![]() This segment won’t need much, if any, variation. In my classes, the relaxation segment consists of Savasana, om chanting, and a couple of minutes for questions. The goal is to allow lactic acid buildup to release, to integrate the effects of the previous poses, and to leave students feeling rejuvenated. This might be a short sequence of cooling floor postures like reclining spinal twists, or solely Savasana. In a 75-minute class, the core sequence will take up the next 30 minutes. Then when planning individual classes, you just need to vary the actual poses within each category. This sequence might not fit your yoga style, so you can come up with a structure of your own. The style of yoga I teach generally follows this basic core sequence: inversions, forward bends, backbends, twists, and standing poses. It can vary greatly between styles and depending on class goals- whether you focus on long holds or fluid, dance-like sequences, and whether the overall class is working toward a peak pose or a specific effect, like stress-relief. This segment forms the bulk of your class. In a 75-minute class, the warmup will take up the next 20 minutes. In my classes, the warmup includes six to eight rounds of traditional Sun Salutations, some sort of core work (like leg lifts), and some sort of upper body strengthening (like yoga pushups). Come up with a basic structure and stick to it. ![]() When you’re planning your classes, you don’t need to vary this segment much either. The goal is to prepare the body for the postures that lie ahead. This might include simple stretches like neck rolls and cat/cow, or more invigorating warmup practices like Sun Salutations. In a 75-minute class, centering will take up the first 10 minutes. This makes planning quite simple I always know what comes at the beginning of class. I don’t vary this segment much, with the exception of the pranayama exercises. Mine is om chanting, asking about injuries, and then pranayama. Then guide students through your centering routine, whatever it may be. Have students lie down in Savasana as soon as they walk in the door so they can get into yoga mode. I recommend beginning this segment before class starts. When students walk into a studio after a hectic, stressful day, they need a few minutes to get into a yoga frame of mind. This beginning segment of class is meant to bring mind and body to the mat. Here’s how you can tailor the general structure to your yoga classes: 1. Students need that relaxation, and they’ve paid for their full 60 or 75 minutes! What you don’t want to do is run out of time and have to skip the relaxation segment, or end class early. This structure helps you to know if you need to speed things up or slow down. Once you’re actually in the studio teaching, wear a watch and keep your eye on the time. ![]() ![]() ![]() Planning classes is simply a matter of switching out the poses within each category. Whether you’re a hatha, vinyasa, or power yoga teacher, this general class structure applies to most yoga styles. And when you know approximately how much time each segment should take, you’ll be sure to have well-rounded, perfectly timed yoga classes. By following this structure, you can simplify the process of planning yoga classes so it doesn’t become time-consuming. However, there’s a basic class structure that almost never changes: centering, warmup, core sequence, and relaxation. When you’re planning your yoga classes, you might feel overwhelmed by the infinite number of sequencing options. ![]()
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