Inside the YTT #1

You don’t necessarily teach what you practice, but you do practice what you teach.

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Just because you love practicing deep backbends, arm balances, and inversions doesn’t mean you have to teach them. Your personal practice is based on your own needs and growth, whereas teaching is about guiding a group and providing what serves them best.

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It’s important to teach what you’ve explored in your own body. You don’t need to master every pose, but you do need to understand its principles, alignment, how to enter and exit safely, where the challenges lie, and how to make it accessible for all levels in your class.

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This is one of the key focuses of my 200H Yoga Teacher Training - learning how to bridge the gap between personal practice and teaching in a way that truly supports your students while growing your confidence as a teacher.

 

Inside the YTT #2

Hands-On vs. Hands-Off Adjustments

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Where should I start? Let’s begin with my own experience!

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There is no single correct answer when it comes to hands-on vs. hands-off adjustments. It really depends on the teacher’s intention and the individual needs of the student.

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My teacher back in Taiwan wasn’t a big fan of hands-on adjustments. His philosophy was that we should develop our own strength and build a deeper connection with our bodies without relying on external assistance.

While I appreciate this approach, I sometimes struggle when encountering a new pose or exploring a deeper variation. If I don’t have the body memory yet, it can be difficult to figure out which muscles to activate, engage, or relax. In those moments, a hands-on adjustment from a teacher can provide a helpful reference point - making it easier to access the pose independently next time. That’s why I do offer hands-on adjustments in my teaching.

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However, if I find myself making the same adjustment for the same student multiple times, I’ll switch to verbal cues instead. My goal is to empower students to self-adjust and develop awareness in their own practice.

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As teachers, we must always respect a student’s right to decline adjustments. A student may have an injury, personal boundaries, or simply prefer not to be touched - and that is completely valid. As students, it’s also important to know that saying “no” is always an option. I’ve done it myself a few times (especially in India!) when I didn’t feel comfortable with a particular adjustment. And yes, I know saying “no” can feel extra difficult for the British!

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Over the years, I’ve learned many hands-on adjustment techniques through my training, but I’ve also learned just as much from my own teaching experience. My students are my greatest teachers. Whether using hands-on guidance, props, or verbal cues, the key is to offer the right kind of support at the right time.

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Sometimes, hands-on adjustments aren’t about pushing deeper into a pose - they’re about establishing proper alignment at a foundational level.

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This is one of the many topics we explore in my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. We dive into different adjustment techniques, when and how to use them effectively, and most importantly, how to develop a teaching approach that respects and supports each student’s unique practice.

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Inside the YTT #3

Stepping Into Teaching: How to Feel Prepared & Teach with Joy

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The Teaching Methodology section in my 200-hour YTT manual lays out the principles, structure, ideas, practical techniques, and professional essentials, all based on my knowledge and experience.

In the training, we will start with 10-minute teaching segments to get familiar with breath and directional cues. Then, we’ll build up to 20-minute sessions, incorporating alignment and posture names. Gradually, you’ll progress to 60-minute classes, delivering a full session with confidence. Step by step, you’ll develop your teaching voice, and over time, it will feel natural.

Trainees will also have the opportunity to teach in my group sessions. I will support and guide you through the process so that by the end of the training, you’ll feel fully prepared to teach.

Everyone is unique, and you will develop your own personal teaching style and niche. Follow your heart, and you’ll find joy and passion in your teaching. Don’t try to be the teacher you think you should be - simply be yourself. That’s how you bring yoga back to your community in a way that’s authentic and meaningful.

 
If you want to teach outdoor yoga, go for it! If you feel called to start a “Yoga for Kids” class, or specialize in “Yoga for Men,” “Yoga for Sciatica,” or “Yoga for Arthritis,” you should absolutely do it. There is a space for every kind of teacher, and the world needs more yoga in all its forms.

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The early bird discount for my 200H YTT ends on 4th April! If you’d like to chat over coffee, email salterkath@ gmail.com or call/message 07479836240. 

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Hari Om Tat Sat

Kat 🙏