Conversations for Yoga Teachers

As summer comes to a close, I found myself reflecting on the episodes I shared this summer, conversations I had with teachers and what’s coming up in the fall. The fall is always a busy time and for yoga teachers, you’ll find busier classes and more beginners. In today’s show, I share a few lessons I learned by really listening to the teachers who reached out, emailed or commented on my social media and I share these lessons with you in this episode. 

 

As you listen, see which ones resonate and what you might add that’s a lesson you learned from teaching this summer. 

 

As always, I love to hear from you so drop me a line and share any thoughts you have. 

 

Links:

 

The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program

 

 

The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

I hear from so many teachers that they feel overwhelmed learning anatomy. This leads to a host of problems like the teacher feeling like there’s something wrong with them because they can’t learn it but also that they aren’t able to feel confident teaching. 

 

The reasons behind why so many teachers feel this way have to do in part with how the yoga industry is set up to teach anatomy inside 200 hour trainings. But more importantly and connected to that is the lack of a step by step, proven method is what’s missing. Inside my programs, I have a step by step proven method that has helped teachers all over the world move past this feeling of overwhelm and instead feel confident that they know what they’re doing when they’re teaching. 

 

Today’s episode will give you the step by step way to learn anatomy and if you choose to work with me inside one of my two programs, I’ll walk you through it. You also learn about how people learn and the brain science behind it. You’re going to discover some things in this episode that will surprise you. 

 

Here are links to the two programs and my e book as well: 

 

The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator/ 30-day short program:

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program/ 90 day coaching experience

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program

 

 

The Bare Bones Yoga Guide to Yoga Teaching

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-bare-bones-yoga-guide-to-incredible-yoga-teaching

 

In today’s episode, I share a simple framework for how to bring anatomy themes into your classes. This is a great way to use the Signature Sequence you already know and simply overlay an anatomical theme onto it, to teach your students about movement and lend a bit of a different focus. 

 

I also review a recent article about yoga teacher pay and talk about the implications of what was raised for you and how you plan for the work you do as a yoga teacher. You’ll find links to the articles below.

 

Article one:

 

https://www.thesunlightexperience.com/insideyogablog/some-of-us-scrape-the-floors-others-can-afford-the-apartment-a-hard-look-at-yoga-alliances-executive-pay

 

Article two (related):

 

https://yenfeng.substack.com/p/the-half-million-dollar-ceo-salary

 

E book:

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-bare-bones-yoga-guide-to-incredible-yoga-teaching

 

How to build a Signature Sequence: 

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence

 

The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator: 

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

 

The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program:

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program

 

 

The Mindset Method:

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/the-mindset-method

 

One of the questions that creates the anxiety for yoga teachers is what to do when a student tells you they're injured.

Maybe you've asked before class:

"Does anyone have any injuries?"

If you have, you're definitely not alone.

The challenge is that when someone raises their hand, you suddenly have just a few seconds to understand what's going on and decide what to tell them—all while the rest of the class is waiting.

That's a lot of pressure.

In this week's podcast episode, I share a different approach.

First, I walk through some of the most common injuries you're likely to hear about so those terms start to feel more familiar.

Then I show you how to shift the conversation away from trying to diagnose an injury and toward something that's much more useful as a yoga teacher:

"How does your injury affect your movement?"

That simple question changes the conversation. Instead of feeling like you have to know everything about injuries, you can focus on what you do know—movement.

As you listen, notice if there are terms that sound unfamiliar or concepts that make you realize, "I never really learned this."

If that happens, don't be discouraged.

It's one of the biggest anatomy learning gaps I see in yoga teachers, and it's exactly why so many teachers feel unsure of themselves when these conversations come up.

I mention how I can help you if learning more about this is important to you: 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program

 

 

I'd love to know what stands out to you after you listen so drop me a DM and let me know.

 

In this episode, I'm sharing the audio from a live workshop I taught on July 16, 2026 on one of my favorite topics: How to Build a Signature Sequence You Can Trust. If you've ever felt like you need to create a brand new sequence every week or wondered how to build a sequence you can confidently teach without relying on notes, this workshop is for you. 

I walk through the process you can use to create a Signature Sequence, share how using a Signature Sequence can help you trust what you’re offering and even be able to teach without notes and by walking around, watching your students. Whether you're a new yoga teacher or simply looking to feel more confident teaching your classes, this workshop will not only give you some new things to experiment with in your classes to help you feel more confident, it’ll gently challenge some of the beliefs you have that you might not even realize are holding you back from truly feeling confident when you teach. 

If you'd like access to the full workshop replay with the video, just send me a DM or email at karen@barebonesyoga.com

 

Looking for a simple way to make your yoga classes feel fresh without creating a brand-new sequence every week? 

 

In this episode, I share 6 different transitions (linking poses together) that you can begin incorporating into your classes, along with the cueing and anatomy considerations that make each one effective. From Warrior I to Warrior II and Side Angle to Half Moon to Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose into a Supine Twist, you'll learn how thoughtful transitions can create a different experience for your students while allowing you to build confidence with a sequence you already know. 

 

I also share why making small, intentional changes to a Signature Sequence is a great way to change your Signature Sequence a little bit but not so much that you can’t remember what comes next. At the end, I speak to a specific kind of yoga teacher; one who’s ready to step forward and feel more confident teaching. Once you listen, you’ll need this link to check out:

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

In this episode, I sit down with yoga teacher Lauren Ilacqua to talk about an incredible shift she's experienced over the past few months. After hearing her describe how she went from feeling pressure, dread, and uncertainty before teaching to feeling joyful, present, and deeply connected with the students in her class, I knew I wanted to invite her on the podcast to share it with you

In this authentic and honest conversation, Lauren shares the fears she faced early on, what changed along the way, and the specific steps she took and mindset shifts she leveraged that helped her begin trusting herself as a teacher. Along the way, Lauren shares what it felt like to teach from a place of confidence rather than pressure and expectation, and how that transformation has changed her experience in her classes. If you've ever wondered whether you'll feel "ready" to teach or questioned whether you know enough, I think you'll find Lauren's story both relatable and inspiring.

And be sure to listen for the powerful question Lauren now asks herself after every class—a simple shift in perspective that has helped her stop worrying about what her students might be thinking and instead focus on the things she can control.

If you're new to this podcast—or you've been listening for a while and want to better understand the philosophy behind what I offer—this is the perfect place to start. In this episode, I answer five foundational questions: Why is anatomy often taught in such a confusing way? Why do so many yoga teachers struggle with confidence? Why did I create Bare Bones Yoga? What makes my approach to teaching anatomy different? And what can you expect if you continue listening to this podcast? Whether you're a new yoga teacher or have been teaching for years, this episode will give you a clear understanding of my mission to make anatomy approachable, practical, and immediately applicable to your teaching.

 

I start our with a bit of background about Yoga Alliance, the registry for yoga teachers, as a way to help you build a better understanding of the organization and it’s role in the industry.

 

I end with a success story for one of the teachers in my program.

 

Here is a resource you might like: 

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/from-the-interview-chair-e-book/

 

And, if you’re curious about how I work with yoga teachers, here is one of my programs:

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

If you’ve got questions about what’s a good fit for you, let me know. 

As a follow up to last week’s episode where I shared my new perspective on a problem I was experiencing in my business, I pick up on a related theme but turn the frame to you. This episode talks about a common theme for yoga teachers, which has to do with wanting to do a particular thing in their class or as a teacher but being worried about the outcome or what other people will think of them. As you listen, I share a few ideas that might resonate with you and you can also think of what comes to mind when you hear it. 

 

I end this episode describing some of the common problems yoga teachers have and an approach to help. Listen to see if you can relate.

 

As I mention, here are some teaching resources you can get: 

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/tips-for-new-teachers/

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence/

 

If you’re ready to get help, check out my  Accelerator program:

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

In this episode, I share a recent lesson I've been learning in my business about feedback, expectations, and letting go of outcomes I can't control. What started as frustration over not getting replies to emails, DMs, and workshop invitations led me to rethink how I show up and serve my audience. 

 

As I share that story, I connect it to a common challenge many yoga teachers face: looking for validation from students, feedback after class, or signs that we're doing a good job. If you've ever found yourself feeling discouraged by a lack of response or wondering what others think of your teaching, this episode offers a different perspective—one that may help you feel more grounded, present, and connected to why you teach in the first place.

 

Here are some teaching resources you might like:

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/tips-for-new-teachers/

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/from-the-interview-chair-e-book/

 

 

https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator