How to Plan a 60-Minute Yoga Class (Minute by Minute)
Sixty minutes is the standard yoga class, and it gives you room for a complete arc without rushing. The trick is knowing how much time each phase deserves, so you never find yourself with fifteen poses still to teach and four minutes left. Here is a minute-by-minute template for a 60-minute class, with an example flow you can adapt to any style.
The 60-minute time budget
Think of the hour as five blocks. These proportions work for almost any style; a vinyasa class spends more of the middle flowing, a hatha class holds longer, but the shape is the same.
A 60-minute class as five time blocks, in minutes.
Example: a 60-minute class, minute by minute
This is a flowing, all-levels structure. Swap in the poses from your chosen style guide, but keep the timing and the arc.
Center the breath and set an intention, then warm the spine with several rounds of Cat-Cow into Downward Dog.
Two to three rounds of sun salutations to build heat and rhythm, all the way back up to Mountain.
The main standing wave, rising toward the balance peak. Teach the whole set on one side, then repeat.
Come to the floor. A gentle backbend, a forward fold to counter it, then a reclined twist.
A long, unhurried Savasana to let the class integrate.
Adapting the template
For a 75 or 90-minute class, expand the build-and-peak block, add a second standing wave or a balance sequence, and give Savasana a couple more minutes. For 30 or 45 minutes, keep all five phases but shorten each, never sacrifice the rest to buy more flow time. Once the timing is in your body, you can improvise within it. Writing the plan as a printable PDF keeps your pacing honest.
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