2 Cooling Pranayamas Every Yoga Teacher Should Know
As summer heats up, there’s no better time to bring intentional breathwork into your classes, and your own practice. In this episode, I share two powerful and accessible cooling pranayamas: Sheetali and Sheetkari. These ancient practices offer immediate relief from physical and emotional heat, making them perfect for summer classes, outdoor yoga, or anytime your nervous system needs calming. If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to move beyond asana and bring more depth to your teaching, this is your go-to breathwork mini-guide.Episode Highlights:How pranayama can be used seasonally, particularly to balance summer’s fiery pitta energyThe historical and scriptural roots of Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayamasHow to practice Sheetali (tongue-rolled cooling breath) safely and effectivelySheetali’s physical and energetic benefits, including digestion, inflammation, and parasympathetic activationContraindications for both practices, including low blood pressure, respiratory issues, pollution, and cold weatherHow to teach Sheetali in a class: timing, cueing, and integrating with asana and savasanaIntroduction to Sheetkari (hissing breath) and why it’s more accessible than Sheetali for many studentsHow to practice Sheetkari (hissing breath) safely and effectivelyThe sensory, auditory, and physiological benefits of Sheetkari for mental calm and emotional regulationUse cases for both techniques: end of a class, restorative yoga, long workshops, hot flashes, and even hikesA reminder to always practice first before teaching, so you can teach from experience, not just theoryJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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18:52
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18:52
Smart Yoga: 10 Injury Prevention Tips Everyone Should Know
Teaching yoga for over a decade has shown me that injury prevention is one of the most overlooked but essential parts of our practice. Yoga injuries don’t usually happen in a dramatic fall or twist, they build up quietly over time when we’re not paying attention. That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing 10 straightforward, practical tips to help you avoid injuries and keep your yoga sustainable for years to come. These insights come from my experience teaching thousands of students and running a yoga studio for over ten years.Episode Highlights:Moving regularly and not relying on yoga alone for all your movement needsPrioritizing yoga fundamentals over chasing advanced posesAvoiding repetitive movement patterns and fast-paced sequencesLimiting hands-on adjustments and always asking for consentMatching class structure and pacing to students’ needsUsing props intentionally to support and educateEncouraging strength-building, especially for hypermobile practitionersBeing mindful of how hormonal changes (like perimenopause) affect the bodyUnderstanding why hot yoga may not be suitable for everyoneExploring different styles of yoga to balance your practice over timeJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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26:20
Beyond the Basics: How Props Transform Your Practice with Stephanie Tencer
Props often get misunderstood in the yoga world. They’re seen as crutches, shortcuts, or something only beginners need. But in this episode, I’m joined by Iyengar yoga teacher Stephanie Tencer to go deeper into the purpose and power of props. We explore how props aren’t just tools for accessibility but can become key to revealing alignment, building body awareness, and transforming your practice from the inside out.Whether you’re new to props or have been using them for years, Stephanie breaks down their value in a way that’s accessible, honest, and deeply rooted in experience. We talk about body proportions, sequencing strategies, and how to deconstruct poses to build them back up with intention. This conversation is especially useful for teachers who want to bring more nuance and creativity into their classes while meeting students exactly where they are.This episode is a masterclass in intelligent, adaptable teaching. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how or when to use props, or want to take your sequencing and observation skills to the next level, this one’s for you.Episode Highlights:Understanding why props aren’t just for beginners or modifications, but for deepening learningHow props can highlight specific actions, create feedback, and reveal imbalancesWhy using props skillfully requires experience, creativity, and clarity in teachingThe impact of body proportions on practice and how to observe them as a teacherStrategies for deconstructing a pose to teach its parts before moving into the full shapeClarifying the roles of different props: straps, blocks, bolsters, blankets, chairs, and wallsCommon misconceptions around chair yoga and how chairs can enhance complex posesCreative ways to use the wall as a prop, especially to support balance, alignment, and resistanceThe importance of teachers practicing with props themselves to offer better instructionTeaching the same pose with and without props to develop insight and precisionThe difference between how you practice and how you teach, and why both can evolveJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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41:37
11 Ways to Yoga Without Striking A Yoga Pose
To celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga, I wanted to reflect on how yoga extends far beyond the mat. In this episode, I share some of the most meaningful ways I’ve learned to live yoga in everyday life, through thoughts, actions, and awareness, not just physical poses. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that some of the most powerful yoga happens when no one is watching, and when we’re not even in a class. Whether you’re going through a joyful moment or a tough season, there’s always an opportunity to embody yoga through how you respond, relate, and move through the world. My hope is that this episode inspires you to carry yoga with you, wherever you are.Episode Highlights:Honoring the spiritual and seasonal significance of International Yoga Day (June 21)Practicing Pratipaksha Bhavanam: transforming negative thoughts by cultivating their oppositesEmbracing Pratyahara: choosing intentional sensory withdrawal to reclaim your attentionLiving with steadiness and ease (Sthira Sukham Asanam) in daily lifeBalancing consistent effort and non-attachment through Abhyasa and VairagyaReleasing material and mental clutter with the principle of Aparigraha (non-hoarding)Turning inward with Swadhyaya: self-study for self-awareness and spiritual growthWelcoming more playfulness and spontaneity through Leela (divine play)Engaging in Seva: selfless service as a path to humility and interconnectednessFinding community and inspiration through SatsangCultivating Maitri: loving-kindness toward self and othersSurrendering to Ishvara: letting go and trusting in the divineJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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24:35
3 Ways to Sequence Smart for Summer
Summer can be a tricky season to keep students engaged, studios empty out, routines shift, and the heat affects how people move and feel. That’s why I’m sharing my personal approach to summer sequencing, rooted in yoga’s energetic qualities (gunas) and years of studio experience. In this episode, I break down how to teach smarter in the heat, using simple, adaptable techniques to help your students feel balanced, not burned out. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, these three methods can add more depth, intention, and accessibility to your summer classes.Episode Highlights:Why summer attendance often dips, and how to adapt your teaching to meet students where they areHow to identify the “guna” or energetic nature of a yoga pose: heating, cooling, or neutralThe first sequencing tip: add one cooling pose after every 3–5 heating poses to help regulate body temperatureThe second sequencing tip: design a full class around mostly cooling, seated forward bends with minimal vinyasa to avoid overheatingThe third sequencing tip: apply a 70/30 format, maintain your usual sequence for 70% of class, then dedicate the final 30% to cooling poses, pranayama, and an extended shavasanaJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
Welcome to the Let's Talk Yoga podcast—your ultimate online destination for everything yoga. Think of it as your virtual yoga school, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher, a dedicated student, or simply curious about the deeper layers of yoga.Join host Arundhati Baitmangalkar, an immigrant yoga teacher, studio owner, global mentor, and creator of some of the most sought-after yoga teacher training programs in the world. Each week, we bring you valuable insights, in-depth conversations with renowned yoga teachers, and an abundance of yoga resources designed to inspire, educate, and transform.From mastering the art of teaching to navigating the complexities of yoga philosophy and business, this niche podcast is your go-to resource for all things yoga. Ready to deepen your practice and expand your understanding? Hit subscribe now and never miss an episode of Let's Talk Yoga!
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