3 MISTAKES YOU'RE MAKING WITH YOUR SEQUENCING AND WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
When I first started teaching yoga, I remember the excitement of stepping into the role—ready to share what I had learned, to inspire, and to guide my students toward transformation. But with that excitement came challenges I hadn’t fully anticipated. One of the trickiest aspects? Sequencing. I realized quickly that stringing together a series of poses wasn’t just about creating flow or showcasing my favorite asanas. It was about crafting an experience, meeting my students where they were, and ensuring each class felt intentional and meaningful.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many new teachers who, like me, found sequencing to be a nuanced and evolving skill. It’s a part of teaching that requires ongoing refinement, but through mindful practice, it can become second nature. Along the way, I’ve noticed three common mistakes new teachers often make when it comes to sequencing—and I’d love to share these insights with you.
1. Ignoring the Needs of Your Students
It’s easy to get wrapped up in creating a sequence that flows beautifully or highlights your favorite poses. But remember, the most important aspect of teaching is your students’ experience. They come to class with diverse levels of experience, flexibility, and physical needs, and your sequences should reflect that diversity.
What to Do Instead: Prioritise inclusivity and accessibility in your sequences. Offer modifications and variations to meet different body types and levels of practice. Gradually build up to more challenging poses, allowing your students to gain strength and confidence along the way. Tailoring your sequences to meet your students’ needs fosters a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
2. Lack of Intention and Theme
Sequencing is more than arranging poses in a logical order. It should tell a story, evoke emotions, and guide your students on a journey of self-discovery. Without a clear intention or theme, sequences can feel disjointed and lack depth.
What to Do Instead: Start each class with a clear intention or theme. Whether you want to focus on cultivating gratitude, encouraging balance, or nurturing self-love, let your sequences reflect that purpose. Think about how each pose contributes to the story you’re telling and guides students through their personal practice. By doing this, you create a meaningful and transformative experience.
3. Overcomplicating Sequences
It’s tempting to impress students with intricate flows and advanced poses, especially when you’re passionate about sharing everything you’ve learned. But complexity doesn’t always serve your students. In fact, overly complicated sequences can overwhelm, leaving students feeling frustrated and disconnected.
What to Do Instead: Keep it simple and focus on mindful movement and breath awareness. Allow students to fully experience each pose without rushing through transitions. If your sequence involves more challenging flows, break them down into manageable steps with clear instructions. Remember, the beauty of yoga lies in its simplicity—by keeping sequences accessible, you create space for deeper exploration and connection.
Conclusion
Sequencing isn’t just a skill; it’s an art that evolves with time and practice. The way you craft your classes can have a profound impact on your students' experience, so approach it with patience, creativity, and self-reflection. Avoiding these common mistakes will not only enhance the effectiveness of your classes but also empower your students to explore their practice more deeply. Ultimately, sequencing with mindfulness and intention creates a space where true transformation can unfold—for both you and your students.