Hi Karis M. Just jumping in here if you don't mind and just to cover for Joanna as she is currently traveling. By the way... thank you for this thoughtful reflection, and I love that you're already using the "rest pose reset" technique. That's actually one of the best tools "in the book", so keep using it without any guilt! You could also... In the first minute or two, notice energy levels, ages, any injuries mentioned (if any), even body language as people set up their mats. This would be a good "lesson plan" to follow. I usually think of a written sequence as a starting point.
Also, rather than a rigid sequence, think of your class as a series of modules you can lengthen, shorten, or swap, a warm-up block, a standing block, a peak block, a cooldown block. If the standing block is clearly too much, you can move straight to a gentler variation without it feeling like you've "failed" the plan. You could also use sentences (with some confidence!!) like "Let's slow down here and really feel this," sounds intentional, even if internally you're recalculating. Students take their emotional cues from your voice and face, not from whether the class matches your notes exactly. I think that a class that changes because you're paying attention to real humans isn't really something that could go "wrong", it's sort of, actually, the whole point. Feel free to see your plan as a tool more than a promise.
I also think that It's completely normal for this to feel overwhelming early on, it gets much easier with practice, and you're clearly already developing the right instincts. Keep noticing what works for you, like your rest pose... that kind of self-awareness is exactly what will make you a great teacher.
Replied on WATCH REPLAY | Livestream October 6, 2025 | Strength in the End Range Workshop with Ricky
17 Aug 15:44
Itamar Z. So great to hear you enjoyed it !!! Ricky is a great teacher