How to Sequence Yoga Exercises for Instructors

In yoga, exercises or poses are one of the eight different paths to perform yoga. The method used by an instructor to move from one position to another is called the sequence of movement. Instructors help students by preparing the class for each movement transition.

• Prepare a timeline of transitions based on the length for the session. This could consist of a 10 minute for warm-up session, 40 minutes for intense yoga poses, and 10 minutes for a cool down period. Consider the sequence of movement and the rhythm of the class based on the level of the participants.


• Start the yoga routine with the Sun Salutation or Sūryānamaskāra. This series of 12 movements helps to stretch, relax and strengthen the body’s muscles and increases breathing awareness.


• Realize the specific objective or a goal that each exercise accomplishes. These include precautionary measures, the exercise pace and Pranayama or breathing.


• Explain the transition smoothly by reiterating the same phrase several times until the class joins the transition. Expect a beginner class to require more time to smoothly transition during the sequence.


• Present the sequence into a fluid set of movements. Many poses lead into other positions naturally. For instance, when performing the “Plough,” move into the “Fish” position because these two positions complement and enhance natural breathing and movement. This is because the plough is primarily a stretching posture while the fish is primarily a relaxation posture.


• Learn poses, also called “Asana” by yoga professionals and enthusiasts. Asanas increase mental awareness and equilibrium. There are four basic positions that all poses are derived. These are standing, sitting, supine or prone. Supine means laying on the back and prone means laying on the front of the body. 


• Demonstrate poses to your students in simple ways that any beginner or intermediate can physically perform on his or her own. Perform the exercise to the class and stop at the point that is most natural for the class. This maintains student motivation to learn, deters injury from overstretching of muscles.