Class Planning Workflow

Planning a yoga class can feel overwhelming, especially when you're staring at a blank page (or screen) and trying to imagine how 60 or 75 minutes will unfold. Where do you start? How do you ensure the sequence is safe, effective, and inspiring? How do you balance structure with spontaneity?

The good news is that class planning doesn't have to be mysterious or stressful. With a clear workflow—a step-by-step process that moves from intention to final sequence—you can create classes efficiently and confidently. This workflow provides structure without rigidity, allowing you to apply your knowledge and intuition systematically.

Whether you're planning manually or using tools like Sutrix, understanding the underlying workflow helps you make informed choices at each stage. This article walks you through the complete process, from initial concept to final review.

The Planning Process Overview

According to Mark Stephens in Yoga Sequencing, the teacher's role in class planning is threefold: "(1) to intelligently plan the route, (2) to guide students along that route with clear and inspiring instruction, and (3) to be present to what is actually happening in the moment and to respond appropriately."

This article focuses on the first role—intelligently planning the route. The workflow has five main stages:

1. Set Intention: Define the purpose and focus of the class
2. Establish Parameters: Determine duration, level, style, and constraints
3. Build Structure: Create the arc and major sections
4. Select Poses: Choose specific poses that serve the intention
5. Review and Refine: Test the sequence and make adjustments

Each stage builds on the previous one, creating a logical progression from abstract intention to concrete sequence.

Stage 1: Set Intention

Why Intention Matters

Every class needs a purpose—a reason for being. Without clear intention, sequences become random collections of poses rather than coherent journeys. Intention guides every choice you make: which poses to include, how long to hold them, what to emphasize in your teaching.

Stephens emphasizes that "in part because there are potentially infinite ways to structure a yoga class, we need guidelines for what to do, when, and in what relation to everything else." Intention provides those guidelines.

Types of Intentions

Intentions can be:

Physical: Focus on a specific body region (hip opening, shoulder mobility, core strength) or movement quality (balance, flexibility, strength)

Energetic: Create a particular energy quality (grounding, energizing, calming, balancing)

Thematic: Explore a concept or teaching (letting go, finding steadiness, cultivating compassion)

Functional: Prepare for a peak pose or address a specific student need

Seasonal/Temporal: Align with time of day, season, or lunar cycle

Defining Your Intention

Ask yourself:

• What do I want students to experience or learn?
• What physical, mental, or emotional state am I cultivating?
• What's appropriate for this time, place, and population?
• What feels authentic and inspiring to me right now?

Write your intention in one clear sentence. For example:

• "Create a grounding, hip-opening practice for evening relaxation"
• "Build strength and confidence through arm balance exploration"
• "Cultivate ease and spaciousness through gentle backbends and breath work"

This sentence becomes your north star—every subsequent choice should serve this intention.

Stage 2: Establish Parameters

Duration and Timing

How long is your class? This fundamentally shapes everything else. A 45-minute class requires different pacing and pose selection than a 90-minute class.

Consider:

• Total duration: 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes?
• Section allocation: How much time for opening, warmup, build, peak, cooldown, savasana?
• Pose duration: Will poses be held briefly (vinyasa) or longer (hatha, yin)?

See Setting Duration and Pacing for detailed guidance.

Student Level

Who's in the room? Beginners need different sequences than advanced practitioners. Mixed-level classes require careful layering of options.

Consider:

• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced, or mixed?
• Physical capacity: Strength, flexibility, balance, endurance?
• Familiarity with style: New to vinyasa? Experienced in yin?

See Choosing Student Level for detailed guidance.

Style and Approach

What style best serves your intention and population?

• Vinyasa: Flowing, breath-linked, dynamic
• Hatha: Held poses, alignment-focused, steady
• Yin: Long holds, passive stretching, meditative
• Restorative: Fully supported, deeply relaxing
• Power: Athletic, challenging, heat-building

Style choice affects pose selection, timing, transitions, and teaching approach.

Constraints and Considerations

What limitations or special considerations apply?

• Space and props: What's available? What's not?
• Contraindications: Pregnancy, injuries, health conditions?
• Temperature: Hot room? Cold season?
• Student expectations: What are they used to? What do they need?

Stage 3: Build Structure

The Five-Stage Arc

Most yoga classes follow a five-stage structure:

1. Opening/Centering (5-10%): Arrival, intention-setting, initial breath work
2. Warmup (15-20%): Gentle movement, joint mobilization, building heat
3. Build (30-40%): Progressive intensity, working toward peak
4. Peak (10-15%): Apex of physical or energetic intensity
5. Cooldown (15-20%): Releasing, integrating, preparing for rest
6. Savasana (10-15%): Final relaxation, integration

These percentages are guidelines, not rules. Adjust based on intention and style.

Energy Arc

Within this structure, consider the energy arc—how intensity builds and releases. According to Stephens, this relates to the gunas (qualities of energy):

• Tamas (grounding, heavy): Opening and cooldown
• Rajas (active, energizing): Warmup and build
• Sattva (light, clear): Peak and savasana

The arc typically moves: Tamas → Rajas → Sattva, though variations exist (restorative classes stay mostly tamasic; power classes emphasize rajas).

Section Planning

For each section, determine:

• Purpose: What's this section accomplishing?
• Duration: How long will it last?
• Pose categories: What types of poses belong here?
• Transitions: How will you move between sections?

Stage 4: Select Poses

Pose Selection Principles

Now you're ready to choose specific poses. According to the Teaching Hatha Yoga manual, sequencing fundamentals include principles like:

Simple to complex: Start with accessible poses, progress to more challenging ones

Prepare the body: Include preparatory poses before demanding ones

Balance the practice: Address multiple body regions and movement directions

Honor the arc: Choose poses that support the intended energy progression

Serve the intention: Every pose should relate to your stated purpose

Building the Sequence

Work section by section:

Opening: Choose centering practices (seated meditation, gentle breath work, simple movement)

Warmup: Select mobilizing poses (Cat-Cow, gentle twists, Sun Salutations)

Build: Progress through standing poses, deeper stretches, or strength work

Peak: Include the apex pose or most intense practice

Cooldown: Choose releasing poses (forward folds, gentle twists, hip openers)

Savasana: Plan duration and any props needed

Pose Order Considerations

Within each section, order poses thoughtfully:

• Prepare joints and muscles before demanding poses
• Progress from simpler to more complex variations
• Balance sides (right and left)
• Include counter-poses after intense stretches or backbends
• Create smooth transitions (avoid jarring shifts)

Using Tools

If using Sutrix or other planning tools, this is where you input your parameters and let the system generate options. The tool handles pose selection based on your intention, duration, level, and constraints.

If planning manually, refer to your pose library, sequencing resources, and past successful classes.

Stage 5: Review and Refine

Initial Review

Once you have a draft sequence, review it critically:

Safety check:

• Are preparatory poses included before challenging ones?
• Are contraindications addressed?
• Are transitions safe and logical?
• Is the pacing sustainable?

Intention alignment:

• Does every pose serve the stated intention?
• Does the arc support the intended energy progression?
• Will students experience what you're aiming for?

Timing verification:

• Add up pose durations—does it fit the allotted time?
• Is savasana long enough (minimum 5 minutes, ideally 10-15)?
• Is there buffer time for transitions and teaching?

Completeness:

• Are all body regions addressed appropriately?
• Are both sides balanced?
• Are counter-poses included where needed?

Testing the Sequence

The best way to refine a sequence is to practice it yourself. Stephens notes that teachers have "responsibility for ensuring that the sequences are sensible." You can't know if a sequence works until you've experienced it.

When self-practicing:

• Notice where transitions feel awkward
• Identify poses that don't fit the flow
• Feel whether the arc builds and releases as intended
• Check if timing feels right

Make notes as you practice. What needs adjustment? What works well?

Common Refinements

Based on your review and testing, you might:

Adjust timing: Shorten or lengthen sections, add or remove poses

Reorder poses: Improve flow, better prepare for challenging poses

Add preparatory poses: Ensure safety and accessibility

Include more counter-poses: Balance intense stretches or backbends

Simplify: Remove unnecessary complexity, especially for beginners

Add variations: Provide options for different levels

Refine transitions: Make movement between poses smoother

Final Check

Before teaching, do one last review:

• Can you visualize the entire class from start to finish?
• Do you know your opening and closing words?
• Are props and space prepared?
• Do you feel confident and clear about the plan?

If yes, you're ready. If not, identify what needs clarification and address it.

Balancing Structure and Spontaneity

The Plan as Foundation

A well-planned sequence provides structure and confidence. You know where you're going, you've thought through safety and pacing, and you have a clear intention guiding you.

But the plan isn't a script. Stephens emphasizes the importance of "being present to what is actually happening in the moment and responding appropriately." The sequence is your foundation, not your prison.

Reading the Room

Once class begins, observe your students:

• Are they energized or tired?
• Are they moving easily or struggling?
• Do they need more warmup? More challenge? More rest?

Adjust accordingly. Skip poses if students need more time elsewhere. Add poses if they're ready for more. Modify the plan to serve the actual humans in front of you.

Trusting Your Preparation

The paradox is this: thorough planning gives you freedom to improvise. When you have a solid structure, you can deviate from it confidently because you understand the principles underlying your choices.

If you skip a pose, you know why and what to include instead. If you extend a section, you know how to adjust timing elsewhere. Your preparation allows you to be responsive without losing coherence.

Common Planning Challenges

"I don't know where to start"

Start with intention. What do you want students to experience? Once you have that, parameters and structure follow naturally.

"My sequences feel random"

Check your intention. Is every pose serving it? If not, remove or replace poses that don't fit. Also review your arc—does energy build and release logically?

"I always plan the same class"

Challenge yourself with new intentions. Focus on a body region you usually neglect. Try a different style. Use a theme or peak pose you haven't explored. Variety comes from varying your starting point (intention), not just shuffling poses.

"I run out of time or finish too early"

Practice timing estimation. Track how long poses actually take (including setup, transitions, and teaching). Build in buffer time. Test sequences before teaching them.

"I can't plan without knowing who's in class"

Plan for your expected population, but include options. If you expect mixed-level, plan a solid intermediate sequence with clear modifications up and down. You can't plan for every possibility, but you can plan flexibly.

In Practice: Sample Workflow

Here's how the workflow might look for a specific class:

Stage 1: Intention "Create a grounding, hip-opening practice for evening relaxation"

Stage 2: Parameters

• Duration: 75 minutes
• Level: Mixed (mostly intermediate)
• Style: Hatha with yin elements
• Constraints: Limited props, some students with knee issues

Stage 3: Structure

• Opening (8 min): Seated meditation, gentle breath work
• Warmup (12 min): Cat-Cow, gentle twists, modified Sun Salutations
• Build (25 min): Standing hip openers, lunges, standing forward folds
• Peak (15 min): Pigeon Pose variations, Cow Face Pose
• Cooldown (20 min): Supine hip stretches, gentle twists, forward folds
• Savasana (10 min): Supported with bolster

Stage 4: Pose Selection (Specific poses chosen for each section, with modifications noted for knee issues)

Stage 5: Review

• Self-practice reveals Pigeon needs more prep—add low lunge variations
• Timing check shows build section too long—remove one standing pose
• Add blocks for students with tight hips in forward folds

Next Steps

To deepen your understanding of class planning, explore:

• Setting Duration and Pacing: Detailed guidance on timing and pacing choices.
• Choosing Student Level: How to assess and plan for different experience levels.
• Refining Sequences: Advanced techniques for polishing your sequences.
• Understanding Sequencing: Core sequencing principles that inform planning.

Sources

This article draws on teachings from:

• Mark Stephens, Yoga Sequencing (teacher's role, planning process, parinamavada and vinyasa krama, theme-oriented classes)
• Teaching Hatha Yoga manual (sequencing fundamentals, principles of sequencing, mixed-level planning)
• Practical teaching experience and established planning methodologies

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Part of the Sutrix Teacher Knowledge Base • Last updated November 6, 2025