Are you caught in the cycle of chasing certifications, thinking one more training will finally make you feel ready? You’re not alone. Many yoga teachers—new and experienced—fall into the trap of believing that more hours, credentials, and certifications will give them legitimacy, confidence, and expertise. But here’s the truth: your ability as a teacher isn’t measured in training hours.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why the yoga industry encourages a never-ending certification chase
• How confidence comes from teaching, not from credentials
• The historical roots of yoga education (spoiler: it wasn’t about certificates)
• When additional training does make sense—and when it doesn’t
• Practical strategies to build confidence in your teaching, right now

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not ready, not qualified enough, or just need one more certification before stepping into your full potential, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what actually makes a great yoga teacher—and it’s not a piece of paper.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Program

• 300-Hour Advanced Studies Program

• The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

My first yoga class as a student was a disaster—I felt lost, uncomfortable, and unsure of what was allowed. It wasn’t the poses that overwhelmed me—it was the uncertainty. Can I leave if I need to? What if I can’t do a pose? Where’s the bathroom?

As teachers, we often focus on our confidence, but what about our students? In this episode, I explore how consistency in class structure and clear permission create a supportive, predictable environment where students can focus on their practice instead of worrying about logistics.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why predictable class structures help students feel safe

✅ How to give explicit permission for modifications and classroom logistics

✅ Simple ways to normalize choice and agency in your yoga class

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

The last five minutes of your yoga class might be just as crucial as the first. A strong closing helps students integrate their practice, transition back to daily life, and remember their experience in a meaningful way.

Let’s break down the essential elements of an effective class ending, including:

• Why the last moments of class shape how students remember you

• The role of final relaxation and how to guide it effectively

• Practical tips for managing time and transitioning students smoothly

• Common mistakes teachers make when ending class—and how to avoid them

Listen now and learn how to make your class unforgettable—right when it matters most!

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

The way you begin your yoga class determines everything that follows. In this episode, I break down how to create a welcoming environment, set clear expectations, and guide students into a focused and engaged practice. From greeting students to setting the tone with your voice, presence, and language, I’ll share practical strategies to ensure your class starts with confidence and ease.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the first five minutes are the most important

• How to create a welcoming environment before students arrive

• What to say (and what NOT to say) when greeting students

• The importance of setting clear expectations with the “five W’s and one H”

• How to guide an intentional class opening that transitions students into practice

• Common mistakes to avoid when starting class

• How to adapt your class opening for different audiences

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Have you ever walked into the studio, set up for class . . . and no one shows up? Or maybe just one student arrives, turning your group class into an unintentional private lesson. It happens more than we admit, and it can feel discouraging—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I share how to reframe low attendance as an opportunity. Small classes (or even empty ones) can help you refine your teaching, build confidence, and prepare for future private lessons. Plus, I share stories from my own experience—including one that led to free legal advice!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why low attendance isn’t a reflection of your teaching

• How to embrace and maximize unintentional private lessons

• Ways to use empty class time for self-improvement

• The unexpected benefits of solo student classes

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Many yoga teachers avoid private lessons—not because they lack skill, but because they lack confidence. If you’ve ever felt unsure about pricing, session structure, or meeting a student’s needs, this episode is for you. I share my journey from uncertainty to confidence, plus three essential steps to help you teach private lessons with ease.

Chapters & Timestamps:

[00:00] Overcoming the Fear of Teaching Private Lessons

[00:00:54] The Benefits of Private Yoga Lessons

[00:01:32] My Journey with Private Lessons

[00:04:36] Why You Should Offer Private Lessons

[00:05:44] Three Steps to Confident Private Lessons

[00:08:14] Bonus Tips for Adding Value

[00:09:13] Conclusion and Next Steps

🎓 Want to earn more teaching yoga? Join my FREE workshop, “How to Double Your Income Teaching Yoga to Athletes.” Learn strategies to attract dedicated clients & grow your business!

👉 Sign up now: Teaching Yoga to Athletes

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Teaching yoga can be isolating, especially when feedback is scarce. But feedback is crucial for growth. In this episode, I explore why feedback is hard to get, how to collect it, and why peer feedback is the most valuable. Plus, I share an invitation to my Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing mentorship, where you’ll receive real, actionable feedback from a supportive community.

Join me and take your teaching to the next level. Learn more at sagerountree.com/mentorship!

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

How can you theme your yoga classes with confidence? Theming is what transforms a sequence into an experience, leaving students inspired long after class ends. But for many teachers, theming—especially when it involves yoga philosophy—can feel intimidating.

In this episode, my longtime collaborator Alexandra DeSiato joins me to share her expert insights on how to theme authentically, balance personal and universal themes, and engage students in a meaningful way. We also discuss our new book, Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2, and why it’s a game-changer for yoga teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preorder the book!

📖 Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2: https://amzn.to/47C9WXP

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Are you undercharging for your yoga classes? Setting confident prices isn’t just about making more money—it’s about ensuring your students value your work. In this episode, I break down why undercharging hurts both you and your students, how to set rates that align with your worth, and practical strategies to help you feel confident when naming your price.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why undercharging can actually make teaching less fulfilling

• How to price private lessons, workshops, and corporate classes

• The 5-step process to determine your ideal rate

• How pricing impacts student commitment and engagement

• Real pricing examples and strategies to adjust your rates with confidence

💡 Bonus: Grab my Know Your Worth Guide and free training:

https://sagerountree.com/athletes?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=confident_pricing

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Your yoga mat isn’t just a raft keeping you safe—it’s a tool for connecting with your students. In this episode, you'll learn how to balance demonstrating poses with stepping off the mat to observe and connect. Hear ways to create a more engaging, student-centered class, from beginner-friendly cues to trauma-sensitive strategies.

Whether you’re wondering when or even whether to demo, how to confidently observe, or how to create meaningful student connections, this episode has you covered.

Join me and Joe-Paul Naughton-Travers for “A Framework for Teaching Trauma-Sensitive Yoga” at Carrboro Yoga in May 2025: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/carolinayogacompany?k_business=130621&k_class_tab=33774&uid=0&id_class_tab=2

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.