How we phrase things is so important, especially in a personal, experiential practice like yoga. Today, hosts Rachel and Tiffany talk about the power of the language we use when teaching. What does it mean to use open and invitational language versus commanding? How can our words help students to feel strong and resilient instead of fearful on the mat? What problems can arise for students when we offer pose options as a hierarchy? Listen in to learn how to tailor your language with more skill and discernment and cultivate an environment in which your students flourish. — Show Notes: Why is language important when teaching yoga? [0:47] The delicate balance of invitational versus commanding language [3:43] Nocebic or fear-based language [14:47] Hierarchical language versus open options [28:34] Body-positive language [36:53] Gendered language [40:18] Using technical terms judiciously [42:42] Changing default language takes time and practice [45:16] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine® 200HR Teacher Training Program You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-144. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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143 Hip Health & Durability with Tiffany Cruikshank: Shorts
Welcome to our new series of “Shorts”—gems from previous podcast conversations that deserve a second look (or listen). This excerpt is drawn from episode 54: Love Those Hips! All About the Hip Labrum. In discussing yoga practices to embrace and avoid during hip labrum injury, hosts Tiffany and Rachel also highlighted how all of us can strengthen, support, and mobilize these crucial joints to maximize their capacity over the long term. They also explored a repeated theme on this podcast: the power of curiosity and how our practice can act as an individual invitation to find the challenges we need to thrive. — Show Notes: Biomechanics patterns that can contribute to hip issues [1:22] The challenge of balancing 3D mobility and strength [4:00] Commonly neglected: active control in hip rotation, eccentric hip flexor work [5:51] A caution: loaded internal rotation [10:53] The power of practice as individual investigation [13:59] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 54: All About the Hip Labrum Online Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training In-Person Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training in Bali October 10-17, 2025 Tiffany’s “All About the Hips” Playlist on Yoga Medicine® Online (YMO) Rachel’s “Hip Health Series 4: MFR 360 Degrees of the Hips” YMO class You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-143. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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142 Female Hormones, Immune System, and Exercise: Research Roundup
Today, hosts Tiffany and Katja discuss current research on female hormones, the immune system, and exercise. Both the female hormones as well as the immune function are intricate systems – bringing them together adds even more complexity! In this episode, we try to boil down the immune system and inflammatory response and explore recent research that sheds light on the relationship between the menstrual cycle, immune responses and exercise. We also discuss the nuances of inflammatory processes, individualised responses, and potential implications for peri- and post-menopause. Listen in as we talk about the influence of female hormones on immune processes and share why inner wisdom is an important part of understanding our bodies better. — Show Notes: Disclaimer – complexity of the immune system and menstrual cycle research [1:52] Inflammation and the immune system – bird’s eye view [4:18] Influence of female hormones on immune and inflammatory processes [6:47] Potential changes in the second phase of the menstrual cycle [14:16] Current meta-analysis and systematic review on female hormones and immune function/ inflammation [15:43] Relationship with exercise [22:41] Current state of menstrual cycle-based training research [29:33] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Female Hormones & Immune System References Doc Female Health Yoga Teacher Training Menopause Yoga Teacher Training Connect with Katja Bartsch: Facebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-142. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes, or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5-star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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141 Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them): Community Conversations with Elena Cheung
Teaching private yoga can be enormously fulfilling, but it also has the potential to create a whole new set of challenges for teachers. In this episode, host Rachel Land speaks with returning guest Elena Cheung about the pitfalls of private yoga sessions and some potential ways to avoid them. We discuss how to set student expectations early, manage anxiety regarding that first session, and offer tips on setting boundaries, taking payment, and setting cancellation policies. Listen in to learn how to navigate the pitfalls of private yoga like a pro, and find your niche. — Show Notes: Positives of private yoga [2:08] Pitfall #1: Scheduling and admin time [9:38] Pitfall #2: The unstructured unknown of the first session [12:08] Pitfall #3: Research and planning time [19:08] Pitfall #4: Cancellations and no-shows [24:55] Pitfall #5: Homework that works [28:31] Pitfall #6: Uncertainty whether you’ll be able to help [35:34] Pitfall #7: Blurry boundaries [41:38] Pitfall #8: Mismatched expectations; find your niche [50:15] Final takeaways [54:20] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episodes: Episode 109: Teaching Yoga One-on-One Episode 74: Yoga for All The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course For those left hanging by the podcast, the left hemisphere of the brain is generally associated with analytical thinking, logic, and language, while the right is linked to intuition, creativity, and spatial awareness. Connect with Elena Cheung: Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-141. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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140 Game-Changing Hands-On Assists: Teachers' Series
Today hosts Tiffany and Rachel dive into the muddy waters of hands-on assists. We discuss their complicated history, the different types of hands-on assists, and debate their pros and cons. We also talk about the importance of clear communication and consent, and alternatives you could employ instead. Listen in to hear how truly game-changing assists might be the ones that students find their way to on their own. — Show Notes: Differing attitudes toward hands-on assists over time [1:11] The case for hands-on assists, different types, asking for consent [4:13] Can a teacher know how a student feels by looking at them? [10:57] The same assists don’t work for every teacher [15:12] The case against hands-on assists [16:19] Potential for injury [18:27] Overriding students’ body autonomy [22:03] Alternatives to hands-on assists: language, demonstrations [26:53] Is touch within a yoga teacher’s scope of practice? [29:51] Physical adjustment might disrupt students’ internal experience [31:27] Final takeaways [36:13] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-140. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
This show was created to educate and empower yoga students and teachers to use yoga therapeutically to optimize experiences, communities and resilience. Our methods are based on a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and the integration of modern science and research with traditional practices and experience. We believe research is just as precious as experience and we believe in the human potential for change and greatness. Our goal is to help you learn the owners manual of your unique body/mind and so we offer this as a free resource to anyone interested in optimizing their health and wellbeing.
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