I know the curse: it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking every session needs a fresh theme, new playlist, and unique sequence to keep students engaged. I spent the first half of my yoga career feeling that I had to “prove myself” with creative class structures each time. But after two decades of teaching, I’ve learned that consistency, not variety, is often what best serves our students.
In the latest Yoga Teacher Confidential episode, S1E7, I share why this is true and break down the exercise physiology behind it.
the power of consistency in yoga classes
Consistency offers a solid foundation for our students, letting them revisit familiar poses and sequences where they can focus on deepening rather than simply catching up. This approach doesn’t stifle creativity; rather, it prioritizes progress by offering a steady base from which students can explore their practice.
key principles
• Progressive Overload: True progress requires gradual, manageable challenges. When we constantly change sequences, students don’t have the chance to build on past classes.
• Specificity: Improvement comes from repeated practice of the same movements. Over time, students become familiar with the sequence and can engage with it on a deeper level.
what this looks like in practice
Using a consistent framework doesn’t mean there’s no room for variety. Instead, think of it like a capsule wardrobe—keep the foundation, and change only small details. This helps students observe their own progress, and you’ll find you spend less time preparing classes.
To simplify your teaching prep and prioritize your students’ growth, start by reusing a consistent sequence for a few weeks, making small tweaks to adapt to each class. I bet your students won’t even notice—but if they do, I think they’ll like it.
an affirmation
Listen to the episode for practical advice and an affirmation to boost your confidence in offering consistency to your students.
Let’s make yoga class planning easier and more effective for everyone.