Why this, then that?
Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes
Paperback, 528 pages
Publisher: North Atlantic Books, 2012
ISBN 978-1-58394-497-4
Dimensions: 8 x 10
In multiple languages, Kindle, and Audiobook
Yoga Sequencing is a comprehensive guide to designing yoga classes that respond to the interests, needs, abilities, and conditions of individual students. It explores the principles and practical methods of sequencing, helping teachers create coherent, effective classes for diverse students and teaching situations.
The book presents 67 model sequences, including classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced practitioners; children, teenagers, and older adults; women across different stages of life; and students experiencing depression or anxiety. Additional sequences explore the major chakras and Ayurvedic constitutions.
With more than 2,000 instructional photographs, the book examines the relationships among poses within and across the seven major asana families. It also includes an extensive appendix of practical resources for planning classes, refining teaching skills, and developing sequences that serve students in meaningful ways.
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PRAISE FOR YOGA SEQUENCING
Stephen Cope
"Moving from philosophy and principles to methodology and techniques, Yoga Sequencing gives yoga teachers and students alike a rich resource for designing wide-ranging classes for different intentions, needs, and aspirations."
Sally Kempton
"Mark Stephens, a master teacher of teachers, has given us a wise, practical guide that should be in every yoga maven's library. Here, he brings his expertise to a subject that every yoga teacher needs to understand"
Leslie Kaminoff
"A comprehensive, timely, and much-needed work on the important art of sequencing. Essential reading for any teacher training program that wishes to be state-of-the-art. Certain to become an instant classic."
FOUND IN TRANSLATION
COMPANION BOOKS & DECKS
Table of Contents
Foreword by Mariel Hemingway
Introduction
Chapter 1: From Ancient Roots of Modern Yoga
- The Time of the Vedas
- The Upanishads
- The Bhagavad Gita
- The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
- Tantra
- Hatha Yoga
- Toward Modern Hatha Yoga
- Yoga's Journey to the West
- A Teacher's Palette of Styles
Chapter 2: Subtle Energy and Traditional Yoga Anatomy
- Nadis
- Prana and Pranaya-Vayus
- Chakras
- Mudras and Bandhas
- The Map of the Five Sheaths
- Gunas and Desire
- Highlighting Subtle Energy in Classes
Chapter 3: Body Structure and Movement
- The Feet and Ankles
- The Knees
- The Pelvis and Hips
- The Trunk and Spine
- The Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
- Anatomy in Teaching
Chapter 4: Creating Space for Self-Transformation
- The Physical Setting
- Classroom Setup and Orientation
- Class Levels and Prerequisites
- Class Etiquette
- Waking up the Spiritual Environment
- Archetypes and Mythology
- Creating a Happy Space
- A Space for Healing and Awakening
- Holding Integrated Space
- Teaching Who Is in Front of You
- Learning Styles
- Voice and Language
Chapter 5: Techniques and Tools in Teaching Yoga
- Basic Elements of Asana Practice
- Instructing Asanas
- General Principles in Giving Physical Cues and Adjustments
- Modifications, Variations, and the Use of Props
- Bringing It All Together
Chapter 6: Teaching Asanas
- Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)
- Standing Asanas
- Open Hip Standing Asanas
- Closed Hip Standing Asanas
- Standing Balancer Asanas
- Core Refinement
- Arm Balances
- Backbends
- Seated and Supine Twists
- Forward Bends and Hip Openers
- Inversions
- Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Chapter 7: Teaching Pranayama
- The Discovery and Development of Pranayama
- The Modern Science of Respiration
- Teaching Basic Breath Awareness
- Refining the Flow of Breath
- Ujjayi Pranayama: Basic Yogic Breathing
- Deepening the Pranayama Practice
- Consciously Cultivating Energy
Chapter 8: Teaching Meditation
- Patanjali’s Path of Meditation
- Taking One Seat
- Six Guided Meditation Techniques
- When to Meditate
- Meditating Amid the Flow of Bodymind and Breath
Chapter 9: Specialized Teaching
- New to Yoga
- Working with Injuries
- Working with Depression
- Working with Pregnant Students
- Teaching in Alternative Settings
- Reflections on Specialized Teaching
Chapter 10: Sequencing and Planning Classes
- Principles of Sequencing
- The Basic Arc Structure of Classes
- Sequencing Within and Across Asana Families
- Planning Specific Classes
Chapter 11: The Yoga Profession
- Yoga Teacher Training
- Apprenticing
- Teaching Opportunities and Remuneration
- Cultivating Abundance
- Preserving Abundance
- The Path of the Teacher
Appendixes
- Appendix A: Yoga Teaching Resources
- Appendix B: Glossary
- Appendix C: List of Asanas
- Appendix D: Asana Elements
Notes
References
Index
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BOOKS & AUDIOBOOKS
Breathing (2026)
Teaching Yoga (2nd edition, 2024)
Yoga Sequencing — Audiobook
