studios technically need all three to play a wide range of music legally.

If you teach at a studio, ask if they hold these licenses. This isn’t about being difficult—it’s about fairness to musicians and protecting yourself legally. If you teach independently, such as in a gym, school, or community space, the responsibility likely falls on you.

Budget-Friendly and Legal Music Alternatives

Now for the good news: you have great options that won’t break the bank.

YogiTunes : A subscription-based service designed for wellness professionals. All tracks are pre-licensed for use in yoga classes, and there’s even a Yoga Alliance member discount. Epidemic Sound : A robust royalty-free library with a broad range of instrumental tracks. Creative Commons Music : Some artists release music with licenses that allow for public, commercial use—just be sure to confirm the terms.

Some teachers go even further and create their own music, or collaborate with local musicians for live accompaniment. I’ve done both—a friend made the music for my yoga DVD back in the day!—and those collaborations added something truly special to the class atmosphere.

How Music Shapes the Energetic Experience

Music does more than fill silence. It sets tone, affects mood, and changes perception. Here are a few key ways sound can influence your class:

Nervous system regulation: Rhythmic music can help students synchronize movement and breath. But too much stimulation—especially with strong beats or lyrics—can shift students out of the parasympathetic “rest and digest” state we aim to cultivate in yoga class.Focus and breath awareness: For beginners, soft music may be comforting. For experienced practitioners, it can be a crutch that interferes with internal awareness.Emotional state: Lyrics, tone, and tempo all carry mood. I’ve seen serene classes disrupted by a single unexpected, explicit lyric—or elevated by the perfect instrumental swell at the right moment.

And silence? It’s not nothing! Silence encourages pratyahara—withdrawal of the senses—and helps students turn their attention inward. Especially in a world full of noise, silence can be a rare and profound gift.

How to Decide: Music or Silence?

When choosing whether or how to use music, ask yourself:

What’s your primary teaching intention? If your class is built around technical alignment, silence may support clearer cues. If your goal is to create a flowing, emotionally resonant journey, music might be the right tool.Who are your students? A group of 20-something vinyasa lovers may expect beats. A group of older adults may appreciate calm. Athletes, corporate professionals, beginners—they all have different expectations and needs.What does your teaching space call for? Gyms may benefit from music to mask outside noise. Intimate studios may not need any.How comfortable are you with tech? If music is core to your class, you need backups: downloaded playlists, fully charged devices, volume-tested speakers. And notifications silenced!Practical Tips for Teaching with Music

If you do decide to include music, a few tweaks will make a big difference:

Sound check your setup. Walk the room before class to hear what students will experience.Avoid lyrics—especially explicit ones. Even a single phrase can shift the tone.Keep it low. You should never need to raise your voice over your playlist.Have backups. A silent Plan B gives you peace of mind and keeps the focus on your students.

And one of my favorite tips: Use the restaurant principle: music should enhance the atmosphere, not dominate it. If your students are talking more about your playlist than their breath or practice, it might be time to reconsider.

What About Teaching Your Yoga Class without Music?

I started my teaching journey as a heavy music user. I crafted playlists for every class, matching tempo to arc. Music felt like a safety net—something to fill the silence when I wasn’t confident in my voice.

But as I grew, I taught in more settings where music wasn’t practical—team settings, large gyms, community rooms. No one missed it. And I discovered a deeper connection to my students and my own cues without it.

Now, I teach in silence. That evolution came with experience, but it also came with a shift in intention. I was no longer filling space—I was holding it.

Final Thoughts: Intentionality over Habit

You don’t have to use music. And you don’t have to give it up. What matters is that you choose intentionally, not by default or pressure.

Stay compliant with legal requirements.Be responsive to your space and students.Use music with purpose—or embrace silence with confidence.

Whether you’re pressing play or unplugging entirely, let your core teaching intention guide you. When you align your choices with your values and your students’ needs, you create a class that feels whole, grounded, and truly yours.

Want support designing classes that flow with or without music?

Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing gives you the tools, structure, and mentorship to teach confidently and creatively in every setting.

join MMM today

How to Succeed as a Corporate Yoga Teacher: Outreach, Sequencing, and Strategy

If you’ve only ever taught yoga in studios, you might be surprised by how much opportunity exists just outside the studio doors. Corporate yoga isn’t just a side hustle—it can be a sustainable, impactful branch of your teaching career. And with a thoughtful approach, it can also be deeply rewarding. You’re meeting people where they need yoga most!

Whether you’re hoping to stabilize your income, teach during the workday, or reach students who might never attend a studio class, here’s how to thrive in corporate yoga.

Start with Outreach: How to Land Corporate Gigs

Most corporate yoga opportunities don’t come through yoga studios—they come through networking. Your students, your friends, even your own former coworkers may have connections to companies with wellness initiatives.

The key is to make your offer specific and professional. In large companies, the decision-maker is usually someone in HR, particularly within wellness or employee engagement. In smaller companies, you might reach out to the office manager or even the CEO.

When you approach companies:

Frame yoga as an investment, not a perk.Emphasize real benefits like reduced stress, lower absenteeism, improved focus, and team morale.Offer a sample class or a desk yoga demonstration to showcase your skills.Come prepared with a clean, clear proposal: what you offer, how it works logistically, and how it benefits their staff.

Don’t overlook your existing network. A single student might be the person who connects you to your next contract.

Set Premium Rates with Confidence

Corporate yoga is not just a class—it’s a wellness service. You’re meeting people at work, managing dynamics that don’t exist in studio classes, and often accommodating tight schedules and physical constraints.

That means your pricing should reflect:

Your preparation and planning timeTravel, setup, and breakdownAny props you provideYour professional expertise in adapting yoga to the workplace

Consider these three pricing structures:

Flat Rate ($150–$300/class): A clean option that works well for most corporate clients.Per Participant ($15–$25/person with a minimum): Good for drop-in formats or fluctuating attendance.Package Deals (e.g., 10 classes for $1,750): Encourages commitment and offers predictable income.

Always clarify what’s included and what counts as an add-on (like additional travel or custom sequence design). Use clear invoices with terms like Net 30, and be ready to fill out vendor paperwork for payment.

Sequence for the Space—and the Suit

Your students may show up in blazers, skirts, or even steel-toed boots, depending on the workplace. Corporate settings rarely offer ideal yoga conditions, which makes smart sequencing even more essential.

You’ll want to:

Stick to seated and standing poses that work with restrictive clothingUse chair flow or wall-based sequences when space is tightOffer modifications for all poses to accommodate varying flexibility and dress codesInclude breathwork and mindfulness that center the nervous system and relieve stress

You don’t need yoga mats or a full studio setup to deliver a powerful experience. What matters is accessibility, clarity, and thoughtful progression.

This is also a perfect opportunity to apply the 6–4–2 framework with flexibility—offering all six spinal moves, variations through the leg lines, and a balance between core activation and mobility, even if your class is short or constrained.

Honor Group Dynamics—and Hierarchies

Corporate yoga comes with unique emotional and social dynamics. People may feel vulnerable practicing in front of their boss—or unsure of how much to engage.

To create a safe, welcoming space:

Establish from the beginning that yoga is a non-competitive practiceOffer clear, consistent variations so everyone can work at their level without feeling singled outMinimize the use of Sanskrit or spiritual language unless it’s contextually appropriateAvoid defaulting to using the same participants as demo models (especially if they’re in leadership roles)

You may not know who’s who in the room—and that’s actually a good thing. Your job is to hold space for everyone equally.

Master the Logistics

Professionalism matters deeply in corporate yoga. Make it easy for your clients and students by establishing clear systems:

Track attendance if required by the company or insuranceStore waivers, or ask HR to handle onboardingDecide how props will be handled and where they’ll be keptBring a watch or clock to ensure you start and end exactly on time

Develop a substitute plan, especially if you’re offering a long-term contract. Consider inviting your sub to co-teach once before their first solo session so they can understand the space and student expectations.

Finally, check your insurance. You may need to add a rider or be listed as an additional insured to comply with workplace safety policies.

Build Your Reputation—and Your Reach

Once you’re in the door, one corporate yoga class can lead to many more. Document your work professionally:

Collect testimonials from HR reps or individual studentsTrack attendance and participation trendsNote improvements in morale, energy, or posture—whatever your students report

If you’re comfortable, consider offering lunch-and-learn sessions or workshops on related topics like ergonomics, stress management, or mindfulness. This positions you as a full-spectrum wellness professional and can open even more doors within the organization.

A Gateway to Confident, Adaptable Teaching

Teaching in corporate settings builds skills you’ll use in every part of your teaching life: sequencing under constraints, communicating clearly, adapting to student needs, and building rapport with diverse groups.

The classes may be short. The rooms may be crowded. But the impact? It can be profound.

Corporate yoga brings the practice directly into daily life—where it’s often needed most. And it offers you, the teacher, a chance to expand your reach, refine your message, and grow your business without burning out.

If you’re ready to teach beyond the studio and into real life, corporate classes are your next evolution.

Hear all my advice on how to teach corporate classes with confidence on Yoga Teacher Confidential, episode 41.

Listen to the podcast

What to Do When a Student Gets Dizzy, Cries, or Bleeds in Yoga Class: A Guide for Teachers

When the Unexpected Happens in Yoga Class

You’re in the middle of teaching a quiet, focused class. Suddenly, a student turns pale. Another stops mid-pose and grabs their foot. Across the room, someone has a nosebleed. Or you spot a student silently crying in Savasana.

These moments catch all of us off guard.

And yet, minor medical situations—like dizziness, nausea, cramps, nosebleeds, or emotional releases—are surprisingly common in yoga classes. While they’re rarely true emergencies, how we respond to them speaks volumes about our professionalism, presence, and capacity to hold space.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to recognize, respond to, and even prevent these classroom curveballs—without derailing your teaching or losing the group’s focus.

First, Let’s Reframe These Situations

Too often, we treat anything unexpected as a disruption. But minor issues are part of teaching real people with real bodies—and real emotions.

Instead of seeing them as distractions, view them as opportunities to model calm leadership and compassionate care. These are not interruptions to your teaching. They are your teaching.

When you approach them with clarity and steadiness, you show your students that the practice truly meets them where they are.

Common Classroom Scenarios and What to DoDizziness or Lightheadedness

This is perhaps the most common issue you’ll see, especially after inversions or in heated rooms. Look for:

Unsteadiness or sudden sittingSweating, pallor, or glazed expressionsVerbal cues like “I feel dizzy”

How to respond:

Quietly approach and guide the student to sit or lie down. Elevate their legs if possible. Offer water. Normalize rest by saying something like, “You can always pause when you need to.” Continue class while keeping an eye on them.

Nosebleeds

Dramatic but rarely serious. These can happen in dry or heated environments or during inversions.

How to respond:

Get the student upright and out of inversions. Provide tissues and ask them to pinch their nose and lean forward. Avoid drawing attention. Continue class normally while subtly checking in. Once bleeding stops, they may rejoin—skipping inversions.

Muscle Cramps

Sudden cramps can make students panic or feel embarrassed.

How to respond:

Confirm with the student, then guide them to stretch the affected muscle. For example, a foot cramp may respond well to gentle dorsiflexion. Normalize by offering a cue to the whole class: “If your legs feel tight, feel free to use a strap here.”

Nausea

Students may go pale, swallow repeatedly, or freeze in place. This is common after twists, in hot rooms, or if they practiced on an empty stomach.

How to respond:

Encourage the student to lie on their side or sit in a comfortable position. Suggest slow nasal breathing or pressing on the P6 acupressure point on the wrist. Help them exit discreetly if they need the restroom.

Cuts and Scrapes

These happen more often than you’d think—especially on wood floors or with dry winter skin.

How to respond:

Help them clean and bandage the wound without disrupting class. Offer a collective pause with a low-effort pose or breath cue so you can assist. Double-check that blood isn’t getting on props or the mat.

Emotional Releases

Tears during Savasana or unexpected emotional waves are more common than we talk about—and absolutely normal.

How to respond:

Make eye contact. Offer space or support, depending on their preference. Continue teaching without centering the situation. You might say, “As we open physically, we may release emotions too. Everything that arises is welcome.”

What About Asthma or Breathing Difficulty?

If a student pulls out an inhaler or is breathing irregularly, approach quietly. Ask if they need anything. Most will be used to managing their symptoms. Offer a lower-intensity sequence for everyone so they can regroup and rejoin.

If symptoms worsen or escalate into distress, it may move into emergency territory (for that, refer to episode 34, on major emergencies).

Heat-Related Symptoms

In hot yoga or non-air-conditioned summer classes, students may overheat. If you see someone sweating excessively, struggling to breathe, or needing to sit down:

How to respond:

Guide them to remove layers, sip water, or place a cool towel on their neck. Suggest seated arm movements instead of standing postures. Consider dialing down the class intensity for everyone.

General Principles for Handling the Unexpected

Beyond specific protocols, here are some guidelines that will help you feel more confident navigating whatever arises:

Be prepared: Keep a teacher’s kit (Band-Aids, tissues, hand sanitizer, maybe candy for blood sugar) nearby. Know where first aid supplies are stored.Use soft authority: Speak quietly to the affected student, and normally to the rest of class. This creates a calm container.Normalize rest and modification: When you regularly invite students to pause or adjust, no one feels self-conscious when they actually need to.Leverage community: If you know a regular is a nurse or healthcare worker, you can discreetly ask for backup.Follow up after class: A quick “How are you feeling now?” shows care without overstepping.These Moments Define Your Teaching Culture

Ultimately, the way you handle minor issues shapes how your students feel in your class. Safe? Seen? Able to care for themselves without shame?

That’s the kind of classroom we want to create.

Let your calm presence lead the way.

Teaching Yoga in Small Spaces: How to Maximize Every Inch

Teaching yoga in a small space is something almost every yoga teacher will face at some point. Whether you’re working in the corner of a gym, inside a tight community room, or even in someone’s living room, limited space can feel like a real challenge. But a small room doesn’t have to limit the depth or impact of your teaching! In fact, working within a small footprint can actually sharpen your skills, foster connection, and push your creativity in surprising ways.

Assess the Room Before You Begin

Before class even starts, take a clear-eyed look at your space. What are its true dimensions? Are there immovable objects like furniture, columns, or radiators that need to be factored in? What’s the ventilation and lighting like?

In ideal conditions, each student’s mat needs about 24 square feet—roughly a six-foot by four-foot space—to fully extend arms and legs without bumping into a neighbor. But in reality, many of us work with less than that. Knowing this upfront helps you decide on realistic capacity and make any necessary adjustments.

Rethink Your Mat Arrangements

We often default to arranging mats in neat rows facing the teacher, but that’s not always the best use of space. Get creative!

Staggered grid: Offset each row so that shoulders don’t line up directly behind one another, giving students extra space to move their arms side to side.Diagonal setup: Angling mats at 45 degrees to the walls can often make better use of corners and allow more breathing room between students.Circular layout: For small groups, consider having students face inward in a circle. This maximizes edge space and creates a sense of community and equality.

If you’re teaching regularly in the same tight room, consider marking the floor with small, discreet stickers to show students where to place their mats. This eliminates guesswork and prevents the slow “mat creep” where everyone inches a little further apart each week.

Design Sequences That Stay Compact

Not every pose or sequence is small-space friendly. Wide-stance poses like Warrior II or Half Moon need lots of lateral room. Mandala flows or large, circular transitions can end up with people bumping into one another.

Instead, think about:

Narrow stance postures like Mountain Pose, Chair Pose, or Warrior I.Vertical movements that lift energy up and down, rather than wide to the sides.Mat-bound sequences that keep students within their personal footprint — for example, flowing between Down Dog, Plank, Cobra, and Child’s Pose. Just be sure to turn everyone to face the long edge of the mat and do wide-stance poses like Warrior II for balance.Stationary variations that explore multiple upper-body movements without moving the feet, such as adding twists or side bends while standing in place.

When teaching balances or more wobbly shapes like Half Moon or Tree Pose, suggest that students practice near a wall for extra stability. This reduces the risk of someone toppling into a neighbor. You may need to implement a rotation if the wall space is limited—that’s OK!

Manage Props with Intention

Props can be both a blessing and a curse in small spaces. While they enhance the practice, they can easily become clutter or tripping hazards if not handled thoughtfully.

Set up essential props ahead of time. This avoids a mid-class scramble when everyone rushes to the shelf at once.Choose multipurpose tools. A folded blanket, for instance, can serve as a cushion, bolster, or even a prop for restorative poses.Keep it simple. Consider skipping large or bulky props if the room doesn’t comfortably accommodate them.

If you’re regularly teaching in a space where props are limited, you might invest in slim, space-saving versions like half-blocks or thin bolsters.

Watch the Energy and Temperature

Small rooms heat up fast. A space that feels perfectly cozy when students first arrive can become uncomfortably warm once everyone’s moving and breathing.

Be ready to adjust. In cooler weather, it might be fine to start with a few vigorous standing poses to generate warmth. But in a packed, poorly ventilated room, you may want to skip intense flows and opt for slower, more grounded sequences to prevent overheating. Encourage students to dress in layers they can easily remove if needed.

Frame the Experience Positively

One of the biggest gifts of small-space teaching is the sense of shared energy. When students practice close to one another, they often become more attuned to the group’s collective rhythm. This can create a powerful feeling of intimacy and connection.

Rather than focusing on the limitations, draw your students’ attention to the collective experience:

Invite them to notice the group’s synchronized breath.Acknowledge the shared commitment in the room.Remind them that even in close quarters, each person’s practice is their own.

For some students, the close proximity might trigger discomfort or anxiety. Explicitly let them know they’re welcome to take breaks, step to the side, or position themselves near an exit if that helps them feel more at ease.

Build Teaching Confidence

Here’s what I’ve found over two decades of teaching: if you can deliver a safe, meaningful class in a cramped or quirky space, you’ll feel prepared to teach anywhere. Small rooms train you to be adaptable, resourceful, and intentional. You learn to make each pose count, each instruction meaningful, and each student feel seen.

These are the same skills that will serve you well in larger or more ideal teaching spaces—and they’re part of what makes a great yoga teacher, regardless of the room.

If you want to explore more about refining your teaching, visit my podcast archive, where I cover topics like class design, sequencing strategies, and building student connection.

The Warrior Pose Flow That Finally Makes Sense (Your Students Will Thank You)

We need to talk about warrior poses.

Too many yoga classes treat these fundamental postures like they’re some kind of endurance test. Students suffer through endless holds while teachers hope everyone survives. Meanwhile, other instructors avoid them altogether because they’re “too hard” for beginners.

What if I told you there’s a third option? A way to teach warrior poses that actually feels good and builds real strength and confidence?

The Problem with Traditional Warrior Sequences

Here’s what usually happens: Teachers cue Warrior I, then expect everyone to hold it for what feels like an eternity. No options, no modifications, just “breathe through the burn.” Students either push through pain or feel like failures.

The result? Frustrated students and teachers who’ve lost confidence in these powerful poses.

A Better Approach: The “Driving by the Party” Method

In my latest video, I share a hands-free warrior flow that changes everything. Instead of forcing students into poses, we “drive by the party”—checking if each pose feels right before committing.

The sequence flows logically: lunge → Warrior I → pyramid → Warrior III . . . and then maybe to a funky balance on the back foot. But here’s the key—students get to choose their level at every transition. Maybe Warrior III becomes a toe-touch balance. Maybe pyramid stays supported on the thigh. You’re the chef, and this is your recipe to adapt.

Why This Approach Works

This isn’t about making things easier—it’s about making them smarter. When students feel safe to explore, they actually go deeper than when they’re forcing themselves into “full expressions.”

The flow builds strength progressively, improves balance naturally, and teaches students to listen to their bodies instead of ignoring them.

Ready to Try It?

Watch the full sequence and try it yourself first. Then take this framework to your classes and see how different warrior poses can feel when they’re taught with intelligence instead of intensity.

https://youtu.be/8-uRIjwxlBw

Your students are waiting for yoga that meets them where they are. This flow delivers exactly that.

How to Confidently Sub a Yoga Class (Without Apologizing or Imitating the Regular Teacher)

How to Sub a Yoga Class with Confidence and Authenticity

One of my earliest and most memorable teaching moments happened when I subbed a yoga class unexpectedly. I kept apologizing to the students for not being the regular teacher, Bryan. After class, two students kindly told me, “We knew you weren’t Bryan—you didn’t need to apologize.” That moment shaped my entire approach to subbing ever since.

Balancing Respect and Your Authentic Teaching Voice

Stepping in as a substitute can feel wildly intimidating. You walk into a room where students are used to someone else’s cues, energy, and style. But you’re not expected to mimic the regular teacher. You’re there to guide the class using your authentic voice while respecting the culture already present in the room.

Whenever possible, connect with the regular teacher ahead of time. Ask about the sequences or themes they’ve been working on, any special considerations, and the class’s general tone. Even a quick exchange helps you walk in prepared. When you arrive, introduce yourself warmly and confidently. Acknowledge that you’re subbing, share a bit about your teaching approach, and let students know how you’ll honor their usual experience while adding your own perspective.

Handling Mixed Reactions and Building Connection

You might encounter a range of reactions: some students will be excited, others disappointed, some hesitant. Don’t take it personally. Focus on the students who are engaged, offer options and modifications, and use humor and warmth to ease any tension. Remember, regulars often hold valuable knowledge about the class culture. Inviting them to share can turn the experience into a collaborative moment.

Avoid the extremes of copying the regular teacher exactly or radically changing everything. The sweet spot is in the middle: balancing familiarity with your own style. Use any lesson plans or notes as a foundation, but bring your own voice and cues. Students will appreciate authenticity over imitation.

Turning Subbing into a Growth Opportunity

Subbing is not just a necessity, it’s a powerful opportunity for growth. Each experience helps you strengthen your adaptability, evolve your teaching voice, and build your confidence. After class, take a few minutes to reflect: What worked well? What felt challenging? What would you adjust next time?

We cover all the ins and outs of subbing in episode 38 of Yoga Teacher Confidential.

Listen here!

How to Build Unshakeable Yoga Teacher Confidence (Even If You Just Finished Your 200-Hour)

You’ve just completed your 200-hour yoga teacher training. You should be excited, right? Instead, you’re staring at your first class planning session with a familiar knot in your stomach. What if I forget the sequence? What if I can’t answer their questions? What if they realize I have no idea what I’m doing?

If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re experiencing something that nearly every yoga teacher faces: new teacher confidence anxiety. The gap between finishing your training and feeling like a “real” teacher can feel impossibly wide, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

After nearly two decades of teaching and mentoring thousands of yoga instructors, I’ve discovered that yoga teacher confidence isn’t about having all the answers or being the most flexible person in the room. It’s about having a reliable framework that helps you plan effective classes and teach with genuine authority, even when you’re still learning.

Why New Yoga Teachers Struggle with Confidence

The yoga teacher confidence crisis is real. Most 200-hour trainings focus heavily on poses, anatomy, and philosophy—all important foundations. But they often leave new teachers with a critical gap: how to actually plan and lead a class that lets you feel confident that you’re serving your students effectively.

The Planning-Confidence Cycle

New yoga teachers typically get caught in what I call the “planning-confidence cycle.” You sit down to plan a class and immediately feel overwhelmed by endless possibilities. Should you focus on hip openers or backbends? How long should you hold each pose? What if the transitions feel awkward?

This overwhelm leads to one of two common responses:

Option 1: The Copy-Paste Approach 

You follow rigid sequences from your training manual or online resources, teaching exactly what someone else created. While this feels “safe,” it doesn’t build your confidence because you’re not making your own teaching decisions.

Option 2: The Wing-It Strategy

You avoid planning altogether and improvise in class, hoping inspiration will strike. Sometimes this works, but more often it leaves you feeling scattered and unsure if you’re providing what students actually need.

Both approaches keep you trapped in a confidence crisis because neither helps you understand the deeper principles that make yoga classes actually effective.

The Imposter Syndrome Trap

Many new yoga teachers (as well as many experienced teachers!) also struggle with imposter syndrome—that persistent feeling that you’re not qualified to be teaching, despite having completed your certification. You compare yourself to teachers with decades of experience and assume your students can sense your uncertainty.

But your students aren’t expecting perfection. They’re looking for a teacher who can guide them safely through a practice that serves their bodies and minds. They don’t need to know you’re new! You don’t need to be the most advanced practitioner or have all the answers. You just need a solid framework for creating effective classes and the confidence that comes from knowing your approach actually works.

Introducing the SERVE Method: Your Confidence Foundation

After years of watching new teachers struggle with confidence, I developed the SERVE Method—a handy framework that reminds you you already have everything you need to plan effective classes and teach with genuine authority. SERVE stands for Structure, Experience, Repeat, Vary, and Evolve.

This isn’t just another planning system. It’s a confidence-building framework that transforms anxious planning into purposeful teaching. When you understand and apply the SERVE Method, you’ll never again sit down to plan a class wondering what to do. Instead, you’ll have a clear roadmap that ensures every class is balanced, effective, and serves your students’ needs.

Structure: The Foundation of Confident Teaching

Confident yoga teaching starts with understanding structure—not rigid sequences, but the deeper framework that makes any yoga class effective for human bodies. This is where my 6-4-2 framework becomes your secret weapon.

Every complete yoga practice should include:

6 moves of the spine: flexion (forward bending), extension (backbending), side bending left and right, and twisting left and right4 lines of the legs: front line (quadriceps and hip flexors), back line (hamstrings and calves), inner line (adductors), and outer line (abductors and glutes)2 core actions: stabilization (static strength) and articulation (dynamic movement)

This framework ensures your students get a physiologically balanced practice while giving you infinite creative freedom in how you arrange these elements. Instead of staring at a blank page wondering what to teach, you’re checking boxes: forward bending, backbending, hamstring work, core stabilization.

When you have this structure, class planning becomes logical rather than overwhelming. You know your students are getting what their bodies need, and that knowledge translates directly into teaching confidence.

Want to know more about structure? Read The Art of Yoga Sequencing!

Experience: Why You Must Practice What You Teach

Here’s a question that might surprise you: Would you serve dinner guests a recipe you’d never tasted yourself? Of course not. Yet many new yoga teachers plan sequences they’ve never actually practiced.

Experiencing your sequences before teaching them is non-negotiable for building yoga teacher confidence. This doesn’t mean you need to practice every sequence as a full 75-minute class. You can run through transitions, hold key poses for a few breaths, and feel the flow from one movement to the next.

When you’ve experienced your sequences, several things happen:

You discover how long transitions actually takeYou feel which poses need more setup timeYou notice if your sequence has too much intensity without adequate preparationYou can cue from authentic knowing rather than theoretical guessing

Your students can sense the difference between a teacher reciting instructions and one speaking from embodied experience. When you’ve practiced what you’re teaching, you naturally pause at the right moments, offer modifications from real understanding, and guide students with genuine confidence.

Want to experience some well-structured, balanced sequences led by me? I got you!

Repeat: The Power of Purposeful Repetition

New yoga teachers often think they need to create completely new sequences every week to keep things “interesting.” This belief actually undermines your confidence because you’re constantly starting from scratch instead of building on what works.

Strategic repetition is your secret weapon for building both efficiency and confidence. Think about your favorite restaurant—do you go there because they change their menu every week? No. You go because they do certain things really well, consistently. You might order the same thing every time!

The same principle applies to your yoga teaching. When you find sequences that work—that include all elements of the 6-4-2 framework, that students respond well to, that feel good in your body—repeat them. Build on them. Make them your signature dishes.

I recommend working with monthly recipes. Create one solid lesson plan with a well-balanced sequence. Then, instead of creating four completely different classes, create variations on that lesson plan each week.

This approach builds student familiarity and safety while dramatically reducing your planning time. More importantly, it builds your confidence as a teacher. When you know a sequence inside and out, when you’ve taught it multiple times and refined it based on student feedback, you can focus on the real work of teaching: seeing your students, offering assistance, and creating connection.

Vary: Strategic Changes That Serve Students

Once you understand the power of repetition, you need to learn how to vary your teaching strategically. Random variation—changing things just because you’re bored—confuses students and undermines confidence. Strategic variation—making purposeful changes that serve your students’ needs—builds trust and develops your teaching intuition.

Strategic variation means keeping your core sequence structure but adapting based on what you observe. Maybe Tuesday’s class moves slowly because your students say they feel stressed. Thursday’s version flows more dynamically because people are pumped up and ready to work. Same foundational structure, completely different experience.

You might vary the props you offer, the pace of transitions, or the complexity of poses based on the energy in the room. The key is that your variations should always have clear intention behind them.

When you master strategic variation, your students start to trust your decision-making. They know that when you offer a modification or change the pace, it’s because you’re paying attention to what they need in that moment. When your students trust you, they keep coming back to your class.

Evolve: Growing Into Your Teaching Voice

The final element of building unshakeable yoga teacher confidence is embracing evolution. When you first start teaching, it’s natural to copy your favorite teachers. You borrow their cues, their sequencing style, even their way of moving through the room.

This is okay for a while—it’s how we learn. But eventually, you need to evolve beyond imitation into your own authentic teaching expression. Evolution happens in three stages:

Stage 1: Following Recipes

You implement sequences you’ve learned, using structures and frameworks that work. This isn’t copying—this is building your foundation. You need to master the basics before you can innovate meaningfully.

Stage 2: Adapting Recipes

You understand principles well enough to make substitutions, adjust timing, and modify for different students. You can take a foundational sequence and vary it appropriately for different class lengths or energy levels.

Stage 3: Creating Original Dishes

You understand the ingredients so well that you can combine them in new ways. Your teaching becomes a unique expression of your personality, background, and understanding of bodies and movement.

The key is that evolution should be intentional. You’re not just drifting from one approach to another—you’re consciously developing skills and knowledge that serve your mission of helping people through yoga.

Building Confidence through Community and Practice

While the SERVE Method provides the framework for confident teaching, building unshakeable yoga teacher confidence also requires community and consistent practice. New teachers often feel isolated in their struggles, assuming everyone else has it figured out.

Finding Your Teaching Community

One of the fastest ways to build confidence is connecting with other teachers who understand your challenges. When you realize that experienced teachers also sometimes forget sequences, struggle with difficult students, or doubt their abilities, your own struggles feel more normal and manageable.

Look for communities that focus on practical teaching skills rather than just aesthetic inspiration. You want spaces where you can ask real questions about class planning, get feedback on sequences, and learn from teachers who’ve navigated the confidence-building journey themselves. (I’ve got one for you, so read on!)

Consistent Practice Builds Competence

Yoga teacher confidence grows through consistent practice—both your personal practice and your teaching practice. The more you teach, the more situations you encounter and learn to navigate. Each class builds your competence, and competence builds confidence.

Start teaching wherever you can: community centers, donation classes, friend groups, even your living room, with proper insurance. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to gain experience making real-time teaching decisions and learning from what works and what doesn’t.

Learning from Feedback

Confident teachers aren’t those who never make mistakes—they’re those who can learn from feedback without taking it personally. Ask trusted students for honest feedback about your classes. What do they find helpful? Where do they get confused? What would they like more of?

This feedback helps you refine your teaching while building confidence in your ability to serve your students effectively.

Common Confidence Killers (and How to Avoid Them)

As you build your yoga teacher confidence, watch out for these common pitfalls that can undermine your progress:

Comparison to Other Teachers

It’s natural to notice other teachers and compare your skills to theirs. But remember: you’re seeing their polished public teaching, not their early struggles or current challenges. Every experienced teacher was once exactly where you are now.

Instead of comparing, get curious. What can you learn from teachers you admire? How can you incorporate their strengths into your own developing style?

Perfectionism Paralysis

Perfectionism is confidence’s enemy. If you wait until you feel completely ready to teach, you’ll never start. Confidence comes from action, not preparation. You build it by teaching imperfectly and learning from the experience.

Taking Everything Personally

When students don’t come back or seem distracted during class, new teachers often assume it’s because they’re bad teachers. Usually, it has nothing to do with your teaching. People have complicated lives, busy schedules, and changing needs.

Focus on showing up consistently and serving the students who are in front of you rather than worrying about those who aren’t.

Trying to Be All Things to All People

You can’t please everyone, and trying to do so will drain your confidence. (This is why I say I’m here to help you become almost everyone’s favorite yoga teacher!) Some students prefer gentle classes, others want intensity. Some love detailed alignment cues, others prefer minimal instruction. You can’t be everything to everyone—and you shouldn’t try.

Instead, focus on developing your authentic teaching style and attracting students who resonate with your approach.

Your Next Steps to Unshakeable Confidence

Building yoga teacher confidence is a journey, not a destination. Even experienced teachers continue growing and learning. The goal isn’t to eliminate all uncertainty—it’s to develop a reliable framework that helps you teach effectively even when you don’t feel completely confident.

Start with the SERVE Method

If you’re ready to transform your teaching anxiety into genuine confidence, start by implementing the SERVE Method in your class planning. Begin with the 6-4-2 structural framework to ensure your classes are physiologically balanced. Practice your sequences before teaching them. Create one foundational sequence per month and vary it strategically based on your students’ needs.

Get the Free Confidence Course

I’ve created a comprehensive course that walks you through each element of the SERVE Method in detail. The “Fundamentals of Confident Teaching” includes five focused videos that show you exactly how to implement this framework in your own teaching, plus practical homework assignments to build your skills.

This course is completely free and available inside The Zone, our supportive community for yoga teachers who want to feel comfortable and confident in the front of the room.

Join a Supportive Community

Remember, you don’t have to build confidence alone. The Zone brings together yoga teachers at all stages of their journey who are committed to skillful, confident teaching. You’ll get access to monthly calls, practical resources, and a community that understands your challenges because they’ve been there, too.

Building unshakeable yoga teacher confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t have to take years. With the right framework, supportive community, and consistent practice, you can move from anxious planning to confident teaching faster than you might imagine.

Your students need what you have to offer. You completed your training for a reason—because you have something valuable to share. The SERVE Method simply gives you the tools to share it with confidence and effectiveness.

Ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start teaching with genuine authority? Join The Zone today and get immediate access to the complete Fundamentals of Confident Teaching course. Your future confident self—and your students—will thank you.

Why Boundaries Are Essential for Yoga Teachers

One of the most overlooked skills in yoga teaching isn’t sequencing, cueing, or even anatomy. It’s the art of setting and maintaining clear, healthy boundaries.

In Episode 37 of Yoga Teacher Confidential, we dive deep into why boundaries aren’t just about protecting your time—they’re about creating a container for meaningful connection and transformation.

Drawing from my 20+ years of teaching and owning a studio, I share stories, strategies, and affirmations that will help you approach boundaries with clarity, confidence, and compassion. I hope you’ll listen!

Listen hereYou’re the Guide, Not the Hero

Let’s start with a crucial mindset shift: you are the guide, not the hero of your students’ yoga journeys.

When we overextend ourselves—answering texts late at night, bending policies, or feeling personally responsible for a student’s progress—we risk two things:

Burning ourselves outRobbing students of their own agency

Remember, you’re there to hold space, not to save. Just like Yoda didn’t go on Luke’s mission and Gandalf didn’t fight Frodo’s battles, you can offer wisdom and support without carrying the weight of your students’ journeys.

Ethical Boundaries Start with Physical Space

Ethical touch is one of the clearest boundaries in yoga teaching. This should go without saying, but:

Always ask for consent before offering hands-on assists.Ensure touch is purposeful, professional, and consent-based—no exceptions.

But boundaries go beyond the physical. They also include the emotional and psychological spaces we navigate with students. In private moments after class, students might share intimate details or seek advice beyond your scope. Compassionate listening is essential, but so is knowing when to refer to qualified professionals.

Digital and Personal Boundaries: Be Intentional

How much do you share about your personal life with students?

This varies by teacher, but the key is intention.

Ask yourself:

Am I sharing to serve my students’ growth?Or am I seeking validation, connection, or comfort for myself?

Set conscious guidelines about what you will and won’t discuss, both in person and online. It’s useful to do this before you need to enforce it! For example, I choose to keep my family life and political opinions off the table but will share struggles from my personal practice if it serves the class.

On social media, it’s helpful to keep separate professional and personal accounts and to set clear expectations on when and how students can reach you.

Managing Your Time: Clear Start, Clear Finish

Yoga teachers often underestimate the importance of time boundaries.

When does class actually end?How available are you before and after class?

It’s tempting to linger and chat, especially when students seek advice or connection. But remember: your time and energy are limited.

You could always say, “I have five minutes right now. Would you like to explore this briefly, or should we schedule a private session to go deeper?”

This approach respects both your limits and your students’ needs—while opening the door for deeper, more focused work.

Recognizing Transference and Projection

Here’s where things get subtle.

Transference is when a student projects feelings onto you that stem from past relationships—seeing you as a parental figure, a savior, or even an adversary. Projection happens when students assume you feel things you may not (for example, that you’re judging them, when in fact they’re judging themselves).

The key here is awareness. When you notice a dynamic that feels emotionally charged or out of proportion, step back, ground yourself, and re-center in your professional role.

This isn’t about diagnosing or fixing the dynamic—it’s about maintaining appropriate boundaries and not getting pulled into emotional drama.

Practical Tools for Communicating Boundaries

Setting boundaries doesn’t have to feel cold or rigid. In fact, clarity is one of the kindest things you can offer.

Here are a few tips:

Frame boundaries positively: Instead of “I don’t answer texts after 7 p.m.,” try “I respond to messages during business hours, typically within 24 hours.”Use “I” statements: Instead of “You’re taking too much time,” say “I need to wrap up now for my next commitment.”Be consistent: Avoid making exceptions that set new expectations or precedents. If you choose to make a one-time exception, name it clearly to prevent confusion.Internal Boundaries Matter, Too

Boundaries aren’t just external. Sometimes, the expectations you place on yourself as a teacher are the most draining of all.

If you’re feeling resentful, over-obligated, or emotionally exhausted, ask:

Am I expecting myself to be endlessly available or perfectly patient?Am I carrying responsibilities that aren’t mine to hold?

Releasing these unrealistic internal demands is a powerful act of self-care—and makes you a more sustainable, effective teacher.

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect:

Where are your boundaries strongest?Where might you need to shore them up?How can you communicate your limits with warmth and clarity?

If you’re feeling unsure, remember: you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join Us in The Zone

In my free community, The Zone, we talk about topics like this every month. You can bring your tricky teaching questions, share your experiences, and get support from a circle of peers who understand the unique challenges of yoga teaching.

Join The Zone here and connect with a supportive, thoughtful community.

Final Takeaway

Boundaries are not barriers. They are the banks of the river that allow your energy, wisdom, and care to flow in a meaningful direction.

By holding clear boundaries, you’re not limiting your impact—you’re making it more sustainable, focused, and transformational.

How to Teach Private Yoga Lessons with Confidence

Private yoga lessons are where the real magic happens.

While it’s fulfilling to guide a packed room of students, in one-on-one sessions that you can offer personalized attention, witness deep transformation, and help students break through long-standing challenges. But private sessions aren’t just smaller group classes. They require a totally different set of skills.

In Episode 36 of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I break down exactly how to navigate private yoga lessons so you can offer transformative, student-centered experiences with confidence. Let’s dig into the biggest takeaways.

Setting the Tone: Why the First Few Minutes Matter

First impressions shape everything. When your private student arrives, your job isn’t just to roll out the mat, it’s to create a safe, welcoming container.

Ask open, meaningful questions like “How are you feeling today?” to uncover what’s most relevant for them right now. Maybe they came in thinking they wanted core work, but today they’re battling stress or low back pain. When you start with authentic connection, you make space for real transformation.

Personalized Feedback: The Fast Track to Student Progress

Unlike group classes, private sessions let you zoom in on the details that matter.

The trick is balancing encouragement and constructive feedback. Highlight what’s working (find the shri!) before offering just one specific adjustment. Too many corrections overwhelm; one clear refinement builds trust and confidence.

Also, remember: feedback isn’t a one-way street. Ask:

How does that feel in your body?Does this adjustment make sense to you?What are you noticing?

This teaches students to articulate their experience and deepens their awareness, which is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer.

Managing Pacing and Flow

Without the collective energy of a room, you’ll need to manage momentum yourself. Private sessions give you the luxury of depth: you’ll have time to break down alignment, workshop transitions, or explore biomechanics.

But be careful. Too much explanation can leave students in their heads. Balance exploration with dynamic movement. Watch for fatigue or glazed-over eyes, and stay nimble—sometimes pivoting to a different approach is the most responsive, student-centered thing you can do.

Adapting in the Moment

Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s OK.

Give your student a clear roadmap at the start, but be ready to adjust. Maybe your stress-reduction sequence feels too slow for today’s energy. Maybe a physical limitation surfaces mid-session. Adaptation is a sign of mastery, not failure.

Staying present, responsive, and flexible is what makes private lessons so powerful.

Closing with Intention

The end of a private session is prime integration time. Leave space for reflection:

What are you taking away from today?What felt most meaningful?

Be realistic when assigning home practice. A ten-minute routine they’ll actually do is far better than an hour-long sequence that overwhelms. And always express gratitude—the art of teaching private yoga sessions, offering practical techniques to build trust, deliver feedback, and craft a student-centered experience.showing up for private work takes vulnerability, and your student deserves to be celebrated for it.

Ready to Improve Your Private Teaching?

If you’re looking to deepen your skills, I invite you to join:

The Zone  (my free community for yoga teachers): Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing  (my six-month mentorship program)

Remember: teaching private yoga is both an art and a science. With the right tools, you can create life-changing experiences for your students—and become the confident, adaptable teacher you’re meant to be.

Split Squat Yoga Flow: Complete Hands-Free Sequence for Teachers (and Students)

Challenge Your Students Without Challenging Their Wrists

Are you looking for a dynamic yoga sequence that gives students a full-body workout without putting pressure on their wrists? This hands-free flow delivers exactly that while incorporating fundamental movement patterns every yoga teacher should know.

This complete sequence systematically moves through all six moves of the spine—flexion, extension, side bending left and right, and twisting left and right—while targeting the four lines of the hip. What makes it unique is the intentional use of both short and long sides of the mat, creating spatial awareness and challenging balance in new ways.

Why Hands-Free Flows Matter

Many students struggle with wrist pain or simply want variety beyond traditional sun salutations. This sequence offers:

Complete spinal mobility without wrist pressureHip strengthening and flexibility in all planes of movementBalance and coordination challengesFresh perspective on familiar posesThe S.E.R.V.E. Method in Action

This video demonstrates my S.E.R.V.E. teaching methodology:

Structure: The sequence is pre-designed to move you through all planes of motionExperience: You get a chance to practice it as a student firstRepeat: Teach it to your classesVary: Modify intentionally for different needsEvolve: Grow your teaching skills through practice

Whether you’re a new teacher looking to expand your repertoire or an experienced instructor seeking fresh inspiration, this hands-free flow offers practical tools you can implement immediately.

This flow is featured in the recipe of the month for June inside Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing: A Mentorship Membership. Join today to get immediate access to a full recipe box so you always know just what nourishing movement to serve your students in every class!

Enroll in MMM to plan wonderful lessons