When I first began teaching yoga, I didn’t feel confident—and honestly, I still have my days. In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I’m sharing how confidence is built, not born. You’ll hear the awkward story of my second-ever class (spoiler: it was spontaneous), how I reframed failure, and the exact practices I used to grow into a confident guide.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been teaching for years, these mindset shifts and tools will help you lead with clarity, presence, and compassion.

You’ll also learn:

• Why your confidence grows through repetition, not perfection
• How the 6-4-2 framework creates structure that supports your teaching
• Simple practices to stop over-explaining and start holding space
• The power of student agency and what it means to “get out of the way”

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about showing up. Let’s do this together.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Are you caught in the cycle of chasing certifications, thinking one more training will finally make you feel ready? You’re not alone. Many yoga teachers—new and experienced—fall into the trap of believing that more hours, credentials, and certifications will give them legitimacy, confidence, and expertise. But here’s the truth: your ability as a teacher isn’t measured in training hours.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why the yoga industry encourages a never-ending certification chase
• How confidence comes from teaching, not from credentials
• The historical roots of yoga education (spoiler: it wasn’t about certificates)
• When additional training does make sense—and when it doesn’t
• Practical strategies to build confidence in your teaching, right now

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not ready, not qualified enough, or just need one more certification before stepping into your full potential, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what actually makes a great yoga teacher—and it’s not a piece of paper.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Program

• 300-Hour Advanced Studies Program

• The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

My first yoga class as a student was a disaster—I felt lost, uncomfortable, and unsure of what was allowed. It wasn’t the poses that overwhelmed me—it was the uncertainty. Can I leave if I need to? What if I can’t do a pose? Where’s the bathroom?

As teachers, we often focus on our confidence, but what about our students? In this episode, I explore how consistency in class structure and clear permission create a supportive, predictable environment where students can focus on their practice instead of worrying about logistics.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why predictable class structures help students feel safe

✅ How to give explicit permission for modifications and classroom logistics

✅ Simple ways to normalize choice and agency in your yoga class

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.