Teaching Yoga Poses: Foundations & Continuing Education. Begin at the beginning, or choose where to dive deeper.
A cohesive framework for deeply understanding and teaching poses with depth and precision.
While yoga encompasses far more than poses, this post focuses specifically on a strategic framework for deepening the understanding and teaching of poses — grounded in strong foundations and offering endless depth.
Contents
Teaching Yoga Poses: A Cohesive Framework
Yoga Pose Categories & Families
Asana Category Characteristics
Teaching Pose Alignment & Adjustments
Yoga Contraindications Index
Flexible Access Options
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Teaching Yoga Poses: A Cohesive Framework
Together, the following subjects create a cohesive strategic framework for deeply understanding and skillfully teaching poses:
Yoga Pose Categories & Families
Asana Category Characteristics
Teaching Pose Alignment & Adjustments
Yoga Contraindications Index
For other teaching subjects, see the Planning & Sequencing Hub, Teaching Methodology Hub, or Study & Explore. You’re also welcome to contact us for personalized help to get what you need.
Yoga Pose Categories & Families
Poses are selected for the purposes they serve (function) rather than how they appear (form). Through this functional lens, categories such as forward bends, backbends, and twists inform both sequencing and the way poses are taught. In this introductory lesson, you will:
Become familiar with the foundational categories of poses.
View the pattern of pose “families” using the archetypes of Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I), and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II), establishing a framework that brings structure and context to practice.
Consider additional ways to classify poses based on shared qualities.
Asana Category Characteristics
In this lesson, we explore the defining characteristics and common physical and energetic effects of each major pose category, building proficiency in applying this knowledge to sequencing.
To explore the full lesson for a category — which goes much deeper, including form, inspiration, sample sequences, and more — select the links below.
* Our Core Anatomy & Strengthening series is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive, well-organized scope, with flexibility to focus on the areas most relevant to you at any given moment. The material is organized into the following modules: Core Anatomy, Core Strengthening as a Pose Category, Core Strengthening Exercises, and Core Physiology + Energy Anatomy. Get more details here.
Teaching Pose Alignment & Adjustments
Seven subjects. Clearly organized so you can go straight to what you need.
Defining & Teaching Alignment — Have a solid understanding of why and how to teach people as opposed to poses, and be familiar with techniques that empower students to experience alignment from within.
General Alignment Principles — Prioritize key principles such as spinal positioning, breath awareness, a stable foundation, skeletal stacking, core-initiated movement, and the functional relationship of muscle pairs.
Choosing Alignment Cues — Understand that no single alignment approach works for every student and cultivate a range of cues that apply across diverse situations, noting those that may be ineffective or problematic.
Problem Cues: Spine & Pelvis — Familiarize yourself with common alignment challenges, including rib flare and imbalances in the spine and pelvis, exercising particular care with the problem cues, “tuck (or scoop) your tailbone” and “use a flat back.”
Problem Cues: Standing Poses — Study considerations related to cues such as “place feet parallel,” “square the hips” and “align your kneecap toward the second toe” plus ways to adapt language and use other cues to suit individual needs.
Adjustment & Assisting Guidelines — Establish a strong foundation for decision-making and be proficient in techniques for assisting students with verbal, energetic, and hands-on guidance.
Mindful Asana Transitions — Teach pose transitions with clarity, intention, and mindfulness.
Yoga Contraindications Index
When you learn of a condition while teaching, you need a resource that is both quick to access and comprehensive. Developed from hundreds of references over decades of research, the Contraindications Index is an invaluable tool for yoga teachers and others working with injuries or health conditions. Easily scan the index to identify poses and breathing practices to avoid — supporting clear, confident, and informed decision-making.
Also included in this lesson:
Define contraindications and distinguish them from cautions. Using sacroiliac (SI) joint pain as an example, examine a pose that is contraindicated and one that may be practiced with caution.
Explore why knowledge of contraindications alone is not always sufficient to guide students effectively, and consider key principles for selecting appropriate alternatives.
Quick-reference to the index for identifying poses and breathing practices to avoid — supporting safe, informed decision-making in real time. Downloadable PDF included for members.
Flexible Access Options
Access the material in the format that best suits your needs
Structured online lessons for all members (links above)
Downloadable PDFs available in the Store for non-members: Continuing Education: Teaching Yoga Poses
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