Teach Smarter Series — How To Go Beyond Repetitive Physical Cues: A Guide for Yoga Teachers

If you’ve ever felt stuck repeating the same physical cues in your classes, this episode is going to open up a whole new way of thinking about teaching. I’m breaking down what it really means to move from gross to subtle, how subtle cueing works, and why it’s the key to creating deeper, more meaningful yoga experiences. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use right away—no fluff, no woo, just clearer teaching. Episode Highlights: Explanation of the Teach Smarter module and how this episode builds on the “Gross to Subtle” workshop. Why two teachers can teach the same pose but create completely different student experiences. The difference between the gross (sthula) body and the subtle (sukshma) body. Why most modern yoga teaching gets stuck in the gross physical layer. The limitations of staying in purely physical cueing—repetition, boredom, overthinking alignment, teacher burnout, and lack of depth. Clear signs that a teacher may be relying too heavily on gross cueing. Introduction to subtle cueing as a precise and grounded practice—not vague or woo-woo. Overview of the six types of subtle cueing: Attention cues Breath cues Pranic-direction cues Sensory cues Interoceptive cues Energetic sequencing A practical example of Warrior II comparing gross cues vs. subtle cues. Guidance on how teachers can begin practicing subtle cueing: Use intentional pauses Let the breath lead the teaching Choose one subtle layer per class Stop micromanaging alignment Practice receiving your own cues Trust your students’ intelligence Why subtle cueing matters for long-term student development and sustainable practice, especially as students age. A self-inquiry checklist for teachers to evaluate their cueing approach. Reflective questions for both teachers and students to deepen their awareness in asana. Encouragement to revisit the episode, reflect, and apply the concepts. Invitation to explore the 300-hour YTT and how the training weaves ancient wisdom with modern teaching needs. Brief overview of the three modules: Sequence Smarter Breathe Smarter Teach Smarter Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January) Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricing Join our mailing list Find all the resources mentioned in this episode Connect with us on Instagram