Yogaland Podcast

On this week's episode, neurophysiologist Dr. Robyn Capobianco returns and we cover a ton of interesting ground. I walked away from the conversation asking myself, ‘Are there absolutely, definitively good movements and bad movements within the framework of yoga poses? And do we know what they are?’Here are the other points we discuss:* The difference between the "anatomy," "biomechanics," and "neuromechanics" and how they apply to yoga* What Robyn's research has shown her about squeezing the glutes in backbends + the surprising thing that happens when you stop squeezing* How to be a more discerning connoisseur of all the research, articles, and blog posts that are out there and why it matters* Why Robyn believes that the constraints around the practice can sometimes do more harm than good* Is it safe to roll up from Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) to standing?*BONUS: Robyn's favorite mascara brand, which she promises will change your life.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode98/SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Molekule is a new air purification experience -- unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Molekule’s PECO technology goes beyond HEPA filtration to not just capture, but completely destroy the full spectrum of indoor air pollutants, including those 1000x smaller than a HEPA filter can trap. For $75 off your first order, visit MOLEKULE.com and enter code YOGALAND at checkout.2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 40% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We decided to give male listeners some TLC this week by answering their questions. While we focus on yoga for men in this episode, it has tons of insights for women who want to relate to the men in their classes and for teachers who want to help their male students.Besides, we've all struggled with feeling like the only person in class who can't do something, right?We talk about:* What it's like to be a male in a majority female yoga class + some good news for men who feel uncomfortable - there are more and more men finding their way into yoga studios* How to handle the awkwardness and frustration associated with being the tightest person in a yoga class (which is something that is not just relevant to men, by the way!)* Modifications for tight shoulders in poses where you interlace the fingers behind the back* How to apply lessons from strength training to yoga practice* Tips for yoga teachers who want to help people who are really struggling with posesSHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.2. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland3.To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 40% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.4. Molekule is a new air purification experience -- unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Molekule’s PECO technology goes beyond HEPA filtration to not just capture, but completely destroy the full spectrum of indoor air pollutants, including those 1000x smaller than a HEPA filter can trap. For $75 off your first order, visit MOLEKULE.com and enter code YOGALAND at checkout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is in response to the overwhelming number of questions we've gotten about Handstand. We explore the logistical side -- what are the best prep poses for Handstand? And the emotional side, i.e., how do I cope with my fear of Handstand? You'll also learn:* The vital triad of forearm, finger, and shoulder strength for Handstand* Helpful prep poses yoga poses to help you build the strength for the pose* The importance of understanding scapular motion when learning Handstand * The muscles and actions that people neglect when they're trying to learn Handstand* How to manage and cope with your fear of Handstand* Alternative poses that offer the same benefits as HandstandShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode96/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even wear your slippers outdoors, or to and from your yoga class! Head to mahabis.com to buy your pair today. Use code YOGALAND for 10% off and free shipping worldwide.2. Summer’s on the horizon. Pack your bags and hit the road in ModCloth’s newest collection! ModCloth’s signature line comes in a range of sizes from XXS – 4X. And you can get free sizing and styling help from their mod stylists. For 15% off your purchase of $100 or more, go to modcloth.com and enter code YOGALAND at checkout. This offer expires April 21st, 2018.3. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.4. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland5.To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 40% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Coral Brown offers her take on the psychodynamics of the teacher-student relationship in yoga. Coral is both a respected Prana Vinyasa yoga teacher and licensed mental health counselor with great insight into this topic.There are obviously major differences in the therapist/patient relationship vs. the yoga teacher/student relationship. Yet, many of the same psychodynamics arise. Coral shares how transference, countertransference, unmet needs and behaviors all make their way into the yoga room, whether we're aware of them or not.She also shares:*Her thoughts on why the teacher/student model inherently sets up a power differential and what we can do about it*How therapists are trained and prepared to handle the dynamics that arise within the working relationship*How she brings principles from her therapy training to her yoga teacher trainees* Her process for using the chakra system as a roadmap for psychological self-discovery*The role of charisma in elevating a teacher's status*Coral's approach to manual adjustments and how they've changed through the years + how she's changed her teaching style to empower her students to trust their own intuition rather than look just to her for guidanceShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode95/ SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even wear your slippers outdoors, or to and from your yoga class! Head to mahabis.com to buy your pair today. Use code YOGALAND for 10% off and free shipping worldwide.2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 40% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is our first-ever live podcast recording! From Jason's training in San Francisco at Love Story Yoga, we dig deep into how yoga teachers can serve their students better through offering hands-on, or manual, adjustments.We talk about:* The value of hands-on adjustments in yoga postures for students, and which students might benefit most. * Why Jason feels there should be a paradigm shift in the way teachers deliver manual adjustments and what that shift should be.* Ways to approach adjusting super flexible students, tighter students, and those middle-of-the-road students + why it's important to give them all equal attention in class.* Practical advice teachers can implement right now to offer safer, more skillful adjustments that informs their experience of the posture.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/podcast/episode94SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even wear your slippers outdoors, or to and from your yoga class! Head to mahabis.com to buy your pair today. Use code YOGALAND for 10% off and free shipping worldwide.2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 40% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sexual misconduct in the yoga community isn't new. But the evolving #metoo and #timesup movements have brought to light the magnitude of the problem for women from all walks of life -- including within the yoga world. (Rachel Brathen collected more than 300 of them last year). It's opened an important dialogue about how to put an end to sexual misconduct and other abuses of power within the yoga community. There are a few thoughtful yoga teachers leading the way, and I talked with two of them in this week's episode: Judith Hanson Lasater and Mary Taylor. Judith and Mary, with AZIAM founder Alanna Zabel, shared their stories recently with <em>Yoga Journal. </em>Now, they're talking with me about what they feel should be the next steps for healing.We talk about:* The history of ethical standards for yoga teachers and how both Judith and Mary believe these standards should evolve in the future* How the vocation of yoga teacher has changed through the years as yoga has become more commercial* Why it's important for teachers to create an environment where students feel safe and empowered to say "no" * Judith's tip for how to listen to your body to discern if something is wrong* Practical steps yoga teachers can take to further the discussion, support students who have been victimized to share their stories, and create awareness aboutt sexual abuse in the yoga community* Mary's perspective on what's happening in the Ashtanga community on the heels of abuse allegations against founder Pattabhi Jois Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode93/ SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even wear your slippers outdoors, or to and from your yoga class! Head to mahabis.com to buy your pair today. Use code YOGALAND for 10% off and free shipping worldwide.2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland.4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 40% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that the fastest growing demographic of new yogis is the 55 and older set? Neither did I. I learned all sorts of fascinating facts, statistics, and new research from this week's guest, Baxter Bell.Together with his co-author, Nina Zolotow, Baxter has a new book, Yoga for Healthy Aging and that's the main focus of this episode. I can't think of two people better-positioned to write this book: Baxter spent years practicing medicine as a family doc before becoming a yoga therapist and practicing acupuncturist. Nina is the author of several books on yoga and is a certified yoga teacher, having studied extensively with esteemed teachers like Rodney Yee and Donald Moyer.I don't know about you, but Jason and I have tried -- unsuccessfully! -- to get our parents to do yoga. This book reminds me of how beneficial yoga practice is as we age. I think it's a vital and meaningful book for any thoughtful yoga teacher's toolkit.In this week's podcast we learn more about:* The story behind Baxter and Nina's new book Yoga for Healthy Aging: A Guide to Lifelong Wellness* Why "health span" might be a better goal than a longer life span.* How holding yoga poses can assist with bone strength.* His perspective on "resting" the heart in addition to exercising it.* How spending time barefoot can assist with balance and proprioception as we age.* The importance of flexibility, agility, strength, and balance as we age -- and how they overlap and influence each other.* The best thing we can do to improve cognitive function over time. (It's not crossword puzzles)Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode92/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even wear your slippers outdoors, or to and from your yoga class! Head to mahabis.com to buy your pair today. Use code YOGALAND for 10% off and free shipping worldwide.2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason's back on the podcast this week answering some of the best questions we've gotten in about yoga postures. (Yogaland listeners are a smart, inquisitive bunch!)We dive into:* Why he rarely teaches Virabhadrasna I (Warrior I Pose) and how he feels about "squaring" the hips* What Jason teaches instead of Warrior I (and what a relief it is)* The differences between Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose) and Ardha Navasna (Half Boat Pose) and which one is better for strengthening the core muscles* What to do when you can't breathe deeply in twists* What it means to be an advanced yoga practitionerShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 60% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we continue our conversation with Jill Miller to learn even more about the mysterious (and amazing!) connective tissue that literally holds our bodies together: fascia.We talk more about:The three different layers of fascia, how each layer functions, and why each one is importantWhere in your own body you can feel the different textures of fasciaWhat happens to the fascia when you stretch your musclesHow to use tools like therapy balls, a yoga mat, or even a hard wood floor to create awareness from the skin to the deep fascia (Hint: Less is more)Whether rolling on therapy balls is more effective before or after exerciseShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 60% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND when you subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've got a special two-part series this week Yoga Tune Up® founder Jill Miller about -- you guessed it -- fascia. There is more and more info. being shared about fascia. But I've found that it sometimes feels esoteric. My goal with these interviews is threefold: I wanted to offer clarity about what fascia is and then talk about why it is so important and how we can apply this info. to our yoga practice. By the end of Part II, I feel like Jill and I dug into all of these questions, so be patient! Fascia is complex and it took me a bit longer than usual for these interviews to land.We learn more about:* What exactly fascia is anyway? And why is there some controversy over the definition.* Why fascia is the "Cinderella story of human anatomy"* How to incorporate our understanding of fascia into our yoga practice* Why using a yoga ball to roll one part of your body can help to relieve tension in another part of the body* The nervous system's relationship to the fascia systemShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode89/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious! For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/yogaland and enter the promo code YOGALAND at checkout.3. Freshly is the easiest and most convenient way to eat healthy no matter what life throws your way. Freshly’s chef create delicious gluten-free meals delivered fresh to your door. Every single meal comes with a detailed overview of each ingredient in the meal. Get $25 off your first order of 6 fresh-cooked dinners by going to freshly.com/yogaland4. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 60% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND when you subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.