Teaching Yoga: Creative Cueing for Safer Mixed Level Classes

I have been teaching yoga for a few years but still think of myself as a beginning teacher with much to learn. Becca’s book has much to teach me. It’s clear that she is a teacher who deeply cares about her students. She is also a teacher who constantly learns from the experience of teaching.I appreciate the clarity with which she handles so many details. She explores those aspects of anatomy that are most important for understanding a pose. Becca gives special attention to the breath throughout the book. She often anticipates the sorts of questions that students ask, then provides clear and concise suggestions for responding to those questions. And, as the title suggests, if you are looking for ways to improve your cueing, you are in good hands.For each pose she explores, you’ll find a suggested series of cues. I am finding these very helpful. As I read through the series of cues for a pose, I often become aware of parts of the pose that I could be explaining better. I also appreciate her critique of certain proverbial cues, where she points out likely confusions and suggests a better way.Becca has suggestions for working with the wide variety of people, body types, and ages that we encounter in our yoga classes. I really liked the attention she gives to modifications, which are very useful as we work to accommodate the particular challenges of our students.I find the book inspiring. I expect it to become a well-used reference over the years.

5 stars! I can’t say enough good about Becca’s book and the accompanying free (!) video course offered on her website, yogalife.tv. This is the material I’ve wanted for years: It’s helped me move to another level of understanding and confidence. I teach an older population (people like me), and my biggest concern has been, “First, do no harm.” Becca’s course has helped me learn how to provide my students the benefits of the various asanas while avoiding injuries. And I’ve gotten corresponding praise from my students related to my use of these materials. Further, the layout of the book and videos of one anatomical area per chapter has helped me develop lesson plans, each chapter providing a separate class theme. Very highly recommended. (I’ve been so helped by Becca’s material that I’ve subscribed to her yoga videos.)

Unfortunately, many 200-hour training poses teach to fairly generic postures which lack much individuation. This is partly due to the amount of information that needs to be taught can only address the basics. After completing training, students often find themselves teaching classrooms full of students with different body types, range of motion, and various limitations. I teach advanced teacher trainings and the comment students often make consistently is that they don't feel adequately prepared to meet the needs of students who are showing up for classes. The author addresses this need. It is clear she has had many years of experience teaching. She teaches not only the way to address different bodies but also why. This is the gold standard for teacher training, so students can learn how to think critically when faced with different students. She gives imagery that helps create a felt sense of engagement and release in an organic way. I would recommend this book to any student starting on their yoga teaching path, teacher trainers, and those whose practice doesn't seem to be working for them anymore. It is a terrific resource for anyone.

When I first opened the book, I noticed the cover was printed upside down. And I thought that was something I could deal with even though people might look at me strangely as it would appear I am pretending to read an upside down book in public. But then as I flipped through the book, I noticed it was also printed backwards. That makes it challenging to read as I have to flip the pages the opposite way. I thought about returning the book, but decided to keep it since print errors are interesting and it will help me to be more mindful as I will have to remember to flip the pages the opposite way than what I'm used to!

The book offers a straightforward approach to learning and teaching the structural elements of yoga poses from the ground up. First chapter reminds the reader that to feel the in-and-out movement of the breath, in the abdominals, ribs, and chest. requires attention and practice. The following nine chapters are exemplary. Becca links the fundamentals of movement to distinct regions of the yoga body, starting with the feet, ankles and knees, quadriceps and gluteal muscles, hips, pelvis, spine, shoulders, and ending with the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, and head. The final chapter comes back to the breath and to relaxation in Shavasana pose. The book is a breakthrough in the best kind of yoga instruction that recognizes differences in body types and promotes the use of props for safety and stability. Becca has already set a new standard for creative cueing. She graciously shares her personal experience and visionary outlook with the reader. The book will function to educate students and teachers of yoga at all levels. Bravo!

I've been a yoga student and teacher for many years but am always wanting to learn more about the practice and how to teach to multileveled classes. This book by Becca Hewes has really upped my game. Becca has just the right amount of humor, anatomy clarification, and common sense to help any yoga teacher or practitioner. Her cueing of the poses and creative use of props will enhance any yoga class at all studios. Becca writes about her observations over her many years as a student, teacher, and teacher trainer. She give clear and concise dialog to every reader of this "how to" book. Readers will enjoy and gain confidence in their own abilities to instruct and participate in all types of yoga classes and with varying ability groupings. The book, "Teaching Yoga," will be your favorite book to enhance your practice and instructional path.

Having qualified recently, I needed a step by step guide on teaching with confidence and knowledge as all the classes I attend seem to focus on popular alignment and lack of modification, which I’ve found difficult for my body . This book is fantastic for breaking down poses and describing what’s happening with simple cues and clarity throughout. Very good for those considering teaching . This is my new yoga bible , thank you

I am becoming a Yoga teacher and this book has been helping to build my sequences. I feel more confident now. The tips are grand! Really worht it!

Very helpful towards my yoga teaching practice.