biz: 5 ways to get out of a yoga class planning rut {video}

ever feel like you're stuck in a yoga-class-planning-rut?

no earth shattering sequences enliven your teaching, no new or untapped themes, no pizzazz.

we've all been there -- as much as we LOVE teaching and our students, it's inevitable that we draw a creative blank from time to time.

if you feel like your teaching's been a little lack-luster lately, you're going to adore today's video.  (and, after you watch it, i want to hear from you!)

in the vid below, i share 5 easy ways to get yourself unstuck and reconnect with your authentic inner teacher :-)

what has helped you get out of a class planning rut? share it in the comments below!  i love learning from you!

P.S. Become a {Yoga} Brand speaker series is coming in January 2014!  Want in?  Sign-up here to be the first to hear about it :-)

yogi: how to save time planning your yoga classes

If you teach several yoga classes each week, just planning all your classes, let alone teaching them, can take a lot of time. If you’re finding that it’s more stressful than fun to plan all your classes, you’re not alone, but there’s a simple, easy way to alleviate that unwanted pressure – reuse your class plans! You may feel like you’re taking a shortcut or disappointing your students if you don’t show up with a completely new class plan each and every time, but nothing could be further from the truth. You should reuse your class plans! Teaching the same class a few times gives your syllabus a chance to grow, develop, and change. Plus, you’ll find yourself improvising and riffing in new directions that will offer your students a different and deeper experience.

Also, working your students through the same sequencing a few times will allow them to feel some progress with the poses. If you’ve introduced some new or challenging poses, giving your students the chance to try them again will boost their confidence and self-esteem as they see their practices improve.

Instead of working on 10 unique class plans and spreading yourself too thin, plan just two or three instead. Not only will you find that you’re less stressed, you’ll also be able to infuse more quality and thoughtfulness into your sequencing and themes.

Don’t be afraid to be transparent about it! If you feel like you’re copping out by reusing class plans, be upfront with your students. Let them know they’ll be working through similar sequencing a few days in a row, and tell them why. Once they understand the benefits, they’ll be on board with it, too!

Plus, with some of that free time that you’ve found, why not attend a yoga class yourself and get even more great class ideas to share with your students!

i originally wrote this for my yoga online.

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yogi: appeal to the senses - 3 things you need to do before teaching yoga class

hi yogis!  if you're a yoga teacher, setting the scene is a big part of class planning.  and that's why it's so important to arrive 15 minutes or so before class begins so that you can take care of creating your ideal "backdrop" before students start arriving.  if you want your students to get the most out of your classes, creating the ideal environment for them to practice in is key.  so, the next time you're heading to the studio to teach, make sure you allot a few extra minutes to take care of these essential items. 1. check the temp -- a room that is too cold (or too hot -- unless you're teaching bikram) can be uncomfortable.  instead of students focusing on their breath, they'll be distracted by their chilly toes and stiff muscles.  when you get into the room, notice the temperature, and if it needs adjusting, handle that immediately so the temp has time to regulate before the students arrive.

2. look at the lighting -- next, adjust the lighting to meet your preferences.  are you teaching a gentle, restorative class that calls for low lighting and candles?  or have you planned a rockin' vinyasa class that requires brighter lighting to keep the energy up?  upon entering, the lighting will subconsciously alert your students to the energy level and mood you're looking to generate.

3. put on the tunes -- if you like to instruct to music, get your playlist going so that the ambiance is complete when students enter.  also, remember that the tunes you select can mirror the flow of the class -- start with slow mantra chants, amp it up with some mc yogi, and then pair savasana with slower, soulful sounds.

these subtle elements may seem like an afterthought, but pairing your class plan with these other sensual elements will allow your students to enjoy their practice on a deeper level.

now, it's yoga time!

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