Weaving the Limbs of Yoga into any Class (Part 1) Yamas & Niyamas

Are you a yoga teacher who feels hesitant to bring philosophy into your classes?

If so, you’re not alone. Even after more than 30 years of practice and over 20 years of teaching, I’ve often stayed in the “safe zone” of poses and breath. Not because the deeper teachings of yoga aren’t important—but because I didn’t always know how to share them without sounding like I was giving a philosophy lecture.

In this episode, I share how I’m beginning to shift that mindset.

Part 1 of this two-part series explores the first two limbs described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: the Yamas and Niyamas. These principles guide how we relate to others and how we relate to ourselves.

The good news? You don’t have to quote Sanskrit or teach a philosophy lesson to share them.

In this episode, I offer simple, practical cues you can use to naturally weave these principles into any yoga class—whether you teach in a studio, gym, community center, corporate setting, or a 55+ community.

In This Episode:

• Why many yoga teachers hesitate to share yoga philosophy
• How to weave the Yamas into your teaching through everyday cues
• Simple ways to introduce the Niyamas without labeling them
• How philosophy can deepen any yoga class—without overwhelming your students

Coming Next

In Part 2, we’ll explore the more subtle limbs of yoga and how practices like inward awareness and meditation can also be integrated naturally into everyday classes.

I’d Love to Hear From You

If you’re a yoga teacher, how do you weave yoga philosophy into your classes?

Share your ideas or experiences—I’d love to hear what’s working for you.