Decide on your peak pose for your class that reflects a chosen theme and/or anatomical focus. Track the pose back to its foundations; what do each of the muscle groups need to do to create that pose. Make a list of all basic poses which work towards that goal to lengthen, contract or strengthen. Look at your pool of poses and chose two or three that have similar foundations. For example, Warrior two, extended side angle  and bound side angle are phases of progression leading to peak pose Visvamitrasana.

Consider common limitations such as tight hamstrings, shoulders, hips. To include students with these issues, make note of some modifications for each pose. Then go back and think of variations to help challenge your more experienced students.

Terms such as beginner or advanced can hinder some students progress. Instead chose language that helps each student to be where they are in that practice. For example, if you have a headstand practice, in the center of the room, you may move into headstand now. Everyone else please remain in child pose, the first phase, or follow my cues into half headstand.

Start off by introducing the focus of the class and the peak pose with some warm up poses that stretch and warm-the muscles. Gradually move onto poses which increase in difficulty, engaging the muscle groups and parts of the body needed to achieve the peak pose. For example moving from child to cat-cow to standing on one knee to low lunge…modifications variations might include hands on blocks, knee on blanket, a bolster under knee. Possible variations offered, hands in prayer, raised, palm together, toe tucked, flat, hips forward, arched back. To lizard building towards a hip opener such as

Write out several versions of your Yoga sequence. Then get out your mat and try them. Determine which sequence best open the hamstrings for splits, engages the abs for boat pose or prepares the shoulders for crow.  Afterwards, select poses which best counter – undo or resolve the pose. Then stick to it, offering modifications and variations as needed for each student, but NEVER CHANGE THE SEQUENCE.

Save your work.  Don’t try to re-invent the wheel every day. Instead try creating a monthly cycle around a series of peak poses or simply vary the sequences as needed for new themes or classes. Stick to the same format, for example, I aways begin with breathing and stretching, building a progression of asanas to the peak pose, followed by counter poses and seated asanas leading to inversions or  meditation or relaxation.

To get creative while planning Yoga sequencing, think of the class as a story,. In fact many yoga teachers read yoga stories, inspiration quotes even poems at certain points in the class. This works particularly well in Yin Yoga, where students may find it challenging to hold a pose for five minutes or longer. Another tried and true method is journaling or brain storming. Simply write down all your favorite poses and then reflect on the connections. What story do they tell ?  How could you recreate that experience for your students using music, asanas, visual cues? Finally create some note cards – each with a peak pose and the foundation and progression poses needed to get there. Have these at hand when planning your sequence. As you go, add quotes or stories to each card, soon your sequence will make itself known to you.

Brenda Hamlet is a RYT 200 yoga teacher and journalist. More information about Brenda can be found at https://www.facebook.com/brendahamletyoga