How To Start Class With Confidence: The First Five Minutes Matter Most Yoga Teacher Confidential: Secrets Of Becoming A Great Yoga Teacher podcast

16:21

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 .…

1
What If No One Shows Up? How to Handle Low Attendance with Confidence 9:44

13 days ago9:44

9:44

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 .…

1
Confidence in Private Lessons: Overcome Fear and Thrive 9:53

20 days ago9:53

9:53

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 .…

1
The Power of Feedback: How to Grow as a Yoga Teacher 10:56

27 days ago10:56

10:56

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 .…

1
Confident Theming: Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses with Alexandra DeSiato 33:34

5 weeks ago33:34

33:34

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 .…

1
Confident Pricing: Charge What You’re Worth as a Yoga Teacher 16:56

6 weeks ago16:56

16:56

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 .…

1
Confident Demoing to Serve Your Students Best 12:27

7 weeks ago12:27

12:27

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 .…

1
How I Turned a Workshop Flop into a Game-Changing Program 15:57

8 weeks ago15:57

15:57

Have you ever launched a project that didn’t go as planned? In this episode, I get honest about how my Plan a Month in an Hour workshop fell short—and how it inspired me to create something even better. I share what went wrong, the lessons I learned, and how listening to feedback led to my new mentorship program: Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing . You’ll hear: • Why clear communication is key for workshops and classes • How to shift from “winging it” to confident lesson planning • How I learned that you want done-for-you resources (I should have known, so do I!) • The exciting details of my new six-month mentorship program Affirmation for this episode: “There’s no failure, just feedback.” 👉 Learn more and join my newsletter for updates: sagerountree.com/newsletter 👉 Design workshops that sell out with confidence (avoid flops like mine): free five-day email course on workshops 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 .…

1
How to Build Confidence on Camera with Jenni Rawlings 27:43

9 weeks ago27:43

27:43

Developing confidence on camera is essential for yoga teachers looking to grow their careers. Whether it’s creating short promotional videos or teaching full-length online classes, on-camera teaching can open up new opportunities for impact and income. But it can be intimidating to get started! In this episode, guest Jenni Rawlings and I explore how yoga teachers can improve their on-camera presence. Jenni shares her journey from creating DVDs to managing her online platform and offers tips for building connection and community in asynchronous settings. 💡 Affirmation : “Your message is what matters.” 📌 Explore Jenni’s classes and continuing education: https://www.jennirawlings.com 🎧 Listen to this episode and explore more at: https://sagerountree.com/the-yoga-teacher-confidential-podcast-with-sage-rountree/ 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 .…

1
Class Planning Made Easy: Modular Sequencing for Confident Yoga Teachers 15:02

10 weeks ago15:02

15:02

sequencing. With this approach, you’ll think big and small at the same time, creating balanced, engaging classes with ease. Chapters: 1. [00:00:00] Don’t Start at the Pose Level Why starting your planning with individual poses is like spinning your own thread—it’s inefficient and unnecessary. 2. [00:01:24] Get Granular: Think Through Planes of Movement How breaking poses into forward-back, side-to-side, and rotational movements simplifies planning and creates balance. 3. [00:07:02] Go Big: Sequence in Chunks How to create modular class segments, like putting together outfits or meals, to streamline planning and save time. 4. [00:11:20] Modular Planning Helps Everything Why modular sequencing gives students the consistency they crave and helps you teach with confidence. 5. [00:12:05] Affirmation “I don’t make things harder than they need to be.” 6. [00:12:22] Resources to Help You Books, tools, and mentorship opportunities to deepen your understanding of modular sequencing. Links and Resources Mentioned My book The Art of Yoga Sequencing Sign up for my newsletter to get a sample lesson plan Join the waitlist for Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing 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 .…

1
Teach Your Niche: How Specializing Makes You a Better Yoga Teacher 10:06

11 weeks ago10:06

10:06

Want to become (almost) everyone’s favorite yoga teacher? The secret to thriving as a teacher is to specialize—teach your niche. When you focus on what you love, your enthusiasm shines, your confidence grows, and you connect deeply with your students. Chapters: 1. [00:00:00] Why Niche Teaching Matters Teaching a niche helps you stand out and serve your students better. 2. [00:01:00] Passion Shines When You Teach What You Love Learn how enthusiasm for your niche builds trust and connection with your students. 3. [00:01:59] My Niche: Teaching Yoga to Athletes I talk about my own niche and how focusing on recovery and mental presence has shaped my teaching. 4. [00:06:06] Find Your Blue Ocean How to create a unique space in a crowded yoga field with “blue ocean” thinking. 5. [00:06:48] Yoga for Athletes Is Not Athletic Yoga Why athletes—and most students—benefit from restorative yoga focused on recovery and mindfulness. 6. [00:07:40] Comfort Zone Yoga Why finding comfort with comfort is transformative for students and teachers alike. 7. [00:09:00] Affirmation: Teach Your Niche with Enthusiasm Embrace your niche with this reminder of the value you bring to your students. 👉 Learn how to specialize and thrive as a yoga teacher with my free workshop: Double Your Income 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 .…

1
The Most Painful and Productive Way to Improve as a Yoga Teacher 12:05

12 weeks ago12:05

12:05

What’s the best way to improve your yoga teaching? It’s using the tool you may be holding right now: your phone. It’s simple, free—and yes, a bit painful. In this episode, I walk you through how recording and reviewing your classes can help you identify areas for growth and fast-track your teaching improvement. Chapters: 1. [00:00:00] The Best Thing You Can Do for Your Teaching The uncomfortable but transformative habit that will elevate your teaching. 2. [00:02:09] The Power of Video for Self-Evaluation Video recordings can help you spot verbal tics, unclear cues, and pacing issues. 3. [00:06:29] How to Use Video for Growth I walk you through the steps for recording your classes and reviewing them effectively. 4. [00:09:00] Bonus Exercises for Deeper Insights Discover next-level techniques like transcribing your teaching or following your own class to evaluate pacing and clarity. 5. [00:11:00] Affirmation: I Self-Evaluate for Growth Remind yourself why self-assessment is a vital tool for serving your students. 👉 Ready to improve your teaching? Check out my books and mentorship opportunities: Resources Mentioned: • The Art of Yoga Sequencing • Mentorship waitlist: sagerountree.com/live-online/ • Descript app 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 .…

1
Managing Burnout: Strategies for Sustainable Yoga Teaching 19:13

13 weeks ago19:13

19:13

Feeling burnt out as a yoga teacher? You’re not alone. Teaching yoga is rewarding, but it can also be draining if we don’t care for ourselves. In this episode, I explore what burnout looks like, where it comes from, and, most importantly, how to manage it so you can find joy in teaching again. Chapters: 1. [00:00:00] Introduction to Burnout I explain why burnout is common among yoga teachers and how to identify its signs. 2. [00:00:33] Burnout vs. Nerves Learn how to differentiate between healthy pre-class jitters and true burnout. 3. [00:02:03] What Stress and Rest Teach Us Lessons from exercise physiology about balancing effort and recovery and how this applies to your teaching. 4. [00:05:56] Tips for Managing Burnout Discover practical strategies for self-care, building consistency, and setting boundaries in your schedule. 5. [00:07:26] Structuring Your Teaching Schedule Smart scheduling and optimizing your classes can help prevent burnout. 6. [00:11:03] Streamlining Systems for Longevity Learn how simplifying your teaching process can help preserve energy and keep you inspired. 7. [00:18:13] Affirmation: I Refill My Well Use this affirmation to remind yourself of the importance of self-care and balance. 👉 Ready to reclaim your energy and joy in teaching? Check out my books and mentorship program to support your teaching journey: • The Art of Yoga Sequencing • The Workshop Workbook • The Athlete’s Guide to Recovery • Mastering The Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Membership 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 .…

1
Teaching Yoga Is a Conversation: How to Truly Connect with Your Students 8:36

14 weeks ago8:36

8:36

Your yoga class isn’t a monologue—it’s a conversation. While you only get to hear your side of it, your students hear both. Becoming a great yoga teacher means giving them the time and space to contribute their side of the conversation, even if it’s silent. In this episode, I explain how teaching yoga is about fostering connection—even when you can’t hear the other side of the dialogue. Chapters: 1. [00:00:00] Teaching Yoga Is a Conversation I share why your yoga class is more than just you giving cues—it’s about fostering a two-way connection. 2. [00:01:26] Hearing Only One Side Here’s how to understand and embrace the one-sided nature of teaching yoga. 3. [00:04:36] How to Be a Good Conversationalist Practical ways to make your teaching feel more connected, even when students don’t speak aloud. 4. [00:06:45] Listening Before and After Class Your students’ voices matter! I explain why listening to them outside of class is just as important as giving cues during it. 5. [00:07:33] Affirmation: I Am in a Healthy Relationship with My Students Use this affirmation to remind yourself to prioritize connection and care in your teaching. Resources Mentioned: • Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2 (coming March 2025—preorder now!) • The Art of Yoga Sequencing • Free Email Course on Workshops 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 .…

1
From Nerves to Confidence: Tackling Imposter Syndrome in Yoga Teaching 18:31

15 weeks ago18:31