Life is hard—but how we show up for our students in difficult times can make all the difference. In this episode, I talk about ways to create a consistent, supportive space for yoga students during tough times—for them, or for us as teachers.

Chapters:

Introduction (0:00): Welcome to today’s episode, exploring how yoga teachers can support students during difficult times.

Challenges of Showing Up in Hard Times (0:49): Teaching during national and global tragedies and navigating collective grief.

Consistency and Ritual for Students in Grief (2:03): The stabilizing power of ritual and how to create a dependable class structure.

Maintaining Clean Energy and Showing Up (5:26): Holding space with care and consistency, even in challenging circumstances.

Personal Story: Teaching During a Family Crisis (7:52): I share experiences balancing personal grief and professional responsibilities.

Nothing Lets Go Unless It Feels Supported (14:01): The importance of support in creating space for emotional release.

The Importance of a Go-To Class Plan (18:45): Why every yoga teacher needs a reliable, adaptable lesson plan for tough days.

Conclusion and Affirmation (21:10): Centering students’ agency with the affirmation: “I hold the space with sympathy and clean energy.”

Additional Resources

Get my go-to lesson plan for challenging days: Greatest Hits Back-Pocket Lesson Plan

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

Ever looked out during a yoga class and thought, “Why do my students look so disengaged? They must be hating this!” Good news: those blank faces are often a sign of deep connection—not disinterest.

Let's have a frank conversation about the often misunderstood signals yoga teachers receive from their students during class. You'll hear why blank expressions, furrowed brows, and even sleepy faces could be indicators of a truly engaged, introspective practice—signs that you are doing your job right.

I'll help you embrace the quiet, counterintuitive signs of a successful yoga class, freeing yourself from the need to entertain or seek outward validation. Learn to recognize that true connection in yoga is often subtle and inward.

You’ll hear how:

• Students’ expressions in yoga often don’t reflect disengagement; they signal deep personal connection.

• In yoga, unlike in academic or high-intensity fitness classes, students don’t need to actively respond or engage with the instructor.

• Quiet faces, even sleepy ones, often mean students are having an inward experience, processing their practice.

• Focusing on your students’ journey rather than outward engagement frees you from the need to entertain and reinforces your role as a guide rather than the center of attention.

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 spending too much time planning each yoga class? Changing your approach could benefit both you and your students! You’ll feel more relaxed, your students will grow better, and the entire experience will be more fun for everyone involved.

In this episode we explore the importance of consistency over variety when planning yoga classes. I'll walk you through some basics of exercise physiology to demonstrate how consistent sequencing not only enhances learning but also deepens students’ connection to the practice. Plus, I share practical ways to simplify class planning, keeping it fresh without losing the grounding benefits of a consistent container.

You'll Learn:

• Why too much variety can hinder student growth and engagement

• How exercise physiology principles, like specificity and progressive overload, apply to yoga teaching

• Ways to shift focus from your own performance to student-centered teaching, so you feel more confident in your yoga class and your students feel more consistent

• Practical strategies to build consistency while reducing class prep time

• Benefits of a more consistent class structure for students’ nervous systems and learning

Tune in to learn how a few small adjustments can elevate your teaching, build your students’ confidence, and save you time.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Art of Yoga Sequencing

• The Athlete’s Guide to Recovery (2nd edition)

• Yoga Journal article on common yoga teaching mistakes: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/yoga-sequences/

• Download Sage’s Greatest Hits Lesson Plan

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.

Did you know confidence as a yoga teacher is a skill you can build? It’s true—confidence isn’t an innate trait; it’s a skill developed over time, through practice, and by addressing the self-limiting beliefs that hold us back. In this episode I welcome Karen Fabian, an expert in helping yoga teachers identify and overcome the mental barriers that impact their teaching presence. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome or worried about “getting it right” in front of your students, this conversation offers practical strategies to empower you as a teacher.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Confidence-Building Practices: Karen shares insights into how yoga teachers can cultivate genuine confidence in the classroom, focusing on mindset shifts rather than just memorizing sequences.
2. Recognizing and Addressing Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome is a common experience for yoga teachers, and Karen explains how to recognize when it arises and how to reframe those limiting beliefs.
3. Teaching from What You Know vs. What You’re Told: Teaching authentically from what you know rather than repeating what others have said can significantly boost confidence and resonate better with your students.
4. Simple Techniques to Cultivate Growth: From creating a “signature sequence” to practicing small mindset shifts, Karen offers specific techniques for developing a growth mindset in yoga teaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence is a mindset that you can train through self-reflection, practice, and reframing negative beliefs.
• Mindset affects everything—from how you sequence your classes to how you respond when things don’t go as planned.
• Teach from what you know rather than trying to replicate someone else’s style; this authenticity connects more deeply with students. (Remember: as we covered in S1E2, you’re not Bryan!)
• Reflecting on imposter syndrome and self-doubt can be the first step to transforming these beliefs into sources of strength.

Listen to this episode to develop authentic confidence as a yoga teacher. Karen Fabian brings over 20 years of experience cultivating confidence in the classroom. Her suggestions will help you shed limiting beliefs and teach from a place of authenticity and presence.

Resources:

• Karen’s podcast, Conversations for Yoga Teachers
• Karen’s website, Bare Bones Yoga
• Karen on Instagram: @barebonesyoga

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.

Could the very things that drew you to yoga be standing in your way as a teacher? In this episode, let's explore how the strengths that make you a natural fit for yoga can also become blind spots in your teaching. When you haven’t had to struggle with certain aspects of the practice, it can be harder to empathize with students who do. I have some stories and guidance on how to identify and work through these blind spots to become a more effective teacher.

And we lean into the "confidential" with a quick pointer that you don't know how to work with the body parts you don't have!

Listen to hear:

• How your natural strengths in yoga can create blind spots in teaching
• Why you are the best teacher for the student you once were
• Tips for identifying and working through your teaching blind spots

Are you aware of your teaching blind spots? Let me know on social media: @sagerountree, and check out my resources to help you grow as a teacher at sagerountree.com.

Help me reach more yoga teachers like you by following the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple and Spotify!

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.

Students come to group classes to be seen. One of the best ways to show you see them is to learn and use their names. From personal anecdotes to practical tips, I  explain how getting names right can enhance the student-teacher connection and create a more welcoming classroom experience.

You’ll hear:

• Why names matter in building connection in your yoga class

• Practical strategies for learning and remembering your students’ names

• How to create a welcoming environment by using names thoughtfully

Do you have tips for learning your students’ names? Share them with me on Instagram at @sagerountree, and don’t forget to visit sagerountree.com for more resources to support your growth as a yoga teacher.

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.

Sometimes students walk out of class—and rarely, if ever, is it about YOU. Let me tell you about the times I have walked out of classes and why it was never about the teacher. And I'll help you handle student walkouts in your own yoga classes with empathy and self-compassion.

I have one story to tell you that will forever change your relationship to walkouts! Listen to hear:

• Why students walking out of class is often not about the teacher

• Stories that illustrate how students’ actions are rooted in their personal needs

• Practical tips on how to respond when a student leaves your class

Have you ever had a student walk out of your class? I’d love to hear your experience! Connect with me on Instagram @sagerountree or visit sagerountree.com.

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.

In this episode, I recount a pivotal experience from my second-ever class that taught me to embrace her own teaching style without feeling the need to apologize for not being like others. This story is a reminder for all yoga teachers: you only have to be you.

You’ll hear:

• How one unexpected emergency subbing opportunity led to invaluable feedback

• The pitfalls of over-apologizing as a yoga teacher

• Why embracing your unique voice is key to connecting with—and centering—your students

Call to Action:

Do you struggle with apologizing for your teaching style? Share your experience with me on Instagram @sagerountree, and don’t forget to visit sagerountree.com for more resources that support your journey as an authentic yoga teacher.

Links:

• Sage’s website for yoga resources

• Connect with Sage on Instagram

• Yoga Teacher Confidential podcast site

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 unintentionally messing up by placing too much emphasis on yourself in class? Learn how to make your students the heroes of their own practice and watch your teaching career flourish. In this episode, I present the powerful shift in mindset that will revolutionize your yoga teaching career. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The misconception many yoga teachers have about their role in class
• How focusing on your students’ journey can alleviate your imposter syndrome and build your confidence as a yoga teacher
• Practical ways to center students' agency and become a better guide

Have you experienced a shift in your teaching mindset? Share your story with me on Instagram at @sagerountree.

Links:

• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• Gary Kissiah, “Should You Ask About Injuries Before Class?”
• Sage's website for yoga resources
• Get the free greatest-hits lesson plan

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.

Coming October 15: Yoga Teacher Confidential with Sage Rountree, a podcast that pulls back the curtain on what goes on in the yoga classroom and how you can be the best yoga teacher possible for your students.

Season 1 focuses on building confidence in the yoga classroom. We cover vanquishing imposter syndrome in the yoga studio, how to learn and use your students' names, how to be a great sub as a yoga teacher, and more.

Sage Rountree, PhD, E-RYT500, has over twenty years' experience teaching yoga. Author of ten books on yoga, including the bestseller Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, she has co-owned the Carolina Yoga Company since 2010 and directs its 200-, 300-, and 500-hour yoga teacher training programs.

New episodes drop every Tuesday across the season, which begins October 15.

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.