The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman 0

Apr 24, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman

Description:

Why is pelvic health important and how can we make it more accessible in our yoga classes? In this episode, which first aired on the Accessible Yoga Podcast hosted by Jivana Heyman, Shannon Crow appears as the special guest to talk about pelvic health and making it accessible.

Jivana Heyman is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization devoted to making yoga teachings more accessible. He is also the author of Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion and Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body.

Jivana and Shannon kick off this episode by discussing their shared love for supporting and connecting yoga teachers to each other and to information and their messy process of learning. Shannon then shares more about why she started Pelvic Health Professionals, the role of gendered language in discussing pelvic health, and how it plays a part in yoga. They also discuss trauma, fear–based language vs clear contraindications, what it really means to engage the pelvic floor, the core, and the difference between weak and relaxed pelvic floor. Tune in to learn more about how to share about this important topic with your students in a way that is accessible to all!

Key Takeaways:

[1:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. This podcast episode was originally recorded for the Accessible Yoga podcast.

[4:18] Jivana introduces Shannon and she tells listeners a little more about herself.

[8:26] Being open to new information and learning is so important, and it can be a messy process.

[10:36] Shannon invites experts in pelvic health to share information with other professionals. Is she intimidated by the expertise others bring to the table in her membership community?

[13:09] Pelvic health is often seen as a gendered topic that applies more to cis-gender women or people who are giving birth.

[14:49] How does Shannon help the people she works with connect with their pelvic floor without gendered language?

[16:37] Jivana voices his frustration that there are a lot of gender assumptions in yoga spaces as well.

[20:14] If you are keen to learn more about gendered language, Shannon has a coupon code for you.

[21:08] What could it look like if yoga teachers started exploring how to remove gendered language from their classes?

[23:20] Jivana and Shannon discuss how anatomical terms should be used in trauma-informed teaching.

[26:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[28:10] What are some specific things yoga teachers could be saying to help yoga students understand more about pelvic health within the context of a yoga class?

[31:27] Jivana highlights contraindications in yoga and the pushback against that in the yoga community. Shannon offers some tips on how to avoid fear-based language.

[38:36] Shannon shares how she provides yoga cues without using fear-based language.

[41:41] It's common for yoga teachers to cue engagement of the pelvic floor or core. Shannon explains why this may not be a useful cue and how to cue this engagement instead.

[47:05] What is the connection between the breath and the pelvic floor?

[51:30] Being aware and staying within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher is very important.

[53:38] Shannon shares some final thoughts around being subtle in your practice and questioning everything we come across.

[60:00] Have more questions about pelvic health? Send Shannon an email or a voice note, or join Pelvic Health Professionals to learn from experts!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Every single human is walking around with a pelvis, with a pelvic floor." - Shannon

"I think it's really important that we start to talk about pelvic health and take out the gendered language." - Shannon

"We all need to be more conscious with our words, especially if you're in the position of teacher or any kind of authority." - Jivana

"We forget sometimes that if you're calling yourself a teacher, then your job is to educate." - Jivana

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320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow 0

Apr 17, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow

Description:

Once you are signed up for a yoga teacher training (YTT) program, what should you pack to bring with you? This is a common question among yoga teachers. Shannon Crow did a survey in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group to find out what people recommend!

Tune in to this episode to find out what are some must-haves, some nice-to-haves and to get Shannon’s full list of what she packs for a YTT! This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are wondering what you need to bring for your next YTT.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Shannon Crow introduces the topic for this episode - what to take with you to a yoga teacher training.

[4:25] First few items on Shannon's list are a yoga mat and props.

[5:19] Some yoga teachers bring a yoga mat cleaner but Shannon advises against it. She explains why.

[7:10] Shawls, scarves, and layers of clothing are all useful items to add to your packing list for a YTT.

[8:37] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[11:22] Shannon always packs writing instruments to attend a yoga teacher training.

[13:10] Shannon shares some other personal items you may want to include in your packing list like deodorant, snacks, water bottles, and tissues.

[15:52] Cell phones can be a useful tool to capture parts of your learning experience at the YTT, and a large tote bag to hold all your belongings is handy too!

[17:11] Don't forget to bring an open mind and your critical thinking skills!

[18:20] You might want to bring along a towel and your yoga business cards as well!

[19:46] What are some of your essentials to bring to a yoga teacher training? Share them in the comments!

What to Bring to a YTT:

Yoga Mat
Blocks
Yoga Belt
Blanket
Bolster
Eye Pillow
Meditation Cushion
Yoga Mat Cleaner (without essential oils if possible)
Shawl or Scarf
Layers of (or extra) Clothing
Notebook, Journal and/or Clipboard
Coloured Pencils, Markers, Pens or Crayons
Deodorant
Snacks, Food & Drinks
Water Bottle
Kleenex
Phone & Charger
Large Tote Bag
An Open Mind AND Critical Thinking Skills
Hand Towel and/or Mat Towel
Business Cards

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“Don't forget to bring an open mind.”

“Be ok with questioning and asking for information that supports something that is said in class.”

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319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow 0

Apr 10, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow

Description:

It is a common trend among yoga teachers to take one yoga teacher training (YTT) program after another. But is it really necessary and when should you consider taking another YTT? Shannon Crow explores some of the main reasons yoga teachers sign up for YTTs.

There are several reasons why yoga teachers take YTTs. Continuing education is important, but for many yoga teachers, it is often a case of wanting to get more students, make more income, be offered more teaching opportunities, and deepen their expertise in a speciality. Shannon dives into why a YTT may not be the right course of action in some cases, and when it does add value. She also touches on the pyramid scheme of YTTs and some things to watch out for before signing up.

This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are considering signing up for another YTT - give this a listen and ask yourself if you really need another yoga training or if there’s something else that would help you achieve the results you are looking for instead.

Key Takeaways:

[2:25] It's common for yoga teachers to take many yoga trainings, but this may not be necessary!

[4:44] Do you really need another yoga teacher training right now? Shannon shares a question she asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group.

[6:15] Shannon explores the first reason people have for signing up for another YTT - to get more students in their classes or increase their income - and what you could do instead.

[8:22] Another reason yoga teachers cite for taking another YTT is they want to be recognized as more of an expert or they want more teaching opportunities.

[10:00] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[12:36] Yoga teachers often take a YTT to upgrade their skills or education to teach specific styles of yoga or a specific population.

[13:27] There are also yoga teachers who sign up for YTTs for the community it offers.

[13:51] What if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course?

[14:52] Shannon addresses something she has observed in the yoga industry - pressuring yoga teachers to "invest" in continuing education, mentorship, or coaching.

[17:26] You can wait to make a profit in your yoga business first before signing up for the next course or training.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Are your students who are signing up going to know that you took this other teacher training?"

"You could take all the training in the world. But if you're not telling people about that niche, that is not going to move the needle for you in terms of being recognized as an expert or getting more teaching opportunities."

"What would it feel like if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course?"

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318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow 0

Apr 3, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow

Description:

Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but with a multitude of yoga teacher training (YTT) programs available, it is important to pick the right one. Shannon Crow shares some of the questions she asks before signing up for a YTT.

Shannon has had the experience of going from one YTT to the next and this is something that you may experience if you are a newer yoga teacher. While it is important to build the necessary skills to teach, we need to also be aware of where we are investing our time, energy, and money.

Shannon recommends asking questions about the YTT before signing up. Some things to consider include the accessibility and inclusion of the program, the yoga school’s stance on cultural appropriation, and their values. She also invites you to ask questions about the lead trainers’ experience, their position on medicine and science, religion and spirituality and anything else that may be important for you. The important thing is to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.

Key Takeaways:

[1:40] Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but there are some hard truths we should be aware of before signing up for the next yoga teacher training.

[2:31] Shannon shares her personal experience with yoga teacher trainings and continuing education.

[7:14] Shannon shares some questions she would ask if she were signing up for a yoga teacher training today.

[10:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[12:30] Shannon talks about how she ended up in a yoga teacher training where the lead teacher talked about aliens instead of yoga sutras!

[13:33] Some other questions Shannon would ask include their yoga philosophy for the trainings and scope of practice.

[14:28] Shannon highlights some other questions you might be interested in asking a yoga school or yoga teacher training program before you sign up.

[16:29] It can also be helpful to ask to speak with past graduates and lead trainers of a yoga teacher training to see if it is a good fit for you.

[19:21] It's important to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.

Questions to Ask Before Any Yoga Teacher Training

Do you teach how to make yoga accessible?
What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation?
Do you have a diverse group of teachers?
How are you paying your teachers and assistants?
What do you do to protect students from abuse of power?
Can I look over your ethics, values, and philosophy statements?
What are your thoughts on social justice?
Do you and your teachers share their pronouns?
Is your business model built on training more and more yoga teachers?
What is your diversity, equity and inclusion policy?
Does your yoga school encourage referrals to medical professionals or do you think science isn’t real?
Are you going to talk about your belief in aliens instead of the yoga sutras during lecture?
What yoga texts do you refer to for yoga philosophy?
May I see the bibliography section of your manual?
What do you teach about scope of practice?
How do you ensure that all trainers and teachers are not talking about food and nutrition?
What is your policy on scholarships, payment plans and refunds?
What are your thoughts on religion and spirituality with regards to yoga?
What is the schedule like in this YTT? Will I be reaching the point of exhaustion?
Do you believe in “breaking people down” emotionally or physically in a YTT?
Has your yoga lineage had any reported (or unreported) abuse?
Do you have training with regards to trauma and is this incorporated into your YTT?
How can I talk with past graduates and lead trainers of your YTT?
How many YTTs have you led and how long have you been teaching yoga?
What does your YTT offer with regards to business education?
Where can I view the syllabus for the training?
How many contact hours are in the training?
How much practice teach time is in the training?

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Looking back now, I feel like it was part of a weird culty pyramid scheme."

"If I was going to sign up for a yoga teacher training today, I would be asking a lot of questions."

"Make sure you're in a training where you can ask questions and question what is being taught in that moment."

"Make sure really that the yoga teacher training that you choose is in alignment with your values."

"Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you sign up and you invest your time and your money. And also don't be afraid to speak up while you're there."

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