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It’s teacher training season at the studio and I’m spending the next three months immersed in guiding aspiring yoga teachers. Every week, I watch them take these exciting but nerve-wracking first steps toward becoming teachers themselves. It’s a constant reminder of my own journey: my arrival in America as an immigrant yoga teacher at a time when Indian yoga instructors were rare.
12 years later, the landscape is very different. Today I see more diversity in the yoga teaching community and it fills me with joy. Representation matters. This shift has created space for more authentic voices to teach yoga, bringing it closer to its origins while making it accessible to everyone.
Looking back on my early days in teaching, there are a handful of things I wish someone had told me when I started: small lessons that would have made my journey smoother and more intentional. If I could go back and give advice to this younger version of myself, these five ideas would be at the top of my list.
1. Teach right away, even if you don’t feel ready
The best way to grow as a yoga teacher is to start teaching immediately after completing your training. Even if you feel unprepared or unsure, walking into a classroom and teaching real students will accelerate your learning in a way that no textbook or workout ever could. You hone your skills by being out in the field: teaching live classes, handling unexpected questions, reading the room, and adapting sequences on the spot.
After you’ve completed a solid yoga teacher training course (whether good or great), commit to teaching as much as possible for at least six months to a year. The goal during this time is to build your confidence, develop your voice, and sharpen your people skills. Don’t overthink it: whether it’s subbing at local studios, offering free classes to friends, or teaching in community spaces, just say “yes.” Once you gain some experience, you can become more selective about where and what you teach.
The biggest trap new teachers fall into is waiting: waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect studio, or until they feel perfectly “ready.” But the truth is that this moment rarely comes. My personal mantra has always been: Don’t be afraid. It is by doing the hard things, even when fear is present, that you become a better and more competent teacher.
2. Stick to a few well-tested sequences
One of the hardest things for new yoga teachers is resisting the urge to constantly change class plans and sequences. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every lesson must be new, complex, or physically challenging to keep students engaged or gain their approval. But new doesn’t always mean better, and chasing the new can be confusing, both for you and your students.
A better approach is to create five to eight strong lesson plans or sequences that you know work well for a wide range of students. These can include core themes like strength, balance or relaxation, as well as adaptable sequences with props or variations. Use them systematically to hone your teaching skills: observe how different bodies react, practice adding relevant context, and become more effective with props and adjustments.
Remember, yoga is not about mastering the pose; it’s about meeting the student where they are. Teaching familiar sequences allows you to focus on the person in front of you rather than worrying about developing an ever-changing lesson plan. Over time, this practice will help you develop clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection as a teacher.
3. Prioritize your own practice
Your deepest learning as a teacher will come from maintaining and evolving your own personal practice. No matter how busy you are or how many classes you teach, never put your personal practice aside. This is where theory transforms into embodied wisdom, where the knowledge you have gained truly integrates and presents itself as skillful teaching.
The best yoga teachers aren’t just great instructors; they are deeply connected to their own asana practice. This connection allows you to empathize with your students by putting yourself in their shoes (or on their mat). Through thoughtful, consistent practice, you gain a nuanced understanding of how the body changes over time, the challenges students face, and how to guide them through these experiences with care and insight.
In the long term, your personal practice becomes the source from which your teaching flows. It keeps you inspired, curious and grounded, ensuring your lessons remain authentic and grounded in your own experiences on the mat.
4. Don’t rush to learn too much, too soon
After completing extensive yoga teacher training, it’s common to feel like a kid in a candy store, or in this case, a yoga store. With your expanded worldview, it’s tempting to immediately jump into new courses and certifications. But that excitement can become overwhelming if you’re not careful. The key to making a lasting impact is to go deep rather than wide in your learning.
If you’re just starting to teach asana classes, resist the urge to sign up for every new class that catches your eye. Instead, spend at least a year focusing on what you’ve already learned: refining your understanding and applying it through teaching. The depth you develop during this time will serve as the foundation for everything you learn in the future.
In today’s yoga landscape, there is no shortage of information, but what is truly rare is wisdom lived. Don’t rush from one topic to another. Take your time to embody the teachings you have recently studied before moving on to something new. The ability to teach effectively does not come from knowing many things, but from understanding certain things in depth.
You will get better: give up FOMO
As I reflect on my 12-year journey as a yoga teacher, one thing stands out: I have become more knowledgeable and confident over time. But this growth didn’t happen overnight. I had to let go of the need for instant gratification and confront feelings of imposter syndrome and FOMO – challenges that, if I’m honest, still quietly persist today.
The truth is that it is wanna get better if you stay committed. Teaching yoga is not a straight path; you will need to adjust your course, continue to learn, and get through the tough times. But as long as your heart is in the right place and your teaching is rooted in integrity, the journey will enrich you in ways you can’t yet imagine.
One of the best ways to stay grounded is to reduce the time spent on social media, where comparison can cloud your self-esteem. Instead, invest in practices and connections that make you feel safe and aligned with your purpose. Remember, you’re still at the beginning. In a few years when you look back, things will be completely different and better.
I hope this information helps you navigate your path as a new teacher with clarity and confidence. For more support, tips and inspiration, be sure to follow me Let’s talk yoga podcast and join my digital yoga community.
Lots of love,
Arundhati