One of my favorite things about teaching for a modern fitness-focused yoga studio is being able to teach themed classes.
Not only does YogaSix allow for it — our lead teacher encourages it!
Since I started teaching at YogaSix about two years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to host several fun classes with matching playlists.
I just wanted to take a second to share some of those themes and playlists with you.
Now, when I say “themed classes,” there are two ways to interpret that. First is the traditional “yoga-themed” themed class: These are classes with a specific yoga-centric theme. Think, heart-openers, lengthening, intentions focused on presence, rest, growth, etc.
The second way to interpret the phrase “themed classes” – and the one I’m writing about today — is fun totally out-there classes with non-traditional playlists.
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Because YogaSix leans away from traditional and embraces the fitness-focus of yoga, I’ve had a lot of leeway to create fun themed playlists.
If you’re a YogaSix teacher, most of these playlists are ready to play for the Hot 60 sequence. I usually try to start and end my playlists with slower-tempo songs that don’t feature words, and I tend to bump up the intensity during vinyasa flows and core work.
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EMO SCREAMO
It wasn’t a phase, mom! This early 2000s playlist was a hit for the alternative-leaning yogis. I kept the “screamo” part to a minimum so it wasn’t too distracting.
DIVORCED DAD ROCK
Ah, nothing like the soothing sounds of Creed, Seether, Nickelback and Hinder to really put you in a savasana mood. This is a fun class I taught to coincide with a “divorced dad rock”-themed party at our local theater.
ANIMATED DISNEY MUSICALS
Look, Phil Collins goes hard, and it’s important to recognize that! If you grew up in the ’90s or love Aladdin, Lion King, Tarzan and Mulan, this playlist is for you.
HALLOWEEN GLOW FLOW
Boo! I got to teach a Halloween class a few years ago, and after stringing fake spiderweb around the studio and handing out glow sticks, we all had a blast.
POP PUNK IS NOT DEAD
Calling all Bling-182, Sum 41, Good Charlotte and Green Day fans! This one is for you.
’90S BOY BANDS
Are you team Backstreet Boys, or Team *NSYNC?
’90S SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
There’s a 90% chance I picked this theme JUST so I had an excuse to play “Return of the Mack” in a class — but who doesn’t love Will Smith?!
UKRAINIAN
You all know what an impression the country of Ukraine left on me following my Peace Corps service. I put together a playlist of mostly-Ukrainian-language music from all Ukrainian artists to celebrate Ukraine’s independence day last year.
BOOTYLICIOUS FLOW
A playlist ENTIRELY about booties? Yes, it happened. And yes, it was also a little explicit.
HARRY POTTER
This playlist is entirely composed of soundtrack songs! There are no words and I put it together for a Halloween-themed class. It was a huge hit!
HOLLY JOLLY HOT
This playlist is ready for the most wonderful season of all! It’s mostly full of modern covers from AT40 artists.
SOUNDS OF INDIA
I put this playlist together after returning from my Yoga Teacher Training in India.
MILEY CYRUS VS. HANNAH MONTANA
It’s the best of both worlds. Did you know Miley created a Tibetan bowl song during her “Dead Petz” phase? It’s perfect for savasana.
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Any fun playlists you’d like to share? I’d love for you to leave them in the comments!
This post was originally published Jan. 4, 2024. It was last updated Feb. 7, 2025
