03/29/2026
Verbal cues are an integral part of any yoga class, helping to bring a better understanding and sensation to a pose. Instructions often start with the students' feet and move up towards the head, directing stance, muscular engagement, and energetic nuance.
Hands-on adjustments fall into two categories: "feel-good"—often done in Savasana to help facilitate relaxation—and "instructional," which offers touch to direct awareness, engage muscles, or provide support. Both offerings may or may not be a component of a class, but they should always involve explicit permission from students.
As an example, one of Tanya's favorites is having an instructor use a hands-on adjustment in Savasana to move her shoulders away from her ears, or the verbal cue to do the same. We carry so much tension in our shoulders, and yoga regularly reminds us to soften in that area.
Now that you have a little more info on cues and adjustments—what's your favorite?
