Hayley Winter with an example from the YSS research index, based on seven years of data.

The Research Behind the Yoga Sequencing Solution and Playbook

In 2010, the Institute of Yoga Sports Science® (YSS) launched a pioneering case study research project with a clear hypothesis: integrating YSS techniques into an athlete’s training program would enhance their performance.

The central question, posed by founder Hayley Winter and Dr. Maggie Bunting, was: What benefits does an athlete gain by incorporating Yoga Sports Science techniques into their training?

To answer this, Hayley and Maggie designed a systematic approach that blended hard data with qualitative insights—capturing not only performance metrics but also the voices of athletes and YSS student practitioners. They equipped their students with a structured plan to gather meaningful data and evaluate the impact of yoga on sport.

This research, conducted over seven years by Advanced Yoga Sports Coaches™, laid the foundation for what would become The Yoga Sequencing Solution. It’s a methodology based in real-world application, performance-focused outcomes, and the science of sequencing movement.

By 2020, as the pandemic reshaped the teaching landscape, Hayley began mentoring yoga teachers through the new challenges they faced. A common theme emerged: many were struggling to sequence their classes safely with a working knowledge of the physiological adaptations needed. Off-the-shelf apps offered quick fixes—but not confidence-building solutions.

In 2022, Hayley refined the YSS research and sequencing methodology to align with the latest developments in movement science and better support the evolving needs of yoga teachers. She partnered with Annelize Ferreira, and together, they developed The Yoga Sequencing Solution and The Yoga Sequencing Playbook—a powerful set of tools designed to help teachers blend the science of movement with the art of sequencing.

The Yoga Sequencing Solution is the first evidence-based methodology of its kind, created specifically for teachers who want to design intentional, innovative sequences for students of all levels, in all styles of yoga. It empowers teachers to teach more effectively, build lasting confidence, and create greater impact in every class they lead.