You’ve completed your yoga teacher training and learned about philosophy, anatomy, and asana—but now, you’re faced with the big question: “How do I lead my first class?” You are not alone if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure. I hear from many new teachers who find themselves in this same position. It takes time to become a confident yoga teacher. The first step is to face the challenge of teaching your first few classes.

It’s almost that time again for yoga and fitness instructors—the New Year’s resolution rush! Every January, I’m happy to see all the new faces, but sometimes my regular students are not as excited. The committed students want a more in-depth practice, while the beginners need the basics. It is a tough situation to manage, and it also arises at other times during the year when venues run ads and promotions. In this post, I will share how I prepare my students for times of influx and ideas for a beginner yoga lesson plan, and I’ll also explain how to adapt the plan for different levels of students.

When I first starting teaching yoga years ago, I only knew how to teach a few classes. Building up sequences and general class plans in my head took time. It is common for yoga teachers to feel like their classes are too similar. This is especially true when beginners frequently attend. If you resonate with this, then never fear, as there are so many ideas, and I am here to share!