yoga teaching tips

Episode 228: Jason talks about the six cores of yoga

Today, Jason shares his approach to the six cores in yoga -- the philosophical core, the traditional hatha yoga core, the respiratory core, the skeletal core, and the two muscular cores. RECOMMENDED AND RELATED LINKS: Jason's Advanced Yoga Teacher Training WRITE A...

Episode 220: On Yoga and Leadership

Today Jason and I dive into the topic of leadership in the yoga community. People love their yoga teachers--a lot! And while there’s a lot of good that comes from that, it can also set up an unbalanced power dynamic. We talk about the student-teacher power...

Episode 212: How to Stay in Your Lane as a Yoga Teacher

What do you do when a student comes to you hoping you can help them with an injury? Just what is appropriate or inappropriate? How can you help students heal while not overstepping into the realm of medical clinician? Find out on today's episode! RECOMMENDED AND...

Episode 211: Yoga Teachers — Should You Ask Students to Disclose Injuries?

It was once common practice for yoga teachers to start every class with a simple question: "Is anyone working with any injuries or medical conditions?" On this episode, Jason talks about the reasons that this question does -- and does not -- hold up. The goal isn't to...

Episode 210: 4 Key Ways to Prevent Yoga Injuries

In this episode, Jason and I tackle yoga injuries. There may not be a way to completely prevent all injuries, but we're sharing some best practices that teachers and students can practice to minimize the risk. We cover a lot of ground, but here are a few top-level...

Episode 209: Sequencing for Twists and Backbends with Jason Crandell

As yoga practitioners we all know that the body is amazingly complex -- and there is so much to learn when it comes to getting the body into those shapes we call yoga poses. But even though yoga postures are complicated, yoga sequencing doesn't have to be. On this...

Episode 196: Yoga in the Time of Covid

There's no doubt that Covid-19 has changed the current landscape of how we practice and teach yoga. On this special episode (recorded live via Zoom with Jason's recent online teacher trainees), Jason and I talk through about the important conversations that will need...

Episode 195: Teaching Yoga Online? Here’s How to Protect Yourself Legally

If you’re a yoga teacher who teaches online, you might wonder if there are extra steps you should take to protect yourself. The short answer is, “Yes!” But it isn’t as difficult or confusing as you might think. This week, I ask Sarah Waldbuesser, an attorney for...

Episode 188: Creating digital yoga content beyond daily livestreams

On this episode, we talk through five potential options for offering yoga content beyond daily livestream classes. RECOMMENDED AND RELATED LINKS Subscribe to our new YouTube Channel! Episode 183: Bringing Yoga Trainings Online During Covid-19 Episode 184: How to be...

Episode 187: Emotions, expectations, and growth mindset

You might be feeling lonely or lost. You might be feeling like other teachers have got this online thing figured out. You might be putting pressure on yourself because, as a yoga teacher (or student), you should have your emotions fully managed so that you can...

Episode 186: Getting paid for teaching yoga online

Should you charge for your online classes? If so, how much? Does providing free classes de-value yoga? We delve these questions about payment and more on this episode. RECOMMENDED AND RELATED LINKS Subscribe to our new YouTube Channel! Episode 183: Bringing Yoga...

Episode 185: How to Sequence Online Yoga Classes

Should you practice with your students or try to gauge the room by peering at the little boxes on your screen? Which postures and themes are most important for your students right now? How quickly should you get students moving and how long do you offer Savasana? Find...

Episode 184: How to be an Exceptional Online Yoga Teacher

Learning to teach yoga online is vital right now. But if you're used to teaching yoga in person, it can feel really daunting! On this episode, we break down what you can do to feel more comfortable and truly connect with your yoga students -- even through a Zoom room....

Episode 183: Bringing Yoga Trainings Online During Covid-19

As people across the country are home bound amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in-person yoga classes and teacher trainings have come to an abrupt halt. The entire yoga community has been scrambling as we try to figure out how to best serve our students. For this bonus...

Episode 181: On Becoming a Yoga Teacher

Yoga teacher trainings have changed a lot over the years. When I did my 200-hour training years ago, I jumped in without knowing what to expect. I loved my training, but it was more of an immersion than a teacher training.In this episode, Jason and two of his...

Episode 180: 3 Backbend Cues for Tweaky Knees or Hips

Jason and I recorded this episode live at LoveStoryYoga in San Francisco at the Module 1 Advanced Studies training. Since the students are currently focusing on the hips and legs, we thought we'd take a look at backbending techniques. Jason unpacks some of the...

Episode 175: Before You Teach Your Next Class, Do This…

Last week, Jason shared what to do when you feel like you've taught the worst yoga class of your life. This week, he’s sharing a few tips for getting in the right headspace before you teach so that you’re more likely to show up for class feeling calm, present, and...

Episode 174: How to Survive Teaching the Worst Yoga Class Ever

All yoga teachers have their off days. Even those who are as experienced as Jason. This week, Jason’s back on the podcast to share his insights on how to recover from those times when a yoga class you’re teaching just doesn’t work out the way you’d hoped it would. He...

Episode 169: Jason’s Tips for Handling Challenging Students

Whether you're yoga teacher or a student, you've been there for:⁠ ⁠ ** The Moaner -- The student who seems to be enjoying class a leetle too much.⁠ ** The Rebel -- The student who's just gotta do their own thannnng (and ignore what the rest of the class is doing)⁠ **...

Episode 164: How to Nail Your Yoga Teaching Audition

You want to leave your yoga audition with a big fist pumped saying, "Nailed it," right? This week's episode can help -- Jason gets real about how to ride the waves of the modern yoga job audition, where you get a very short amount of time to showcase your skills, your...

Episode 162: Jason’s Guide to Teaching Private Yoga Sessions

Being a yoga teacher takes skill, knowledge, dedication, and often, perseverance. But you can have all of those things in spades and never quite earn enough money teaching group classes to be financially secure. Not to mention, racing from one studio to the next...

Episode 161: The Getting to Know You Episode

I am so excited to share this new season of Yogaland with you! This week, we kick off the season with a live episode that Jason and I recorded at triyoga in London during Jason’s recent teacher training. If you’re a long-time listener, you might know that both Jason...

Episode 159: Live Q&A: Thoughts on Creating Authentic Content and Curriculum

If there’s one topic that eludes yoga teachers most, it’s not the correct angle of the front knee in Anjaneyasana. It’s how to teach yoga and make a livable wage. We recorded this week's episode live at Jason’s 300-hour training at Lovestory Yoga in San Francisco and...

Episode 151: Our Best Online Marketing Tips for Yoga Teachers

Like it or not, if you want to be a full-time yoga teacher today, digital marketing is a part of the job. It doesn’t come easily to everyone, but through the years Jason and I have figured out what works for us. In this episode, which was recorded at one of Jason’s...

Episode 149: How to Change Your Teaching Style Without Losing Your Students

This week’s episode is a continuation of last week’s discussion on how to cope with changes to your yoga practice and teaching style. Jason shares his more practical tips on how to change up your teaching style with grace. Something that is particularly challenging...

Episode 148: Change is the Only Certainty…in Yoga

We’re so happy to be back for Season 2! There's that old adage, "Change is the only certainty in life." And it applies to your yoga practice and teaching, too. This week, Jason and I are talking about the internal challenges, doubts, and insecurities that come up when...

Episode 147: Jason’s Take on Yin Yoga

Since Jason so often emphasizes the importance of building strength -- especially along the posterior chain (back side) of the body, I get asked all the time, "What does Jason think about Yin yoga?" For the Season 1 Finale, we decided to take on this topic. Yin is a...

Episode 143: Full-Time or Part-Time? Things to Consider as You Forge Your Teaching Path

In this episode, Jason breaks down what he sees as some of the pros and cons of teaching full-time vs. teaching part-time. The bottom line is this: There's not one right choice, but no matter whichever direction you choose, there are some challenges to overcome. (And...

Episode 141: Q&A with Jason about Teaching Beginners

In this last episode of our Begin Again series, Jason answers several listener questions about teaching yoga to beginning yoga students. We cover lots of ground, including: * When (or if) to encourage a student to leave a beginner level class for a more challenging...

Episode 139: Teaching Beginners in an All Levels Yoga Class

My husband, Jason Crandell, is back this week, and he's sharing practical tips for teaching beginning students when they come to a mixed-level class. Here are a few things you'll learn: * How to keep a new student safe without making them feel singled out (and when to...

Episode 138: The Art of Teaching Asana to Beginners

We all start out as beginners. But that doesn't mean that teaching beginning yoga students is intuitive. In this episode of our Begin Again series, Jason tackles the specifics of teaching asana to beginning students. Jason shares: * Why it's important to help students...

Episode 136: Yoga Philosophy for Beginners

In this second episode of our Begin Again series, we talk about what keeps us motivated to practice when yoga is feeling stagnant and Jason offers useful tips for teachers who are faced with the difficult (but rewarding!) task of teaching yoga to beginners. He also...

Episode 135: Jason’s Tips for Teaching Beginners (and Beginning Again)

Happy New Year! With a new year comes a flood of new students into yoga classes everywhere. Many of those students will be brand new to yoga, while others have re-committed to their yoga practice. In this first episode of our series on yoga beginners, Jason shares...

Episode 128: Live from Maui! The Benefits of Retreat + Refining Ujjayi + Making Progress in Backbends

This is the sixth year Jason led his week-long, healing yoga retreat on Maui, but the first year we did a live Yogaland podcast! We did not humble brag about the beautiful setting, the food, the roosters, or the camaraderie of the students -- we just full on brag...

Episode 126: Jason’s Best Bakasana Tips

Most people consider arm balances and inversions challenging poses, but we think they're worth the effort. This week, I talk to Jason about his approach to teaching these popular poses, and how he breaks them down to make them more accessible for every student. We...

Episode 121: Q&A – Ideas for Building Your Business (And Your Confidence) as a Yoga Teacher

I got a great question from a listener recently in response to episode 119, so I decided to start this episode with Jason's response. The listener, Neil, asks, "If we're creating a practice that's sustainable, does it really makes sense to repeat the same sequence...

Summer Series 2018: Staying Sane (and Enjoying!) Social Media

If you're like a lot of yoga students, you probably feel a bit conflicted when it comes to social media: You want to spend more time in the present moment, but you also love how social media makes you feel connected with the people you love and what's going on in the...

Episode 100: Easy Ways to Improve Verbal Communication with Jason Crandell

When I first started taking yoga classes from Jason many years ago, I was struck by his voice. He has a voice that draws you in. It's soothing and encouraging. He speaks in a measured, comfortable pace. And he's a clear, succinct communicator. In essence, he's a...

Episode 87: Q&A — Jason’s Sequencing Philosophy, Thoughts on Retaining Students & Hip Impingement

We pick up where we left off last week with Jason answering more of your recent questions all about yoga class sequences! This week, he answers: * How often should I change my yoga class sequences? * How do I sequence my classes given the large influx of new students...

Episode 85: Clarify Your Purpose and Edit Yourself to Craft Effective Yoga Themes With Michelle Marchildon

This week’s podcast with author and yoga teacher Michelle Marchildon focuses on her formula for theming your yoga classes. The formula comes from her book, Themeweaver: Connect the Power of Inspiration to Teaching Yoga and is a clear, thorough approach to creating...

Episode 83: Year End Highlights With Andrea & Jason, Plus What’s in Store for 2018

Can you guess which podcast was the most popular of the year? I give you a glimpse into my analytics on this episode (spoiler alert: the #1 episode is not one of Jason's), plus we talk 2017 highlights (hello, creativity!) and lowlights (puffy eyes), what we're looking...

Episode 80: Bonus Episode! How to Craft Your Own Short, Effective Home Yoga Sequences

You've probably heard people say that a short yoga practice is better than no yoga practice. Jason and I heartily agree -- but it can still be hard to carve out the time. I think the root problem is that it's hard to step on your mat solo and know what to do. This...

Episode 70: Jason Crandell — Advocate for Your Students & Don’t Make Sweeping Claims

One of my favorite quotes from Jason is,"I believe that we should embrace anything and everything that helps us and our students be well." On this episode, we dive into the meaning behind that quote and why it's important to advocate for our students to try other...

Episode 69: Jason Crandell — You Have to Trust That Yoga Works

We all struggle from time to time with the question -- "Am I doing enough?" This week, Jason and I talk about this question and this fear in the yoga room. His clear message: Trust in the process of yoga. And return to the fundamentals of what we're trying to teach...

Episode 68: Jason Crandell on Having a Strong Point of View Without Minimizing Others

Jason is back and he's sharing just a few of the values he hopes to pass onto his teacher training graduates. We talk about -- how do you develop a strong, personal point of view without minimizing others' points of view? And is yoga a discipline that changes over...

Summer Series! Ep 6: A Strategic Approach to Arm Balances and Inversions

A bonus episode for you this week! Jason and I talk about his new online course on yogaglo.com, The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Arm Balances & Inversions. There's a lot packed into this episode: Jason shares his system for teaching these poses, how he sees both arm...

Summer Series! Ep 5: Aspects of the Core We Tend to Ignore

The core is an often-obsessed about part of the body, and yogis are no exception. In this episode, Jason breaks down the component parts that make up the core. He also offers three ideas for tapping into those parts we ignore -- from paying attention to rotation, to...

Summer Series! Ep 4: Twisting, Strengthening, & Folding Your Spine

On the last two episodes, Jason offered some tips for working with your hips and shoulders. On this installment, we're moving to the central axis -- the spine. Jason shows off his superior maths skills by sharing that we for every 10 Sun Salutations we do 50 forward...

Summer Series! Ep 3: Understanding Your Super-Awesome (& Complex) Shoulders

Did you know that your shoulder complex has four joints on each side? This dynamic engineering allows us to do all of the things we do with our arms and hands. But it can leave the shoulder joints vulnerable if we don't balance them with strength. In vinyasa yoga we...

Summer Series! Ep 2: What’s Missing from Your Hip-Focused Practices

We love, love, love to stretch our hips in yoga. Pigeon Pose -- oh yeah. Lizard -- yep. Thread the Needle -- mmmhmmm. But sometimes we focus on how good opening the outer hips feels to the exclusion of creating strength and stability in the support muscles. Similarly,...

Summer Series! Ep 1: Creative Ways to Inspire Your Practice This Summer

It's summer! My favorite season. But, I will admit, that I tend to be more loosey goosey in the summer about EVERYTHING, which means that sometimes my yoga practice falls by the wayside. With that in mind, I decided to create a special summer series with Jason! It's...

Episode 50: Any Amount of the Pose is Still the Pose

On this episode Jason answers listener Kat's question, "How do I make sure I'm not leaving anyone out as I teach my mixed level power yoga classes?" Jason acknowledges how difficult this can be for everyone in the room and he has some really great tactical strategies...

Episode 40: Alexandria Crow on Transparency in Yoga Teaching

Alexandria Crow grew up in a fundamentalist Christian family and her grandfather was a traveling preacher. These days she travels the country teaching yoga -- and it recently dawned on her that there are parallels between the two. Because of this, she's careful about...

Episode 36: Q&A With Jason: Yoga…Not One-Size-Fits-All

The Q&As with Jason are back! On this episode we talk about hopping back to Plank Pose, what happens when your wrists won't cooperate in arm balances, and tips for Triangle Pose. The BIG TAKEAWAY is this: Not all poses work for all bodies. Take that in. Let it bum...

Episode 18: Jason Crandell – How to Select a Teacher Training Program

Hi everyone! We've gotten many questions recently about teacher training that we decided to do an episode that answers common questions. Doing a yoga teacher training is a huge investment -- both financially and in terms of your time. It can be a wonderfully...

Episode 14: Jason Crandell – Create a Home Practice You Love

Hi there! This week Jason Crandell talks all about home practice. We get straight to the point and talk about: * Where to start if you don't know how to practice on your own * Why it's vital for yoga teachers to have a consistent home practice * How your relationship...

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