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 Why this, then that? 

Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes

Paperback, 528 pages
Publisher: North Atlantic Books, 2012
ISBN-13: 860-1200638998
Dimensions: 8 x 10
Also in multiple languages and Kindle format.
Audiobook coming Spring 2026.

Yoga Sequencing is the definitive resource for planning and sequencing successful yoga classes – classes that reflect the interests, needs, and conditions of the students actually in them. It presents sixty-seven model sequences of yoga poses (asanas) that cover the broad range of yoga student experience, including multiple sequences for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students; yoga for kids, teens, women across the life cycle, and seniors; classes to relieve depression and anxiety; and sequences for each of the major chakras and ayurvedic constitutions. With more than 2,000 instructional photos, this essential reference explores the nuanced interrelationships among asanas within and between the seven asana families and includes a useful appendix with valuable tools for yoga teachers and students. 

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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."

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 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