Yoga Sequencing With Purpose

Yoga Sequencing With Purpose is a comprehensive resource that provides a clear framework and in-depth knowledge to create intelligent, methodical, meaningful, and impactful yoga classes. At its core is a methodology that goes beyond simply putting postures together.

The book begins with your purpose as a yoga teacher and the structure of a yoga class (the sequencing arc). We then build upon that foundation to explore the principles and nuances of intelligent sequencing.

As you move through the book, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of poses, their variations, and the fundamental alignment principles within each section of the arc. Additionally, you will learn how strategic posture selection, thoughtful preparation, and skillful sequencing work together to prepare the body for what lies ahead; create continuity throughout the practice; cultivate a fluid, meditative experience; fulfill the intention of each practice; and help students leave class feeling balanced, grounded, and better in their mind and body. Finally, you’ll apply these principles to create well-rounded classes and classes built around a peak pose or a physical theme. You’ll also learn how to adapt these classes for different yoga styles, experience levels, mobility needs, and the unique students in your classes.

This text will help you do the following:

• Identify your purpose as a yoga teacher.
• Develop practices with a clear intention.
• Know each section of the sequencing arc, from the opening and warm-up through the closing of the session.
• Understand the importance of pose selection, preparation, progressions, transitions, and sequencing principles within each section of the sequencing arc and throughout the class as a whole.
• Adapt sequences for different yoga styles, experience levels, mobility needs, and specific student populations.
• Practice 14 complete class sequences, each including guidance for increasing or decreasing their intensity.
• Use the full-color photographs, color-coded page edges, worksheets, and sequencing calendars for easy reference and intentional class planning.
• Expand your learning experience with companion videos featuring tutorials, short practices, and complete class sequences.

Whether you’re new to sequencing, have been teaching for more than 10 years, or are ready to elevate your teacher training curriculum with a comprehensive sequencing resource, you’ll transform the way you think about sequencing and will refine the way you create and teach your classes. Rather than prescribing a rigid formula, this book provides structure without rigidity, offering the precision of a clear methodology while leaving room for creativity, thoughtful adaptation, and your authentic teaching voice.

Audience

Yoga teachers, yoga teacher training programs, and dedicated yoga practitioners who want to better understand intelligent sequencing, create their own practices, or practice the class sequences included in the book.

Part I. Sequencing Foundations
Chapter 1. Your Purpose
Chapter 2. Smart Sequencing and Teaching Methodology
Chapter 3. The Sequencing Arc

Part II. Explore the Sequencing Arc
Chapter 4. Opening
Chapter 5. Warm-Up
Chapter 6. Sun Salutations
Chapter 7. Externally Rotated Standing Postures
Chapter 8. Neutrally Rotated Standing Postures
Chapter 9. Standing Balancing Postures
Chapter 10. Core Work and Arm Balances
Chapter 11. Inversions
Chapter 12. Backbends
Chapter 13. Neutral Spine Postures
Chapter 14. Seated and Supine Twists
Chapter 15. Seated Postures and Forward Bends
Chapter 16. Closing

Part III. Design Your Sequences
Chapter 17. Reference Guide to Pose Categories
Chapter 18. Sequencing Fundamentals
Chapter 19. Well-Rounded Classes
Chapter 20. Peak Pose Classes
Chapter 21. Themed Classes
Chapter 22. Smooth Transitions
Chapter 23. Sample Class Sequences
Chapter 24. Create a Sequencing Calendar

Appendix A. Peak Pose Class Worksheet
Appendix B. Physical-Themed Class Worksheet
Appendix C. Spiritual/Philosophical/Mental-Themed Class Worksheet
 

Laura Burkhart, E-RYT 500, is an internationally recognized yoga educator and author specializing in intelligent sequencing, refined alignment, and yoga teacher development. She is a four-time cover model for Yoga Journal Italy, Yoga Journal Singapore, OM Yoga, and Lifestyle Magazine, and she has been a regular contributor to Yoga Journal USA.

She has also written for Yoga Journal Australia, Yoga Magazine Holland, Greatist, and Refinery29, and she has appeared in Mantra Magazine, Origin Magazine, and Self Magazine.

In addition to writing, Burkhart is a featured online instructor for Yoga International, OmStars, Grokker, YogaVibes, and MyYogaWorks, and she has presented at the Yoga Journal Conference, Mammoth Yoga Festival, Tahoe Yoga Festival, BaliSpirit Festival, OM Yoga Festival in Manchester, Yoga Festival in Milan, Stockholm Yoga and Dance Festival, Wanderlust 108, Yoga for Hope, and Yoga Rocks the Park.

Burkhart began her career in the yoga industry in 2003 working in public relations at Jivamukti Yoga in New York City before becoming the yoga director at the Bay Club’s Mind/Body Center in San Francisco. Since 2013, she has educated yoga teachers and teacher trainees nationally and internationally in sequencing methodology and refined posture alignment. Inspired in part by her own experience in navigating yoga-related injuries, her work over the past decade has increasingly emphasized helping teachers create classes that promote longevity without sacrificing the integrity of each posture; the creativity, fluidity, and intensity of the class sequence; or the overall student experience. She currently leads 200- and 300-hour teacher trainings. She also is a guest teacher in teacher training programs and offers immersions and workshops—all focused on sequencing, alignment, and hands-on adjustments. Beyond teaching, Burkhart mentors yoga teachers in building successful teaching careers aligned with their purpose.