What sets apart a truly magnetic yoga teacher—the kind students will rearrange their lives to practice with? It’s not the perfect playlist or poetic cueing. It’s authenticity.

In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I explain why being yourself isn’t just a cliché—it’s your greatest teaching asset. We’ll explore:

• Why imitation holds you back
• How to lean into your natural personality
• The difference between performance and presence
• How to develop signature cues and themes that reflect your life experience
• The liberating truth about not pleasing everyone

Whether you’re new to teaching or refining your seasoned voice, this episode offers real-world strategies to grow your confidence and deepen your impact.

If you’re ready to step into your full teaching potential, join me in the Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Program. Let’s teach from the inside out.

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.

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.

The last five minutes of your yoga class might be just as crucial as the first. A strong closing helps students integrate their practice, transition back to daily life, and remember their experience in a meaningful way.

Let’s break down the essential elements of an effective class ending, including:

• Why the last moments of class shape how students remember you

• The role of final relaxation and how to guide it effectively

• Practical tips for managing time and transitioning students smoothly

• Common mistakes teachers make when ending class—and how to avoid them

Listen now and learn how to make your class unforgettable—right when it matters most!

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.

The way you begin your yoga class determines everything that follows. In this episode, I break down how to create a welcoming environment, set clear expectations, and guide students into a focused and engaged practice. From greeting students to setting the tone with your voice, presence, and language, I’ll share practical strategies to ensure your class starts with confidence and ease.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the first five minutes are the most important

• How to create a welcoming environment before students arrive

• What to say (and what NOT to say) when greeting students

• The importance of setting clear expectations with the “five W’s and one H”

• How to guide an intentional class opening that transitions students into practice

• Common mistakes to avoid when starting class

• How to adapt your class opening for different audiences

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.

Have you ever walked into the studio, set up for class . . . and no one shows up? Or maybe just one student arrives, turning your group class into an unintentional private lesson. It happens more than we admit, and it can feel discouraging—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I share how to reframe low attendance as an opportunity. Small classes (or even empty ones) can help you refine your teaching, build confidence, and prepare for future private lessons. Plus, I share stories from my own experience—including one that led to free legal advice!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why low attendance isn’t a reflection of your teaching

• How to embrace and maximize unintentional private lessons

• Ways to use empty class time for self-improvement

• The unexpected benefits of solo student classes

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.

Many yoga teachers avoid private lessons—not because they lack skill, but because they lack confidence. If you’ve ever felt unsure about pricing, session structure, or meeting a student’s needs, this episode is for you. I share my journey from uncertainty to confidence, plus three essential steps to help you teach private lessons with ease.

Chapters & Timestamps:

[00:00] Overcoming the Fear of Teaching Private Lessons

[00:00:54] The Benefits of Private Yoga Lessons

[00:01:32] My Journey with Private Lessons

[00:04:36] Why You Should Offer Private Lessons

[00:05:44] Three Steps to Confident Private Lessons

[00:08:14] Bonus Tips for Adding Value

[00:09:13] Conclusion and Next Steps

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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.