Yoga Teaching: Essential Phrases, Principles, and What to Avoid

What phrases should you use while teaching yoga?

Effective verbal cues are the cornerstone of impactful yoga instruction, guiding practitioners safely and deeply into their bodies, breath, and the present moment.

The Power of Language in Yoga Instruction

In the realm of yoga, the instructor's voice is their primary tool. More than just demonstrating poses, your words create the environment, convey anatomical precision, foster mindful awareness, and ensure the safety and accessibility of the practice for every student. Thoughtful language transforms a sequence of physical postures into a profound experience, connecting mind, body, and breath.

Core Principles of Effective Yoga Cues

Mastering the art of verbal cueing involves adhering to several key principles:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Use simple, direct language. Avoid jargon or overly poetic phrases that might confuse or distract. Get to the point quickly, allowing students to process and integrate the instruction.
• Action-Oriented Language: Focus on verbs that tell students what to do with their bodies. Instead of "your hips are square," say "Square your hips towards the front of the mat." This empowers students to actively engage.
• Anatomical and Biomechanical Precision: While avoiding overly academic language, use accurate anatomical terms (e.g., "pelvis," "femur," "rib cage") to help students understand where to direct their attention and effort. Explain the why behind a cue (e.g., "draw your navel towards your spine to support your lower back") to enhance body awareness and injury prevention.
• Inclusivity and Adaptability: Recognize that every body is different. Offer variations, modifications, and permission to rest. Your language should be invitational and non-judgmental, emphasizing self-discovery over achieving a "perfect" pose.
• Mindfulness and Breath Integration: Consistently weave breath cues into your instructions, emphasizing the synchronization of movement with inhalation and exhalation. Encourage students to observe sensations and mental states without judgment, fostering interoception.

Essential Phrase Categories for Yoga Instruction

To create a comprehensive and supportive teaching experience, consider incorporating phrases from these essential categories:

Alignment Cues

These phrases help students position their bodies safely and effectively in a pose.

• "Stack your knee directly over your ankle."
• "Align your front heel with the arch of your back foot."
• "Square your hips towards the front of your mat."
• "Roll your shoulders down and back, away from your ears."
• "Draw your shoulder blades down your back."
• "Keep a micro-bend in your knees."
• "Lengthen through the crown of your head."

Action Cues

These instruct students on specific movements or muscle engagements.

• "Press firmly through your heels/palms/knuckles."
• "Engage your quadriceps/glutes/core."
• "Lift through your sternum."
• "Draw your navel towards your spine."
• "Melt your hips towards the earth."
• "Reach your fingertips actively."
• "Spread your toes wide."

Breath Cues

Crucial for connecting movement with breath and fostering mindfulness.

• "Inhale to lengthen, exhale to deepen."
• "Match your movement to your breath."
• "Take a full, deep inhale."
• "Exhale completely, emptying your lungs."
• "Breathe into your side ribs/belly/back."
• "Notice the sound of your breath."
• "Smooth, even breaths."

Mindfulness & Interoception Cues

Encourage internal awareness and present moment focus.

• "Notice the sensation in your hamstrings/shoulders."
• "Observe where your mind wanders, then gently guide it back to your breath."
• "Find stillness within the pose."
• "Release any tension you might be holding in your jaw/shoulders."
• "What do you feel in this moment?"
• "Connect with your inner strength/peace."

Modifications & Props Cues

Ensure accessibility and encourage students to listen to their bodies.

• "If this is too much, drop your knees to the mat."
• "Use a block under your hands if the floor feels far away."
• "Feel free to explore a gentler variation."
• "You can always modify by bending your knees more."
• "Listen to your body's wisdom."
• "A blanket under your knees can provide cushioning."

Transitions & Sequencing Cues

Guide students smoothly from one pose to the next.

• "On your next inhale, step your right foot forward between your hands."
• "Flow with your breath as you move from Warrior II to Triangle."
• "Slowly unroll your spine, one vertebra at a time."
• "Gently shift your weight forward."
• "Inhale to prepare, exhale to move."

Safety & Contraindication Cues

Prioritize student well-being and prevent injury.

• "Listen to your body; back off if you feel any sharp pain."
• "Avoid any compression in your lower back/neck."
• "If you have wrist sensitivity, you can come onto your forearms."
• "Consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions."
• "Pain is a signal; please honor it."

Opening & Closing Cues

Frame the practice and create a sense of completion.

• "Set an intention for your practice today."
• "Find a comfortable seated position."
• "Take a deep breath in, and sigh it out."
• "Let's seal our practice with one final Om."
• "Bring your hands to heart center."
• "Namaste." (Often accompanied by an explanation of its meaning.)

Phrases to Avoid

Just as important as what to say, is what to avoid saying:

• "Just" or "Only": These words can minimize the effort required or imply that something is easy when it might not be for a student (e.g., "just lift your leg").
• Judgmental Language: Avoid "good," "bad," "perfect," or "wrong." Focus on alignment and sensation rather than judgment.
• Excessive Talking: While cues are vital, too much talking can prevent students from going inward and connecting with their own experience. Allow for moments of silence.
• "Should" or "Must": These create pressure. Use invitational language like "you might," "you could," "consider," or "try."
• Overly Complex or Jargon-Filled Language: Unless you're teaching an advanced anatomy workshop, keep your language accessible. If you use a technical term, briefly explain it.

Developing Your Unique Teaching Voice

While these categories provide a strong foundation, your unique teaching voice will evolve with practice and experience.

• Practice: Rehearse your cues out loud.
• Observe: Pay attention to how other effective instructors cue.
• Seek Feedback: Ask trusted students or mentors for feedback on your verbal instructions.
• Authenticity: Let your personality shine through, while maintaining professionalism and clarity.

Conclusion

The phrases you choose as a yoga instructor are not merely words; they are bridges connecting your students to a deeper understanding of their bodies, breath, and inner landscape. By thoughtfully selecting clear, action-oriented, and inclusive language grounded in anatomical awareness and mindfulness, you empower practitioners to cultivate a safe, enriching, and transformative yoga experience. Continual refinement of your verbal cues is a hallmark of an expert fitness educator, enhancing both the art and science of yoga instruction.