Yoga Teacher Q&A: Common Teaching Challenges

Centering your values when you set goals can help you create a sustainable, inspiring business. In this episode, you'll hear some of the structures I use personally to move forward in my business without compromising my principles.    Episode Highlights:  03:01 Finding the Sweet Spot: Logic & Intuition in Goal Setting 06:03 Why Knowing Your Values is Key for Choosing the right Goals 7:01 Values Check In Ritual 11:53 Goal Setting Step-by-step 12:33 Stuck in a Rut? Try This Unexpected Brainstorming Trick 14:15 From Dream to Reality: Scheduling Your Goals for Success 17:39 Goal-Setting Inspiration: Real-World Examples to Get You Started 24:19 How to Evaluate & Refine Your Goals   Links & Resources   Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group  Sign up for Mado's email list and get a free download of 100 yoga class themes   Book Recommendations The Artist’s Way The 12 Week Year   Tag @yoga.teacher.resource on Instagram to celebrate your accomplishments!

This episode from 2019 was inspired by a facebook post I made on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group. I was having my own moment of doubt and decided to share in order to help normalize the experience for other teachers. The response was overwhelming! That post has gotten the most comments in the group so far. It made me realize that there is a need for yoga teachers to hear that they are not alone when they doubt and to understand where the doubt comes from and what to do about it.  Highlights Why self-doubt is getting more and more prevalent among yoga teachers The positive aspects of impostor syndrome What to focus on in your teaching during moments of doubt My personal process for self-care when I experience doubt

Yoga is a system of moral philosophy that has long been overlooked by Western scholars and appropriated by the fitness industry. Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, author of Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy provides context for the dissonance between modern yoga and its roots. We discuss how to frame yoga practice authentically, how philosophy is the unifying force between varied practices, and why decolonization requires embracing discomfort. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Yoga and personal agency 05:53 The role of philosophy in understanding yoga 09:52 Challenges and rewards of yoga practice 15:34 The problem of modern yoga 22:15 Defining colonialism, philosophy, and ethics 26:12 Understanding Yoga: Capital Y vs. Small Y 28:27 Why embracing dissonance is key for decolonization 29:14 Philosophy's role in decolonization 31:26 The physical and emotional impact of philosophy 40:53 Teaching yoga in a capitalist society 46:32 Conclusion and further resources     EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Yoga Philosophy Book: Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy Study Group Follow Dr. Shyam Ranganathan on Instagram @yogaphilosophy_com Follow Dr. Shyam Ranganathan on Facebook LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Many yoga teachers struggle to maintain their personal practice once they start teaching. In this episode, I explore the challenges yoga teachers face in maintaining their personal practice after transitioning into teaching. Consistent personal practice is crucial for embodied knowledge, confidence, and self-care. We all face obstacles to staying consistent like time management, life changes, and even burnout. Tune in to hear my perspective on how to overcome those obstacles and develop a sustainable personal yoga practice that nourishes your teaching and your life. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why many yoga teachers struggle to maintain their personal practice 01:05 Why a personal practice is essential for yoga teachers 02:18 Defining a personal practice 03:29 Benefits of a personal practice for yoga teachers 05:42 What a personal practice looks like 11:14 Overcoming obstacles to a consistent practice 14:32 Motivation and discipline 17:16 Adapting your practice to life changes 18:21 Evolving with your practice LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Michelle Cassandra Johnson explores the kleshas—the five afflictions that cause suffering—within the framework of modern challenges ranging from racial injustice to climate change. Through personal stories, insights on yoga philosophy, and practical advice, Michelle offers a roadmap for understanding and addressing the root causes of suffering both individually and collectively. This conversation will inspire yoga practitioners and activists alike to engage deeply with their practice and strive for personal and social transformation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to the kleshas 2:10 Levity as sustenance for deep work 04:45 Why Michelle chose to write about the kleshas 06:55 A primer on the kleshas 14:36 How the kleshas confront our assumptions 16:32 Pain and the kleshas 24:35 The kleshas and social change 42:14 Teaching the kleshas in yoga     EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Michelle Cassandra Johnson Book: Illuminating Our True Nature Illuminating Our True Nature Book Club Illuminating Our True Nature Course: The Five Afflictions Illuminating Our True Nature Gathering and Practice Follow Michelle on Instagram @skillinaction LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

In this Q&A style episode, I answer listener questions sent via social media and my website. Topics include managing expectations as a substitute instructor, creating body awareness in beginners, discomfort in studying anatomy, and building a sustainable business with corporate and private clients. Listen in to hear my thoughts on how much to explain your teaching style when you substitute teach, the best ways to help beginners, and how to build a clientele from the ground up.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to the Q&A format 01:20 What to do when you substitute for classes that are very different from how you teach. 04:53 The best way to support new students who have been mostly sedentary 10:09 How to handle physical reactions to studying anatomy 14:54 How to build a clientele of private and corporate clients 23:57 How to encourage clients to commit to weekly or bi-weekly sessions 28:31 Conclusion and call for more questions LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Peek behind the curtain of Anatomy Bites - the easiest and most enjoyable way for yoga teachers to learn anatomy. In this unusual episode, you’ll hear the audio portion of a live Q&A session led by Dr. Libby Hinsley, physical therapist and yoga teacher. Anatomy Bites is a 36-module program designed to give yoga teachers a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. You’ll also hear the story of how Anatomy Bites came to be and learn about what it’s like to be a member. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The birth of Anatomy Bites 04:16 Dynamic vs. static movements for strengthening 06:41 The relationship between the low back and glutes in backbends 11:50 Foot and knee alignment in backbends 22:24 Foot placement in wide leg forward fold 30:20 Does it matter which side you roll towards in savasana? 33:41 Concentric vs eccentric movement 38:11 Torn labrum & chronic pain 52:11 Noise in neck movement 53:11 Spinal issues in yoga classes 01:06:14 Rounding the spine for older adults 01:10:51 Nerve sensations in Yin Yoga 01:13:27 Understanding fascia and its impact on movement 01:15:48 What to do with the shoulder blades in forearm plank 01:19:16 What it’s like inside Anatomy Bites     EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Marsha Banks-Harold is a yoga therapist who specializes in working with people impacted by trauma and/or living with special needs. In this inspiring conversation, she describes her journey from overworked engineer to yoga teacher and eventually a yoga therapist, studio owner, and founder of a non-profit. We dive into the differences between yoga teacher and yoga therapist, the importance of family and community, and her advice for yoga teachers with big dreams who are holding themselves back with self-doubt. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 03:06 Marsha Banks-Harold: engineer, yoga therapist, studio owner, and non-profit founder 04:21 How Marsha discovered yoga & decided to become a teacher 08:48 First teaching experience: adapting to students' needs 12:15 Differences between yoga teaching and yoga therapy 20:06 Building a vision: studio, school, and nonprofit 27:10 Obstacles in her path & how yoga helped 29:56 Family and community as a superpower 34:15 Why it’s important to share your vision 38:36 Marsha’s advice for yoga teachers struggling with doubt EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: PIES Fitness Yoga Studio Follow Marsha Banks-Harold on Instagram @marshadbanksharold Contact Marsha: [email protected] or 703-887-9574  LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

What does it mean to take the seat of the teacher? Shawna Emerick is an experienced yoga teacher who finds herself feeling like a beginner again as she takes on a new mindfulness meditation certification program. In this relatable discussion, we talk about the very real discomfort that comes with teaching yoga - and how the fact that it never fully goes away is a good thing. Other topics explored include; intuitive and deliberate modes of thinking, the relationship between renunciation and boundaries, and the differences between being a teacher and being a mentor. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:10 The Role of a Teacher 03:57 Intuition vs. Deliberation 07:06 Why we need to slow down to speed up 14:22 Does teaching involve renunciation 22:03 How people pleasing harms both teachers and students 25:43 The difference between teaching and mentorship 31:02 The relationship between mentorship and therapy 34:47 Why discomfort as a teacher is not the problem EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Shawna Emerick Follow Shawna on Instagram @shawnashakti Listen to Shawna’s previous episode: How to Overcome Fear & Doubt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Yoga Alliance standards have changed again! In this episode, Kathy Humphrys describes the evolution and impact of Yoga Alliance standards, particularly the recent changes in training requirements. She also provides practical advice for yoga teachers aiming to become registered trainers with Yoga Alliance and shares strategies for successfully creating and delivering high-quality yoga training programs. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:10 Kathy’s journey from teacher to teacher trainer 04:08 Why Kathy decided to license Standards 08:08 Yoga Alliance classroom hours - what they mean and how they impact teacher trainings 12:54 Lead trainer requirements 15:38 What it takes to register a school with Yoga Alliance 18:00 Do these new standards help improve the quality of YTTs? 26:08 Immersions vs teacher trainings 29:19 The future of yoga teacher trainings 36:42 The Yoga Alliance Core Competencies EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Ambassador Yoga Follow Ambassador Yoga on Instagram @yogatrainer.fasttrack Yoga Alliance LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe