71 More Controversial Yoga Cues

Yoga Medicine

Today hosts Rachel and Tiffany continue the conversation we started in Episode 56, exploring controversial yoga cues. There is so much to say on the topic, so we are back with a second episode to unpack when these familiar cues are useful (and when they aren’t), the potential downside of protective cues, and the one yoga cue that Rachel hates.

Show Notes:

• Even the best cues don’t always translate across cultures [2:42]
• “Shoulders back and down” [4:05]
• Cueing based on specific intention instead of a laundry list approach [12:30]
• “Soften your glutes” versus “Squeeze your glutes” in backbends [14:19]
• “Turn your back foot out 45 degrees” and alternatives [25:35]
• “Wrap your elbows in” versus taking elbows wide for wheel pose [31:12]
• “Hug your elbows against your sides” in Chaturanga [38:02]
• “Stack your elbows over your wrists”: mechanical disadvantage in Chaturanga [40:25]
• Tips for teaching Chaturanga in group classes [43:10]
• “Flex your foot to protect your knee” and the pros and cons of protective cues [46:39]
• “Full expression of the pose” and “If you can’t…” cues [52:39]
• “Breathe into your belly” or “Diaphragmatic breath” [54:27]
• “Breathe loud enough your neighbor can hear you” or “Darth Vader breath”: cueing Ujjayi breath [56:54]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Shoulder Yoga Teacher Training
• Hip Yoga Teacher Training
• Spine Yoga Teacher Training
• Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episodes:
  • Episode 56: Controversial Cues Unpacked
  • Episode 36: Shoulder IQ: What, Why & How

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-71.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes, or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

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