Let's Talk Yoga

In this episode, I highlight an often-overlooked but crucial step in yoga teaching—building a solid foundation before focusing on sequencing. I share a 10-point cheat list to help yoga teachers improve their class planning and sequencing skills. This includes understanding each pose’s fundamentals, knowing the Sanskrit and English names, and being aware of the benefits and contraindications. I also emphasize the importance of using props, guiding students through breathwork, and recognizing whether a pose is heating, cooling, or neutral. Additionally, I discuss how to assess the difficulty of poses, incorporate proper warm-ups, and balance sequences with counter poses. Mastering these principles helps create more thoughtful and personalized classes that enhance students' well-being.
Episode Highlights:

• Know the Name of the Pose
• Know the Benefits of the Pose
• Contraindications
• Adaptations of Poses
• Use Props Skillfully
• Breathing Pattern for Poses
• Know the Nature of the Pose
• Pose Levels
• Warm-up Needs
• Counter Poses

Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

In this episode, we explore the art of instructing yoga. It's something yoga teachers do every single time we enter a class. Yet, many yoga teachers struggle with getting comfortable, or skillful at instructing. Because we have to take what we have as experience in our bodies and being. Make it coherent for someone else. While this sounds straightforward, it's not.
Arundhati interviews Christina Sell. A long-time yoga teacher and student. The conversation goes deep into the "art of instructing yoga". If you teach yoga asana in some capacity, this is highly recommended listen.
Episode Highlights...

• The goal of yoga and asana teachers in giving instructions
• Avoiding over-instructing and under-instructing
• Quality learning and instructing amidst the fast-paced world of yoga
• Cueing in yoga
• Is there a difference between teaching a beginner and a more experienced student?
• Christina's words of encouragement

Christina Sell has been practicing asana since 1991. Known for her passion, clarity and creativity, Christina’s teaching style is a dynamic and challenging blend of inspiration, humor, and hard work.

Christina has a BA in Counseling and Education and an MA in Integrative Education and Curriculum Design. She resides in Bellingham, WA with her husband, two very affectionate cats, and the world’s best dog, Locket.

WAITLIST - Pranayama Teacher Training 2022

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes

Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

As yoga teachers, knowing the origins of yoga & its passage through time is very significant. In fact, I would argue that's it's required if one teaches any aspect of yoga. Knowing this correctly is not only important but has deep cultural implications if misinterpreted.
I’ve been on the lookout for the “perfect” guest for this one. Someone who could take into account the many subtle nuances & layers that a conversation about the origins of yoga warrants.

To follow its passage through time with clarity & draw a timeline is no small feat. On the Let’s Talk Yoga podcast today, Prasad Ragnekar walks you through the origins of yoga & its passage through time with ease, clarity & humor.

Here are just a few highlights to give you a glimpse into this wonderful conversation that is a must listen if you teach yoga or love yoga in some capacity.

• How did yoga originate?
• What was the original goal of yoga?
• Why the goal post of yoga has shifted?
• What do we mean by yoga during the Vedic times? How do the Upanishads tie into this?
• What about Patanjali’s yoga?
• What is Hatha yoga?
• Simplifying the link between the Vedas, Upanishads & Bhagawad Geeta.
• The impact of British colonization on yoga
• Do labels like classical yoga, pre-classical yoga, modern yoga etc make sense?
• Differences between learning from a teacher versus a book

🙌🏼 And literally SO MUCH MORE...That it's not easy to squeeze into the highlights. If you've ever wanted to understand the history, origins & passage of yoga this is your podcast!

Prasad has been studying yoga since the age of 9 with over 36 years of study & sadhana. He has taught in over 18 countries & has a wonderful Youtube channel with over 350 video resources for yoga teachers.

When I started this podcast, I made a commitment to highlighting Indian yoga teacher voices as there is so much richness that is often lost in the modern yoga world. When I can bring you yoga teachers like this, it truly makes my heart full.

If you love this episode, please screenshot it, tag Prasad and me & tell us your favorite part.
Online Yoga Teacher Trainings : https://mindfulyogateachers.com/
You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Have you ever asked yourself what's the most important yoga class you'll ever teach? Usually, you'll hear one of these 3 responses...

• Every class is equally important
• Teaching advanced asana because safety is important
• Teaching aspiring yoga teachers

But for me personally, all of these miss the mark. The most important class you'll ever teach is that in which there's a beginners student or even better, a full class of beginner yoga students.
Why?
Because the beginner is a blank canvas. And you have the incredible opportunity to showcase all that yoga has to offer. To literally help change their lives. While that sounds cliched. Most modern-day yoga studios, just dump people into a level 1, slow flow or gentle vinyasa class. And let the student figure out yoga for themselves based on their interest or convenience.
This leads to many people starting yoga but not sticking to it. There is a better way! That's what we explore in today's episode & you even get a preview into my new virtual course that addresses this issue.
I've literally been trying to solve this problem for a decade. I'll be sharing all my insights with you in the weeks ahead. While this podcast is a shorty. It sets the stage for much greater clarity of things coming your way.
To sign up for the course, or the free information session. Those details will be out with next week's episode...But make sure you're on my mailing list.
Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AhamYoga
You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Sequencing in yoga is a vital skill that transforms a collection of poses into a meaningful and impactful practice, and that’s why I want to explore this topic today. As yoga teachers, our ability to craft thoughtful sequences directly influences how students experience and grow in their practice, whether they’re beginners seeking balance or advanced practitioners reaching for deeper challenges. By understanding the principles of sequencing—whether it’s preparing for a peak pose, building a theme-based class, or creating a well-rounded flow for general well-being—we can deliver classes that are not only structured but also deeply rewarding. This discussion sets the stage for my upcoming free masterclass, where I’ll dive even deeper into this essential teaching skill.
Episode Highlights:

• What is sequencing?
• Importance of tailoring sequencing to students’ levels and needs.
• Sequencing is central to modern yoga teaching but is only one part of a well-rounded class.
• Three Key Types of Sequencing
  • Peak Pose Sequencing
    • Challenges: Requires adaptation to students' levels to avoid overwhelming them.
  • Themed Sequencing
    • Caution: Avoid overly complicated or abstract themes to ensure substance and engagement.
  • General Well-Being Sequencing

Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram