Sage Rountree's Blog, page 7

The Power of Feedback: How to Improve as a Yoga Teacher

Teaching yoga can be deeply fulfilling, but it can also feel isolating. How do you know if your students are truly connecting with your class? How do you improve if no one tells you what’s working and what isn’t? Without yoga teacher feedback, it’s easy to feel like you’re teaching in a vacuum.

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth as a yoga instructor—but it’s also one of the hardest to come by. Let’s explore:

✅ Why student feedback is rare and how to ask for it effectively

✅ How peer feedback for yoga teachers provides the most valuable insights

✅ Actionable strategies to improve your teaching through structured feedback

If you want to become a stronger, more confident instructor, keep reading.

why student feedback is hard to get

Many yoga instructors struggle to receive feedback because students don’t always know how to articulate what they liked (or didn’t like). Here’s why:

Lack of technical language. Students may not have the vocabulary to describe what worked. They might say, “That was great!”—but what does that mean?Yoga culture discourages criticism. Many yoga students are hesitant to offer constructive feedback because they don’t want to seem negative. “Love and light” prevails and helpful notes are suppressed.Students are in a post-class haze. If you’re doing your job well, your students leave class feeling really relaxed. This makes it unlikely that they’ll immediately offer detailed insights.how to ask for meaningful feedback in yoga classes

To get useful, actionable feedback as a yoga teacher, you have to ask the right questions at the right time. Instead of a generic “How was class?” try:

Before class: “What keeps you coming back?” or “What do you need for your practice today?”After class: “What was one thing that really worked for you today?” or “Was there a moment where you felt lost or confused?”Anonymous surveys: Send a simple yoga class evaluation form using Google Forms or SurveyMonkey. Keep it short—3 to 5 questions, max.

By shifting the way you ask, you’ll start to receive clear, helpful feedback that allows you to refine your teaching.

why peer feedback is the best feedback for yoga teachers

While student insights are helpful, your biggest growth as a yoga instructor will come from peer feedback.

Your fellow teachers have the technical expertise to assess:

✅ Your cueing clarity and voice modulation

✅ The structure of your sequencing

✅ Your class pacing and presence

Think about it: If you were a chef, would you rather get feedback from a fellow chef or from a group of hungry teenagers? Your peers can identify subtle refinements that students might never notice but that make a huge difference in your teaching effectiveness.

how to get peer feedback and improve your teaching

If you’re serious about refining your skills as a yoga teacher, here’s how you can start incorporating peer feedback:

Peer observation: Ask a trusted yoga teacher to observe your class and offer feedback.

Join a yoga mentorship program: Structured mentorship provides consistent, high-quality feedback from experienced instructors.

Record yourself teaching: Watch your own classes and critique your sequencing, verbal cues, and presence.

ready for real feedback? join my yoga mentorship program

If you’re craving peer support and expert feedback, I invite you to join my online yoga teacher mentorship program! It’s called Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing: A Mentorship Membership.

Inside, you’ll receive:

✅ Supportive, structured peer feedback

✅ Expert guidance on yoga sequencing and cueing

✅ A welcoming community of yoga teachers invested in growth

You can even earn CEUs or work toward your 300-hour YTT certification. But most importantly, you’ll get real, constructive feedback that helps you teach with confidence.

Learn more at sagerountree.com/mentorship.

embracing feedback for growth

No one gives feedback unless they care. If a student or a peer takes the time to offer constructive insights, it means they want you to succeed.

By actively seeking yoga teacher feedback, you’ll improve your sequencing, class structure, and confidence—ultimately creating a better experience for your students.

Listen to S1E22 of Yoga Teacher Confidential to hear more.

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Affirmation: My Voice Is Powerful

Yoga teacher affirmation: my voice is powerful.

And when I own my power, I can elevate others and their voices.

How to Theme Your Yoga Classes with Confidence

Theming is one of the most powerful tools in a yoga teacher’s toolkit. It transforms a class from a simple sequence into a meaningful experience—one that stays with students long after they leave the mat. But even as much as we want to offer this elevated feeling to our students, theming can feel intimidating.

How do you choose a theme that resonates? How do you make it personal yet universal? And how do you incorporate yoga philosophy without feeling like you need a PhD?

In season 1, episode 21 of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I sit down with my longtime collaborator Alexandra DeSiato to talk about all things theming. If you’ve ever struggled to weave themes into your classes in a way that feels natural and authentic, this conversation is for you.

why theming matters

Theming is what gives your classes depth. Sure, a well-structured sequence is important, but the theme is what elevates the experience, making your teaching more engaging and memorable. As I like to say, if sequencing is the meal, theming is the wine pairing—or kombucha, if that’s more your vibe. It enhances everything.

A strong theme does a few things:

✔️ It provides an emotional throughline that ties the class together.

✔️ It gives students something to reflect on beyond just movement.

✔️ It helps differentiate your teaching and create a signature style.

✔️ It builds confidence—both for you and your students.

But you don’t have to overcomplicate it. Simple can be most powerful!

making theming personal and universal

A theme lands best when it’s both personal and universal. This is something Alexandra and I really emphasize in our new book, Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2.

When you bring in a theme, it’s helpful to share a personal connection—but not in a way that makes it all about you. Students don’t need to hear your life story in detail, but they do appreciate authenticity. A small, specific story can make the theme more relatable.

For example, Alexandra tells a hilarious story in the book about her daughter putting up a sign that said “No Blonde Mommies” after Alexandra surprised her family with a new hair color. It’s a small, funny detail, but it gets at a much larger, universal experience: the challenge of change, the need for independence, and the ways we process emotions. When she uses this story as part of a class theme, students don’t just hear about her experience—they start reflecting on their own.

overcoming the fear of teaching yoga philosophy

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: yoga philosophy can feel intimidating to teach. Many teachers worry, Who am I to talk about this? They wonder if they need years of study before they can confidently bring in concepts like ahimsa or santosha.

But you don’t need to be a scholar to share yoga philosophy in an accessible way.

Start with what resonates with you. If a concept like santosha (contentment) speaks to you, explore it in your own life first. What does it mean to you? How do you struggle with it? How have you seen it show up in your practice?

When you share from a place of lived experience, your teaching becomes more authentic. And remember, yoga philosophy isn’t about delivering a lecture—it’s about offering ideas that students can take and explore on their own terms.

what’s new in Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2

If you loved the first book, you’ll love Volume 2 even more. It’s packed with 54 brand-new themes and a refined approach to theming that we’ve developed over the past five years.

Some of the key updates include:

An evolved theming template that helps you structure themes more effectively.New themes based on yoga philosophy, mythology, and everyday life, making it easy to find something that speaks to you.A “takeaway” section for each theme—something small students can carry with them after class, whether it’s a quote, a journal prompt, or even a little physical token (yes, there’s a nail polish idea in there!).A collection of themes on social justice and yoga, because theming isn’t just about inspiration—it’s also about making yoga a more inclusive and meaningful space.your voice is powerful

If you take one thing away from this episode, let it be this: your voice is powerful. Your students are there for a reason. They trust you to guide them, to share something meaningful, and to create an experience that goes beyond just movement.

So don’t be afraid to theme. Start small. Find something that resonates. Share it in a way that feels natural to you. And trust that your words will reach the students who need them.

📖 Preorder Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2, today!

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

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Affirmation: My Students Value My Work

Yoga teacher affirmation: My students value my work as much as I value myself.

When I price my services properly, I create a sustainable career for myself and add value to yoga for everyone.

Confident Pricing for Yoga Teachers: How to Charge What You’re Worth

One of the biggest challenges yoga teachers face is setting their prices. Too often, teachers undercharge, fearing they will lose students or seem greedy. But confident pricing isn’t just about making more money—it’s about ensuring students value your offerings and that your teaching career is sustainable.

In this guide, we’ll explore why pricing matters, how to overcome mental blocks around money, and a step-by-step approach to setting rates for private yoga lessons, workshops, and corporate classes.

why pricing confidently matters

Many yoga teachers struggle with pricing because they feel uncomfortable talking about money. But here’s the truth:

✅ When people pay, they pay attention. A well-priced offering increases commitment and engagement.

✅ Undercharging leads to burnout. If your rates don’t sustain your teaching career, you’ll feel drained and unable to give your best to students.

✅ Pricing impacts perception. Higher prices signal expertise, professionalism, and quality.

Rather than setting your rates based on fear, it’s important to use a strategic approach—one that aligns with your expertise, market demand, and business needs.

5 steps to setting confident yoga rates

If you’re not sure where to start with pricing your private lessons or workshops, follow this step-by-step framework.

1. Do the Math: Cover Your Costs and Time

Before setting your rates, you need to calculate your expenses. Consider:

• Studio rental fees (if applicable)

• Props and supplies

• Marketing and administrative time

• Insurance and continued education

Your pricing should not only cover these costs but also compensate you fairly for your expertise and teaching time.

2. Assess the Market (But Don’t Undercut Yourself)

It’s helpful to research what other yoga teachers in your area charge for private lessons, workshops, and corporate classes. However, avoid setting your rates solely based on others—your experience, location, and specialization all play a role.

Pro Tip: Check pricing for massage therapy or private Pilates lessons in your area. Yoga teachers should charge comparable rates.

3. Set a Baseline Rate: The Minimum You’ll Accept

Determine your minimum viable rate—the lowest price you’re willing to accept while still feeling valued and motivated. If a teaching opportunity pays less than this, it’s a sign to decline or adjust the terms.

For example, you might set:

• Private Lesson Baseline – $100 per hour minimum

• Workshop Baseline – $30 per student per hour

• Corporate Class Baseline – $200 per session

4. Communicate Pricing with Confidence

Many yoga teachers hesitate when stating their prices, which can signal uncertainty to potential clients. Practice saying your rates out loud until they feel natural.

Rather than apologizing or over-explaining, simply state:

“My rate for a private lesson is $150 per hour. Let me know what scheduling works for you.”

If a student balks at the price, offer package deals instead of lowering your rate outright.

5. Create a Pricing Structure That Encourages Commitment

For consistent students, offering multi-session packages can help both you and them stay accountable. Example pricing structures:

✅ Private Yoga Lessons:

$150 for one lesson$700 for five lessons (save $50)$1,300 for ten lessons (save $200)

✅ Workshops:

$40 per student for a 2-hour session$100 for a 5-hour immersive training

✅ Corporate Classes:

$300 for a one-time class$1,200 for a monthly package (weekly sessions)the more you charge, the more you can give

Many teachers hesitate to charge higher rates out of guilt, but remember: when your business is thriving, you have more flexibility to serve those in need.

For instance, at my yoga studio, we offer a 25 percent discount for BIPOC yoga teachers as a way to encourage diversity in the field. By pricing our regular offerings sustainably, we can make space for community scholarships and sliding scale opportunities.

overcoming common mental blocks about pricing

If pricing still feels intimidating, consider these mindset shifts:

Fear of Rejection: Not everyone will say yes, and that’s OK! Those who truly value your expertise will invest in it.

Guilt About Charging More: Your work holds tremendous value. Just as massage therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers charge professional rates, so should yoga teachers.

Comparing Yourself to Others: Your pricing should reflect your unique experience, training, and value—not just what others charge.

ready to set your rates with confidence?

If you’re still unsure how to price your yoga services, I have a free training that will help—even if you never intend to work with athletes!

Grow Your Yoga Business | Teach Yoga to Athletes and Increase Your Income

In this workshop, I break down:

✅ How to determine your ideal rates

✅ Real-world examples of pricing for private lessons and workshops

✅ How to confidently state your rates without hesitation

Start pricing your services in a way that sustains you and your students. You deserve to be paid well for the work you do!

Sign up for the workshop here:

And listen to S1E20 of Yoga Teacher Confidential to hear more about confident pricing.

LISTEN NOW

Affirmation: I serve my students by finding the right way to teach them

Yoga teacher affirmation: I serve my students by finding the right way to teach them.

I know my students come to class to be seen. I build connection through observing them, and I learn how to help them best. 

The post Affirmation: I serve my students by finding the right way to teach them appeared first on Sage Rountree.

Are Sun Salutations Sabotaging Your Classes? How to Fix Them

Sun salutations are a staple in many yoga classes, but have you ever considered whether they might be driving students away? For some students, these sequences can feel discouraging, inaccessible, or even overwhelming. But with a few simple modifications, you can make sun salutations work for everyone—and set your classes apart as creative, inclusive, and engaging.

Here, I’ll explain:

Why traditional sun salutations might be alienating some studentsHow to modify sun salutations to reduce strain and frustrationCreative ways to add variety and accessibilityAdaptations to make your class more inclusive for all levels and all agesHow these changes can boost retention, reputation, and revenue

And to bring it all together, I’m sharing two follow-along videos: one explaining the issues with standard sun salutations and another guiding you through a hands-free, spine-friendly variation. Follow along to feel what I’m saying really land in your own body—then serve it to your students.

why sun salutations might be driving your yoga students away

Sun salutations are NOT one-size-fits-all. While they can be a great way to warm up, they also introduce challenges that can make yoga feel unapproachable for some students.

potential problems with traditional sun salutations:Too Many Up-and-Down Transitions: Students with blood pressure issues or vertigo may feel dizzy moving between standing, forward folding, and stepping back.Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Strain: Plank, chaturanga, and down dog put a lot of pressure on the upper body, which can be painful for students with sensitivity or injuries. Do you remember how long it took for your wrists to condition when you first started practicing yoga? For me, it took months, if not years, to build up the strength that keeps my wrists comfortable.Strength Barriers: For beginners or those building strength, holding planks and lowering through chaturanga can feel overwhelming.Flexibility Challenges: Stepping forward from down dog into a lunge isn’t accessible for everyone, making transitions feel frustrating or even humiliating.

When students feel unsupported or incapable, they’re less likely to return. And when retention drops, so does your class attendance—and ultimately, your teaching momentum.

how to make sun salutations more accessible

The good news? You don’t have to eliminate sun salutations—you just might need to tweak them to ensure everyone can participate with confidence.

try these simple modifications:

Reduce wrist and shoulder load. Instead of stepping back to down dog, have students start at the front of their mat and step back into a lunge. This eliminates weight-bearing on the hands. (Bonus: it keeps the front-leg knee in a comfortable position, too!)

Minimize big postural shifts. Replace full forward folds with standing cat-cow, where students keep their hands on their thighs. This reduces dizziness while still allowing for spine movement. (Bonus: it allows for students to customize the back stretch without overloading their hamstrings.)

Incorporate more planes of motion. Traditional sun salutations keep students moving only forward and back (sagittal plane). Add side bends and twists in mountain pose, in chair pose, and in lunges to introduce movement in the frontal and transverse planes, creating a more balanced practice.

Offer hands-free options. By focusing on standing movements rather than floor transitions, you give students a chance to build strength and confidence without the frustration of inaccessible steps forward.

With these adjustments, sun salutations become more welcoming, ensuring that every student can engage fully in class.

And when you engage your students, they return. As you retention increases, so do your referrals and your class numbers—and then you are helping more people with yoga! Win/win.

watch these videos to see these concepts in action

Want to see the difference these modifications make? Watch these two videos:

Why Sun Salutations Might Be Sabotaging Your ClassesFollow Along with a Hands-Free, Spine-Friendly Sun Salutation

Apply these tweaks to create a class that supports all students—keeping them engaged, comfortable, and coming back for more.

get more creative sequencing ideas inside my Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Membership

Making sun salutations more accessible is just the beginning. If you want to feel more confident in your class planning and learn how to create sequences that are both inclusive and engaging, join Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Membership (MMM).

Inside MMM, you’ll get:

Expert guidance on sequencing for different student needsReady-to-use lesson plans that save you time—get a full month of creative, sustainable lesson plans that your students will lovePersonalized feedback and mentorship to refine your teachingA community of like-minded yoga teachers supporting each other—this group is fantastic!Join us and immediately start crafting classes that keep students coming back!be a great yoga teacher in MMM

Your students deserve a practice that meets them where they are and makes them feel successful and at ease in their practice. And you deserve to feel confident in your teaching. Try these sun salutation modifications and see the difference they make in your classes!

The post Are Sun Salutations Sabotaging Your Classes? How to Fix Them appeared first on Sage Rountree.

Are You Making One of These Two Common Yoga Lesson Planning Mistakes?

If you’re a yoga teacher, you put a lot of thought into your lesson plans. But what if I told you that your planning style might be driving students away—without you even realizing it?

In my latest video, I break down the two biggest mistakes new yoga teachers make when designing their classes. Watch the video below to find out which type of teacher you are, and learn how to create sequences that keep students engaged, inspired, and coming back for more.

the two archetypes of yoga teachers

Over my two decades of teaching yoga and training over 1,000 yoga teachers, I’ve noticed that most new instructors fall into one of two categories: Type A or Type B. Recognizing which one you are is the first step toward creating balanced, effective sequences.

type A: the overplanner

Type A teachers cling tightly to their sequences. They have a set plan, and they stick to it every single time—almost like they’ve laminated their lesson plans. Their classes are consistent but can quickly feel repetitive and uninspiring to students.

The problem? Too much structure (sthira) and not enough ease (sukha). Without adaptability, students may feel stuck and disengaged.

type B: the free spirit

Type B teachers are the opposite. They embrace spontaneity, creating classes on the fly or pulling inspiration from a cool flow they saw on Instagram that morning. While this approach keeps things fresh, it can also leave students feeling disoriented and lacking a sense of progression.

The problem? Too much ease (sukha) and not enough structure (sthira). Without a solid foundation, students struggle to build on their practice and see progress over time.

why neither approach works (and what to do instead)

Your students need both consistency and variety to stay engaged and improve their practice. Here’s what happens when you’re stuck in either extreme:

Too rigid? Students get bored, and their growth stagnates.Too freeform? Students feel lost, and their practice lacks direction.

The key lies in exercise physiology principles:

Progressive overload: Gradually increasing challenge to encourage adaptation over time.Specificity: Focusing on repeatable skills to create meaningful improvement.

If your teaching is too repetitive, you miss the variety needed for progressive overload. If it’s too unpredictable, you miss the specificity that helps students advance.

the solution: a flexible framework

The best lesson plans strike a balance between structure and adaptability. Think of it like a recipe: You have the foundational ingredients, but you can adjust the seasoning to suit your students’ needs that day.

Here’s how you can create engaging, effective yoga classes:

Use a template: My Greatest Hits Lesson Plan provides a flexible framework that ensures both consistency and variety.Plan with intention: Choose a specific sequence to guide your class planning for a month or longer.Balance repetition and exploration: Include familiar poses for continuity, but mix in new elements to keep things interesting.Stay open to adjustments: Read the room and modify as needed within a structured framework.ready to save time planning?

If you’re tired of overthinking your class plans—or feeling unprepared—grab my Greatest Hits Lesson Plan for free! This go-to template will help you create sequences that are balanced, creative, and easy to adapt.

Pop your email here and I’ll send it right over.

And if you’re looking for more sequencing strategies, check out my book The Art of Yoga Sequencing for deeper insights.

find your middle path

Your students deserve a practice that’s both consistent and varied. And you deserve the confidence that comes from knowing your classes are effective, engaging, and memorable. Watch the video above, grab your free lesson plan, and start refining your lesson planning today!

The post Are You Making One of These Two Common Yoga Lesson Planning Mistakes? appeared first on Sage Rountree.

Finding Balance: When to Demo and When to Observe in Yoga Teaching

Teaching yoga is about more than guiding students through poses. It’s about connection—with your students, the practice, and the space you share. But finding the right balance between demonstrating poses and stepping off your mat to observe can be tricky.

Let’s explore practical ways to approach demonstration and observation, so you can improve your teaching while creating a deeper connection with your students.

your mat: a paddleboard, not a raft

As yoga teachers, it’s easy to feel tethered to our mats. It feels safe there—it’s where we’re grounded and most familiar. But your mat isn’t just a raft keeping you afloat. Think of it as a paddleboard: a tool you can step off of to dive into the current of connection with your students.

When we step off the mat, we can see our students better, meet them where they are, and support them in ways that go beyond verbal or physical cues.

when demonstration is essential

There are times when demonstrating a pose is not only helpful but necessary:

For beginners: New students often need visual guidance to understand the vocabulary and flow of yoga. Demonstration ensures they feel confident and safe as they learn.

In trauma-sensitive yoga: The teacher staying on their mat and practicing alongside the students provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is especially important for creating a safe environment.

Complex transitions: If your sequence includes challenging transitions or unfamiliar poses, a quick demo helps students visualize the movement before trying it themselves.

In some cases, practicing alongside your students can create camaraderie. For example, when I teach core work or tricky transitions in my Yoga for Athletic Balance class, I often participate to build a sense of connection.

the value of observing students

While demoing has its place, stepping off your mat allows you to truly see your students. Observation enables you to tailor your teaching in real-time, offering adjustments, encouragement, or quieter moments as needed.

Ask yourself:

Am I stepping off my mat to serve my students, or because I feel like I “should”?Can I see my students’ needs from where I am, or would leaving my mat give me a clearer perspective?Am I balancing observation with connection, avoiding any sense of judgment?practical tips for teaching off the mat

Stepping off your mat takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you transition:

1. Start Small

Begin by leaving your mat for simpler poses, like reclined or seated sequences, where you can easily observe without feeling like you’re performing.

2. Use Strategic Setup

Position your mat perpendicular to the students’ mats so you can observe without turning your back on them. You might also place a second demo station at the side of the room for clarity in poses that face the long edge of the mat.

3. Repeat Sequences

Repetition builds familiarity. As students practice a flow multiple times, they’ll rely less on visual cues, giving you the freedom to observe and offer guidance.

4. Stay at Their Level

When students are lying down, sit or kneel to avoid looming over them. When they’re seated, rise just enough to maintain a supportive presence without intimidating them.

5. Communicate Your Intentions

Let your students know why you’re moving around the room. For example, “I’ll step to the back of the room to give you a steady focal point for balance.”

assisting: verbal, manual, or both

Observation opens the door to thoughtful assists. If you offer hands-on adjustments, always seek explicit consent—whether through verbal cues, consent cards, or nonverbal gestures.

If manual assists don’t feel appropriate, verbal adjustments can be just as powerful. A quiet suggestion like, “Try bending your front knee and see how that feels,” invites exploration without imposing your will.

connection without judgment

When you step off your mat, remember that your presence matters. Students come to class to feel seen—not judged. (If they didn’t care to be seen, they would follow along with a video at home.)

Simple habits like maintaining a warm expression, offering affirmations, and avoiding over-correction or micromanagement can make a world of difference.

Ultimately, the choice to demo or observe isn’t about following rigid rules. It’s about meeting your students where they are and finding the approach that best serves their growth.

Teaching yoga is an evolving practice. Whether you feel ready to step off your mat more or recommitted to staying grounded on it, the goal remains the same: to foster connection and support your students.

For more on this, listen to S1E19 of Yoga Teacher Confidential!

Listen here

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Affirmation: No Failure, Just Feedback

Yoga teacher affirmation: There’s no failure, just feedback.

I learn from my missteps and use that knowledge to serve my students even better.

For more, listen to S1E18 of Yoga Teacher Confidential!

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