Conversations for Yoga Teachers

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

 

In this episode, I turn the microphone around and share some of my own story as a yoga teacher—how I got started, the challenges I faced early on, and the experiences that ultimately shaped the work I do today. 

 

Along the way, I reflect on some of the struggles I had and maybe you’ll see yourself in some of what I share. 

 

My hope is that listening to this episode gives you some context for what I share on the podcast and gives you a chance to hear how I’ve addressed some of the problems and challenges I had. Maybe it will give you some things you can try yourself to help you build your confidence. 

 

I mentioned one of the interviews I did last year and here’s a link to that:

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-teaching-confidence-starts-here-anatomy-mindset/id1795863974?i=1000718213326

 

In this episode, I share the inspiration behind the updated version of my book, Structure and Spirit, and explore the core themes woven throughout its two sections: Structure, which focuses on anatomy and movement principles, and Spirit, which explores themes of mindset, awareness, growth, and self-inquiry. From foundation, balance, and leverage to connection, resistance, and inspiration, I discuss how these ideas show up not only in yoga practice, but also in teaching and everyday life. This episode will give you themes you can easily use in your classes with your Signature Sequence as a way to create a different experience for your students without having to change the architecture of the sequence. 

 

If you’re interested, you can get the book here:

 

 

https://acesse.one/okxasuv

 

 

Do you ever feel distracted, scattered, or mentally overloaded while teaching yoga? Do you feel like you’re multi-tasking and it’s blocking you from feeling at ease, present and actually teaching the humans in the room?

In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the most common distractions that pull yoga teachers out of presence while teaching—from over-focusing on beginners and constantly checking notes to worrying about timing, music, and what students think of the class.

I also share practical solutions to help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more confident when you teach, including how using a Signature Sequence and my “Say the cue, see what they do” approach can completely change your teaching experience.

Resources Mentioned:

 Download my free Signature Sequence training:

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

 Download my free Walk and Talk training:

https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-do-the-walk-and-talk/

 

Are you actually struggling more with your teaching than you realize? Or maybe things are just “OK” but you wish they could be better?

In this episode, I walk you through a simple self-assessment designed to help you take a closer look at your experience as a yoga teacher. Through a series of questions, you’ll uncover patterns that may be holding you back—like over-preparing, second-guessing, or feeling unsure about the cues you’re giving. Much of what you’ll hear most teachers brush off as “expected” or “just something I need to tolerate.” This is just not true. These are real problems that you can solve and sometimes you just need to give yourself credit for realizing something feels “off” as a first step, rather than listening to what other people say. 

This isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness. Because once you can clearly see where you are, you can start to make meaningful changes.

If you’re ready to feel more confident and clear in your teaching, this episode will help you identify where to begin.

I mention how I can help, so if you feel ready to get help, check out how we can work together: 

 

 

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

 

Episode Description

Have you ever felt like you should be more confident teaching by now… but you’re not?

In this episode, I’m breaking down 7 common “teacher types” I see all the time when working with yoga teachers—and the underlying beliefs that keep them stuck.

As you listen, you might recognize yourself in one (or more) of these patterns. And more importantly, you’ll start to see how the way you’re thinking about your teaching might actually be holding you back.

This isn’t about labeling yourself—it’s about building awareness so you can start to shift.

---

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why confidence struggles often have more to do with mindset than experience
• The 7 common “teacher types” that can keep you stuck
• The hidden beliefs driving behaviors like over-preparing, second-guessing, and waiting to feel ready
• Simple shifts you can make to start building real confidence in your teaching
• Why repetition and structure are key to improving your cueing and sequencing

---

The 7 Teacher Types:

• The Worrier
• The Over-Preparer
• The Permission Believer
• The Cues Wonder-er
• The Practice-With-Me Teacher
• The Imposter
• The Watcher and Wait-er

---

Resources & Next Steps

If you’re ready to move out of overthinking and into more confident teaching, here are two ways to get started. I mentioned both of these in the episode:

Download my free Signature Sequence Guide

Create a go-to sequence you can teach with confidence (and stop starting from scratch every time):
https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence/

Learn more about the Yoga Anatomy Accelerator
My 4-week program designed to help you apply anatomy to your teaching so you can cue and sequence with confidence:
https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

 

---

Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear from you—
Which teacher type did you resonate with most?

Send me a DM on Instagram.

---

Enjoying the Podcast?

If this episode helped you, it would mean so much if you:

• Left a review
• Shared it with another yoga teacher
• Or took a screenshot and tagged me on Instagram

---

Listen & Subscribe

Make sure you’re following the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on:

• Cueing
• Sequencing
• Applied anatomy
• And building real confidence as a yoga teacher