Yoga Teacher Training Podcast: Learn Anatomy, Philosophy, Business and More 121: Ann Swanson - Author of "Science of Yoga" and "Meditation For The Real World" on Anatomy, Pregnancy, Anxiety and Teaching Methodology
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In this episode of the Yoga Teacher Training Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Ann Swanson—author of Science of Yoga and Meditation for the Real World—to talk about how science and tradition merge in modern yoga. If you’ve ever struggled to integrate anatomy, biomechanics, or trauma-informed approaches into your teaching, this conversation will change the game.
Ann shares her powerful concept of “yoga snacks”—short, accessible practices you can sprinkle throughout your day to reduce anxiety, manage pain, improve focus, and balance blood sugar. We also talk about teaching students with chronic pain, trauma, or hypermobility, and how to adapt poses with intention, compassion, and safety in mind.
She also has a special gift for listeners of this episode at https://www.scienceof.yoga
Click here to purchase Ann's book Science of Yoga
We cover:
How yoga snacks can improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation
Trauma-informed teaching and why internal awareness isn’t always helpful during panic
Chronic pain, hypermobility, and the importance of strengthening
The neuroscience behind meditation and yoga’s effects on mood and mental health
How her art background helped create the most visual, user-friendly yoga anatomy book I’ve ever seen
Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned one, there’s something deeply validating, empowering, and actionable in what Ann shares.
5 Key Quotes from the Episode:
“Movement is better than no movement. Always. But intention and context are everything.”
“Yoga puts you in a flow state—and even just two minutes after eating can lower blood sugar and inflammation.”
“I passed out trying to meditate during a panic attack. Turns out, body awareness in acute anxiety can actually make it worse.”
“What would it feel like to be the happiest person on earth? That’s the walking meditation I did every day when I was pregnant.”
“Most yoga injuries happen when people push into poses they ‘think’ are right. Safety is about options and empowerment, not perfection.”
Don’t miss this episode if you teach yoga, practice yoga, or ever felt unsure about how to apply anatomy, trauma sensitivity, or science to your teaching.
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Keywords: yoga snacks, chronic pain relief, yoga anatomy, yoga teacher training, Ann Swanson, trauma-informed yoga, yoga therapy, science of yoga, pregnancy yoga, real world meditation, hypermobility, movement breaks, yoga for anxiety, metabolic health, yoga after meals, walking meditation, nervous system regulation, yoga injuries, adaptive yoga, earthing benefits