A sequencing guide for opening your yoga class

Part One: Starting from a seated position

Dear humans,

When it comes to creative sequencing, much of the content you encounter online focuses on the middle of the yoga class. But this overlooks all the other great sections of a yoga class, including the opening moments. Which is your first opportunity to set the stage for the class ahead.

In this five part series for paid subscribers, I’ll share with you my favorite ways to open a yoga class. We’ll cover the five general postures you can start class in, exploring variations of each. Then I’ll offer some short sequences or “mini-flows” of movements you can take from each opening position.

In every post I’ll provide a video of all the options I like to use in my classes. I’ll also give you the write-ups and some guidance on how you can mix and match.

With this series, you’ll be well equipped and inspired to teach a creative yoga class right from the opening breath.

I hope you enjoy this resource! It will be wonderful to have in your back pocket whenever you need fresh ideas.

FIVE WAYS YOU CAN START A CLASS

At a very basic level, there are a few different postures where it makes sense to start class. I have opinions about my “favorite” ones, which I’ll share with you as we move through this series. Some of these places are more comfortable than others for students, and it’s important to keep that in mind.

But we’ll explore the benefits, variations, and options for these five main classic starting positions:

• Seated

• Laying on your back (supine)

• Child’s pose

• Laying on your belly (prone)

• Standing

Before I get into the physical postures, I’d like to say that I always, always start my yoga classes with the breath. Pranayama is a crucial part of the yoga practice. While this guide doesn’t cover the many breathing practices you can cue, I’d like to invite you to incorporate intentional breath into each yoga class you teach.

Let me know if you’re interested and perhaps I’ll make another guide on breathing exercises. Let’s get into it!

PART ONE: STARTING CLASS FROM A SEATED POSITION

Starting a yoga class in a seated posture is a lovely way to begin class. It is a nice mix between an active and a passive posture. It is active because it requires students to lengthen through the spine, engage the core, and it does require some flexibility in the legs and hips. Because of this, it’s always nice to use props. A block or blanket under the sitz bones is a great option.