Begineer 1 Lesson Plan

The following is a lesson plan for a 1 hour lesson for students that are being exposed to Yoga for the first time.

  1. Introduction and enquires about the students’ medical history – 5 min
  2. Ashtanga Mantra – 5min
  3. Deep Breathing- 3 min
  4. Warm up- 5 min

The most fundamental Ashtanga Yoga posture is Surya Namaskara. That is the objective of this lesson. Surya Namaskara will be broken down into its individual components.

  1. Samasthiti – 1 min on alignment and breathing
  2. Ardha Chakrasana – 1 min on alignment, breathing and gazing point
  3. Uttanasana – 1 min
  4. Ashwa Sanchalansana- 1 min
  5. Santloasana- 1min
  6. Ashtanga Namaskar – 1 min
  7. Bhujangasana -2 min
  8. Adho Mukha Swanasana- 2 min
  9. Ashwa Sanchalansana- ½ min
  10. Uttanasana – ½  min
  11. Ardha Chakrasana and Samasthi – ½ min
  12.  Repeat step 5 to 15 on the other leg to complete 1 round- 2 ½ min

After Surya Namsakara is taught, it is followed by a few standing poses, a few siting poses and a supine pose.

  1. Padangusthasana- 3 min to allow adjustment on the students
  2. Utthita Trikonasana – 3 min
  3. Vineysa & Dandasana – 5 min (Let the student try multiple times)
  4. Pashimottanasa A, B– 3 min
  5. Purvattanasana – 2 min
  6. Supine (Leg against wall) – 2min
  7. Savasana – 5 min

If there is extra time, spend the last 2 to 3 minutes talking about some Yoga philosophies.