Explore every episode of the podcast The Yoga Teacher Podcast

Are backbends in yoga actually doing what you think they are?

In this episode, Brea breaks down the functional anatomy of the spine in backbends and why traditional aesthetic cues might be doing more harm than good. Learn how to refine your cueing to create safer, stronger, and more empowering backbends for your students!

Prefer to watch this? This episode was recorded as a video! Head over to YouTube to watch the full breakdown, visual demonstrations: https://youtu.be/Rfrm1oBTgAo?si=7a7IYsAs8OL5Dwzh

GET FREE YOGA TEACHER TIPS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for our weekly Yoga Teacher Tips Newsletter for actionable advice, anatomical insights, and teaching inspiration delivered straight to your inbox:

https://heartandbonesyoga.com/yogateachertips/

Take yoga teacher training with Brea at Heart and Bones Yoga, learn more: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Try Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Are you micromanaging the knees in your yoga classes? So many traditional yoga cues tell us to keep the knee over the ankle or micro-bend the joint—but the truth is, the knees aren't as fragile as we often think! When we take a step back and look at global movement, building stability in the feet, ankles, and hips is what actually protects the knees and builds long-term strength.

In this episode, we’re unpacking a more functional, evidence-informed approach to knee alignment, handling knee pain in class, and helping your students move with confidence.

Connect with Heart Bones Yoga and sign up for the weekly Yoga Teacher Tips newsletter for practical tips, anatomy insights, and sequencing inspiration delivered straight to your inbox! 📬👇

🔗 SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER & RESOURCES: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/yogateachertips/

Learn more about teacher trainings at with Brea at Heart and Bones: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

When students ask to "work on their hips" in class, default passive stretches like pigeon pose or static lunges aren't always the best answer. We go over the 4 essential shifts every yoga teacher can make to move beyond generic "hip openers".

Learn how applied movement variety, active mobility, and understanding individual bone diversity can help you teach safer, more inclusive, and more impactful classes!

Sign up for the Yoga Teacher Tips newsletter: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/yogateachertips/

In this episode I cover: • Why applied hip movement matters for cueing and pose selection • Moving beyond default passive stretching into functional mobility and strength • Why "tight hips" are often a brain perception, and how movement variety helps • Honouring individual skeletal differences and letting go of aesthetic alignment

Resources & Links:

Become a yoga teacher with Heart and Bones online yoga 200hr and 300hr yoga teacher training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here.

Is yoga teacher training actually hard? 👀 As always, we go into the nuance of it all, including imposter syndrome and perfectionism to physical worries and the inevitable "messy middle." This isn’t just about Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) because let’s be real, a lot of this is also life.

Whether you're researching your first 200-hour YTT, struggling halfway through a program, or already a teacher navigating self-doubt, this episode goes over why the hardest part of YTT is often getting out of our own way—and how the practice of yoga helps us work through it.

IN THIS EPISODE: • The surprising mental and emotional challenges of YTT • Why "imposter syndrome" and perfectionism spike during training • How to handle the middle-of-the-training burn out or desire to quit • Physical vs. mental demands: Do you need to do advanced poses to teach? • Shifting from rigid "discipline" to genuine commitment

📩 JOIN OUR FREE YOGA TEACHER TIPS NEWSLETTER: Get one actionable yoga teaching tip delivered to your inbox every week! Sign up here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/yogateachertips/

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEART + BONES YOGA TEACHER TRAINING:https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

PRACTICE WITH H+B (OR STEAL BREA’S SEQUENCE):

Use CODE for $1 for one month: PODCASTMONTH https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Are you spending hours planning your yoga classes only to feel overwhelmed when you actually start teaching?

In this short episode, I'm sharing 5 common reasons why yoga teachers overcomplicate their sequences and how you can simplify your process for a better experience for both you and your students.

We'll cover everything from finding a clear class focus to the power of the "pause" in transitions.

Teaching yoga doesn't have to be a stressful multitasking feat, you can learn how to read the room and adapt your sequence to the real people in front of you.

Free Resource: Join the Yoga Teacher Tips newsletter for one actionable teaching tip every week: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/yogateachertips/

Become a yoga teacher with Heart and Bones online yoga 200hr and 300hr yoga teacher training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

YTT Newsletter. One actionable theme. One email. Every week.https://heartandbonesyoga.com/yogateachertips/

Have a question about yoga teacher training? Leave it in the comments. We read them, and your question may inspire a future episode.

About this episode:

Is yoga teacher training worth it if you never plan to teach? And if you do want to teach, how long might it take to earn back what you spent?

Brea and Ula unpack what “worth it” actually means when you are considering yoga teacher training. We talk about the financial reality, the fear that can come with investing in yourself, and what a training may offer beyond a certificate or future income.

You’ll hear about taking YTT to deepen your own practice, the unexpected personal changes that can come from becoming a student again, realistic teaching income, and ways to make training more accessible through payment plans, scholarships or work exchanges.

And we explore a harder question: how can you tell the difference between a decision that feels scary because it really matters to us, and one that genuinely is not right for you now?

Learn more about the Heart + Bones 200 + 300-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Certification: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

New yoga teachers often copy their teachers at first. Their sequencing, their cues, their language, even the way they hold the room. But how do you move from repeating what worked for someone else to finding your own voice as a yoga teacher?

In this episode, Brea and Ula talk about copying, confidence, repetition, belonging, and what it really means to teach in a way that feels like you. We get into why copying can be a normal part of learning, how repetition helps you become more responsive in the room, and why the best yoga teachers are not trying to sound like everyone else.

We also talk about yoga teacher training, inclusive teaching, representation, and the pressure many teachers feel to fit into a certain image of what a “real” yoga teacher looks or sounds like.

If you’re a new yoga teacher, a yoga teacher in training, or someone who feels like you don’t quite fit the usual yoga mould, this conversation is for you.

Links mentioned this episode:

Learn more about Heart + Bones Yoga Teacher Training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ Explore Yoga Teacher Lab: Nervous System 101: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/nervoussystem101/ Try the Heart + Bones online yoga studio: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

$1 for 1 month use code: PODCASTMONTH

Why Student Love Boring Classes: https://youtu.be/TVAmLoAhSDY?si=aKCW7cNj8Jd5nedO

This audio was taken from our Yoga Teacher Tips Youtube Channel!

Watch the video HERE

Feeling like you lack "self-belief" as a yoga teacher? It might not be a lack of confidence at all. It might just be that you haven't discovered what kind of teacher you are yet.

In this episode, we’re moving beyond "being a good teacher" and diving into the self-awareness required to find your unique voice. We’ll explore the spectrum of teaching styles—from intuitive "wingers" to structured planners, poetic storytellers to precise communicators—to help you stop the comparison trap and start celebrating your natural gifts.

Take the Quiz! Ready to go deeper? I’ve created a playful quiz to help you further refine your teaching identity and voice. ✨ Take the Yoga Teacher Type Quiz here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/quiz-what-type-modern-yoga-teacher-are-you/

What we cover in this episode:

• The secret to true teaching confidence.
• Intuitive vs. Planned sequencing: Which one is your "nervous system safety net"?
• Poetic vs. Precise: Finding your unique way of communicating cues.
• Tradition vs. Modern Movement: Where do you land on the lineage spectrum?
• Finding your "Sweet Spot": Balancing your schedule to avoid burnout.

Join the Yoga Teacher Tips Community: At Yoga Teacher Tips, we’re all about the nitty-gritty details of teaching and the big conversations that help us grow. Subscribe to join a community of teachers dedicated to teaching with heart and bones.

Let’s Chat! Once you take the quiz, come back and let me know your results in the comments! Are you more of a "Planner" or a "Winger"? Let’s build this amazing community together.

BECOME A YOGA TEACHER WITH HEART + BONES 200hr & 300hr Online Yoga Teacher Training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Try Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

SAY HI ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga

Is "Listen to Your Body" actually helpful, or is it just confusing for your students?

In this episode, Brea, Founder of Heart and Bones Yoga, chats with Ula about the nuance of one of the most common cues in the yoga world. While we want to offer autonomous experiences, "listening to your body" can be tricky when our "normal" is actually a pattern of unconscious postural habits or even tension.

In this video, you’ll learn:

• Why "listen to your body" can backfire for students with deep-seated habits.
• The "Goldilocks" method: Using polarities to help students find their middle ground.
• How to support hypermobile students who might be "guarding" or tense without realizing it.
• Real-world examples of using props (like the "festival chair" moment!) to create ease.
• A sneak peek into our upcoming Lab Series on nervous system-supportive cueing.

Curious about the Lab?

Our first Lab is now live, Nervous System 101 for Yoga Teacher: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/nervoussystem101/

BECOME A YOGA TEACHER WITH HEART + BONES 200hr & 300hr

Online Yoga Teacher Training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

PRACTICE WITH US

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

SAY HI ON SOCIAL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaTeacherTips

Is your yoga class actually "nervous system supportive," or is it just slow? In this episode, Brea and Ula chat about what it really means to support the nervous system when teaching actual humans in real classes. We move beyond the "everything should be chill" marketing myth and explore how proprioception, interoception, and even intensity play a role in building true resilience.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Nervous System" Zeitgeist: Why every yoga class is technically a nervous system class.
• Proprioception vs. Interoception: Understanding how we sense our bodies from the inside out.
• The Anxiety of "Calming" Cues: How rigid breathing counts can actually trigger a stress response.
• The Social Nervous System: Creating a safe container where students feel seen and supported.
• Building Capacity: Why challenging poses like balance and chair pose are vital for nervous system resilience.

NEW: The Yoga Teacher Lab

We’re launching a new series for teachers at Heart and Bones Online Studio! Our first deep dive is the Nervous System, featuring a "Director's Cut" breakdown of real classes with Brea Johnson.

Learn More https://heartandbonesyoga.com/nervoussystem101/

Did you know we have a yoga teacher dedicated youtube channel? Learn with Brea: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaTeacherTips

Learn More:

BECOME A YOGA TEACHER WITH HEART + BONES

200hr & 300hr Online Yoga Teacher Training (anatomy-informed, accessible, and actually enjoyable): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

PRACTICE WITH US

Try Heart + Bones Studio free for one month, use code: youtubelove https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

If you've been struggling to find yoga teaching work, whether you just finished your 200-hour, moved to a new city, or feel like there are more teachers than there are jobs—this one's for you.

Brea Johnson, founder of Heart + Bones and a yoga teacher with over two decades of experience, shares the honest, practical strategies she wishes more teachers knew about. From her years owning a brick-and-mortar studio (and being the one doing the hiring), she knows exactly what gets a teacher noticed, and what doesn't.

Found a creative way to build your teaching career that we didn't cover? Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear it!

What we cover:

• Why the yoga studio isn't always the best place to start — and what to do instead
• How to rent your own space and actually fill it (even when nobody knows you yet)
• The power of finding a niche to grow your classes faster
• Working with gyms, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and corporate offices
• What Brea looked for as a studio owner — and the things that almost guaranteed someone wouldn't get hired
• How to build relationships that open doors, even if you're introverted
• Why subbing is one of the most underrated ways to get your foot in the door

BECOME A YOGA TEACHER WITH HEART + BONES 200hr & 300hr Online Yoga Teacher Training (anatomy-informed, accessible, and actually enjoyable): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

PRACTICE WITH US

Try Heart + Bones Studio free for one month, use code: PODCASTMONTH https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

SAY HI ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga

You have classes to teach this week… and the inevitable happened. You’ve run out of ideas.

Or maybe you’re just bored with what you’ve been teaching and want something new and exciting to share in class.

If you’ve been teaching yoga for a while, this happens to all of us.

In this video, Brea Johnson (founder of Heart + Bones Yoga) shares 5 simple ways yoga teachers can find inspiration again when they feel stuck, bored, or out of ideas for what to teach.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to teach great classes. Sometimes a small shift in focus can make familiar poses feel completely new again for both you and your students.

In this video you’ll learn:

• What to remember when you feel bored teaching yoga
• How taking another teacher’s class can spark new inspiration
• Why continuing education helps refresh your teaching
• Simple ways to bring new life to familiar yoga sequences
• How a single movement focus can transform an entire class

If you’re a yoga teacher looking for yoga class ideas, sequencing inspiration, or ways to stay inspired teaching, this video will help you refresh your classes without overcomplicating things.

Try Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

As yoga teachers, we all want to say the “right” thing in class. The perfect cue. The one that lands in every body.

But here’s the truth: there isn’t one cue that works for everyone.

In this episode, Brea shares 3 universal cues for yoga teachers that support every body, every style, and every level. These are not rigid anatomical commands.

They’re awareness-based cues that build autonomy, connection, and sustainable movement in your classes.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I cue for all bodies?
• How do I make my classes more accessible?
• How do I teach with confidence without over-talking?

This is for you. With over two decades of teaching experience, Brea walks you through the shift from memorized, lineage-based scripting toward a more anatomy-informed, functional approach to yoga teaching.

You’ll learn:

• Why there is no “one cue to rule them all”
• How to invite autonomy into your classes
• How to reduce hierarchy in your teaching
• Why awareness is the heart of yoga practice
• Simple cues that deepen connection without overwhelming your students

These cues work in downward dog, trikonasana, warrior, standing poses, seated work, and beyond. They help you teach less and guide more.

Modern Yoga Teacher Training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Explore Heart + Bones Yoga Online Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Why does teaching yoga start to feel harder, more exhausting, or full of self-doubt?

In this episode, Ula and Brea talk honestly about yoga teacher burnout, self-talk, and comparison. How pressure, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations show up while teaching, not just online or off the mat.

They unpack why so many yoga teachers internalize mistakes as personal failure, how social media and studio culture add invisible pressure, and why “something is wrong with me” becomes the default inner narrative—even for experienced teachers.

This conversation covers:

– Yoga teacher burnout and emotional exhaustion

– Self-talk, comparison, and perfectionism

– Teaching mistakes and fear of doing it wrong

– Social media pressure in the yoga industry

– When a studio or style isn’t the right fit

– Learning to trust mistakes instead of fearing them

Whether you’re a yoga teacher, studio owner, or someone who leads others, this episode offers a grounded look at teaching as a human, not a performance.

Links:

Try Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio:

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Modern Yoga Teacher Training : https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Ula’s Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

What does it actually mean to be a yoga teacher in 2026?

In this episode, we break down the five things we believe every yoga teacher needs to hear right now. Not more pressure. Not more perfection. Not another trend to keep up with.

We talk about nervous system literacy as the new alignment, why experience matters more than choreography, how teaching is shifting away from performance, and what sustainable teaching really looks like over the long term.

This conversation is for teachers who feel the tired of trying to do it all, teachers who care deeply about their students, and teachers who want to keep teaching without burning themselves out.

Inside this episode:

• Nervous system first teaching

• Invitational classrooms over top down authority

• Experience over choreography

• Why perfection is not the goal

• Longevity as a real teaching skill

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

Try Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio:

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Why the heck aren’t we feeling motivated, even when we want to change?

And why do we keep picking arbitrary dates to overhaul our lives, as if motivation is something we can schedule?

In this episode, Brea and Ula chat through why motivation is so often blamed when the real issue is friction. We explore how cultural conditioning, perfectionism, guilt, and unrealistic expectations quietly get in the way of change, and why “trying harder” rarely helps.

This is a conversation about small shifts, seasonal rhythms, honest self-inquiry, and building practices that actually fit real lives. It’s for anyone who’s felt stuck, behind, or convinced they’re doing something wrong—and for teachers who want to create spaces that feel supportive instead of pressurized.

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

January has a way of turning everything up to eleven: goals, pressure, expectations, and the belief that we’re supposed to become entirely new people overnight.

In this episode, Brea and Ula unpack why extreme challenges feel so seductive this time of year, and why so many of them leave us burned out, disconnected, or feeling like we’ve failed before we’ve even started. They talk about grind culture, wellness FOMO, and the noise of social media—and how all of it shows up not just in our minds, but in our bodies.

Rather than rejecting goals altogether, this conversation offers a different way in: one rooted in self-trust, nervous system awareness, and small, sustainable shifts. They explore why consistency beats intensity, why rest isn’t a reward you have to earn, and why real change doesn’t happen in isolation.

The episode closes with an invitation to approach January with more kindness, more curiosity, and a lot less pressure, plus a look at the Small Shifts Challenge as a way to practice this work together, in community.

Takeaways:

• January pressure isn’t personal, it’s cultural.
• Extreme challenges work for a few people, but often fail the rest of us.
• Grind culture has quietly shaped how we approach wellness and self-care.
• If it feels panicky or FOMO-driven, that’s information.
• Sustainable change comes from consistency, not intensity.
• Small habits build momentum without activating stress or shame.
• Rest isn’t laziness, it’s part of how we grow.
• We don’t change in isolation; community matters.
• Listening to your body is a skill you can practice.
• Kindness toward yourself makes habit-building possible.

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

If you’ve been doubting yourself as a yoga teacher, it might not be about confidence at all. More often, it’s simply that you haven’t discovered what kind of teacher you actually are yet.

So let’s explore that together.

Brea walks you through the patterns we all fall into as teachers—how we plan our classes, how we cue, the pace we love, the people we feel most at home teaching—and helps you notice the strengths you already have (even the ones you haven’t recognized as strengths).

This gentle self-study is where clarity comes from.

And clarity is what builds real confidence.

Take the free “What Kind of Teacher Are You?” quiz: https://heartandbonesyoga.typeform.com/to/GOQ4lYss

Come back and share your type in the comments, we love hearing them!

What you’ll reflect on:

• Are you more intuitive or more structured when you plan?

• Do you cue with precision, imagery, or a mix of both?

• How do you learn and integrate yoga in your own body?

• What formats feel good for your nervous system?

• Who do you actually want to teach?

• How much teaching is the right amount for your life right now?

Heart + Bones supports yoga teachers in finding their voice, honouring their strengths, and teaching in sustainable ways that feel like you.

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Are yoga retreats really worth it, for teachers or students? brea and Ula share the truth about running yoga retreats: the money, the burnout, the logistics no one talks about, and what finally made us return after a six-year retreat break.

Whether you’re thinking about hosting your first yoga retreat or deciding if a Tuscany retreat is right for you, this conversation gives you an honest look behind the scenes.

We talk about why retreats aren’t vacations for teachers, how to structure a retreat people actually enjoy, and the hidden costs and “rigamarole” that often lead to burnout. We also share what made our recent Tuscany retreat so special—and why we decided to go back.

Have questions about running a yoga retreat? Drop them in the comments!

Heart and Bones Tuscany Yoga Retreat, April 2026: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/tuscany-yoga-retreat/

👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga.

🔗 Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

If you’ve ever been told to “just calm down”, or felt pressure to be constantly relaxed to support your nervous system, this episode is for you.

In this honest, practical conversation, we break down what your nervous system actually is, how stress really works (yes, including cortisol), why “being calm” is NOT the goal, and what regulation looks like in real life for yoga teachers and students.

We cover:

• Why the nervous system is more than a buzzword
• Cortisol, stress, and why your body adapts (even when you don’t notice)
• What it feels like to move with your nervous system in mind
• How to support your students’ nervous systems in class
• Why tiny daily actions (not perfection) make the biggest change
• What we’ve personally learned about burnout, busy seasons, and rest

Whether you’re a yoga teacher or a student, this episode gives you practical, realistic tools to support your nervous system, without needing an hour a day, a perfect routine, or a “calm girl era.”

Join for $1 for 30 days of Heart + Bones Online Yoga Studio, use code PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Your nervous system will thank you.

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr):

https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Ula aka ‪@avibrantmind‬ on youtube

Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

Main Account: https://www.instagram.com/avibrantmind/

Book Account: https://www.instagram.com/libri_ursae/

Books Ula mentioned:

Burnout: https://www.burnoutbook.net/

The Anxious Generation: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book

This episode is a little different from what we normally do. Usually you hear Brea, or the two of us together, exploring a topic in depth.

Today, we’re offering you a guided experience rather than a conversation.

Think of this as an opportunity to pause. Instead of listening to us talk, you get ten minutes that are fully for you, a chance to reset your nervous system and reconnect with your body.

And if you’re a yoga teacher, there’s something here for you too. Practicing with other teachers is one of the simplest ways to spark inspiration, and this guided body scan might give you ideas for how to bring a moment of grounding into your own classes.

What to expect:

• Gentle guidance through each area of the body
• Breath awareness to calm the nervous system
• Gratitude practice to close your session

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Yoga teachers: if you’re tired of posting reels and wondering why followers don’t turn into students, this video is for you. In this conversation we share why we’ve shifted from Instagram to YouTube and podcasting, how long-form content supports a sustainable teaching business, and what “community” really means for online yoga in 2025.

In this video you’ll learn:

• Why Instagram’s content model started working against us
• How YouTube rewards longevity and community over rapid clicks
• What platform strategy looks like for a yoga teacher-business
• How to pick the right platform (and let go of the rest)

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Ula's Substack

What did you get wrong as a new yoga teacher? Brea looks back on 20+ years—“yoga voice,” prescriptive cueing, and the Pinterest-quote myth that “the poses you don’t like are the ones you need.” We unpack why those didn’t serve students, how to shift to action cues, what to do with feedback (good and bad), and how to find your voice without micromanaging bodies.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why “yoga voice” happens—and how to sound like you
• The problem with prescriptive, micromanaging cues
• Action cues that protect autonomy and land better in real bodies
• Hypermobility, proprioception, and why “where should I feel this?” backfires
• Handling feedback + clarifying your why as a teacher
• Evolving your teaching without losing the heart of yoga

Resources + next steps:

Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga.

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Are you still using old alignment cues that don’t land? Or worse, confuse and micromanage your students? In this episode, Ula and Brea (Heart + Bones Yoga) share the yoga cues we retired and exactly what we say instead. You’ll learn how to swap vague or prescriptive language for clear action cues that improve safety, agency, and accessibility—especially for students with hypermobility or different body histories.

What you’ll learn

• Common yoga cues to retire (e.g., micromanaging and “you should feel it here” language)
• How to replace them with action cues that create real engagement
• Why cueing outcomes beats forcing shapes—and how that supports inclusivity
• Tips for beginners and experienced teachers to update their cue library
• A kinder teaching mindset: experiment, observe, and keep learning

If you’re a yoga teacher who wants classes that are safer, clearer, and more inclusive, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe for more Yoga Teacher Tips, and check out Heart + Bones Yoga for anatomy-informed classes and trainings.

Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Every yoga teacher has those moments, your mind goes blank in class, you forget your cue, or your words don’t land. It’s normal, it happens to everyone, and it doesn’t make you a bad teacher.

In this video, Brea Johnson of Heart + Bones Yoga shares simple, practical strategies for what to do when you don’t know what to say while teaching yoga. Whether you’re a new teacher or have been teaching for years, these tips will help you stay calm, professional, and connected to your students.

You’ll learn:

• Why forgetting cues is a normal part of teaching

• How pausing the class can reset you and your students

• Why “less is more” with verbal cues

• How to come back to the breath when you lose your words

• The power of reflective cues over micromanaging

• A simple way to keep your confidence when mistakes happen

Want more support?

Explore our anatomy-informed yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month with code PODCASTMONTH: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Every yoga teacher has those days when you don’t want to teach. Maybe life feels overwhelming, maybe you’re exhausted, or maybe you’re just not in the mood. What do you do when you still need to show up for your students?

In this video, Brea Johnson of Heart + Bones Yoga shares practical tips and mindset shifts for those inevitable times when teaching feels like too much.

You’ll learn:

• How to balance professionalism with authenticity

• What to do if something big is happening in your life

• Why presence in teaching can actually reset your energy

• A practical class-starting tip that eases pressure on you and your students

• How to adjust your energy dial without faking it

• A pep talk to save for the next time you don’t want to teach

Want more support?

Explore our anatomy-informed yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month with code podcastmonth

Start here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop, breathe, and give yourself a moment. This short guided meditation is a gentle reminder to pause and reconnect with your own practice, whether you’re a yoga teacher, or simply someone who could use five minutes of calm.

In just a few breaths, you’ll soften your shoulders, relax your belly, and return to the steady rhythm of your body. A simple reset you can come back to anytime.

Want to keep nurturing your personal practice? Heart + Bones Yoga makes it easy, with accessible, anatomy-informed classes and programs, and yes, more calming moments like this practice.

Try Heart + Bones online yoga one month for just $1: with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Many yoga teachers wonder: Do I need to follow a lineage or stick to one style to be a “real” teacher? In this episode we explore the truth about yoga lineage vs yoga style, how colonialism and capitalism shaped modern yoga, and why charismatic leaders can create both inspiration and red flags.

You’ll learn:

• What “lineage” actually means in yoga

• How styles like Ashtanga, Iyengar & Yin evolved

• The business side of yoga teacher training (and cult dynamics to watch for)

• Practical steps to grow beyond your 200-hour training with confidence

Whether you’re choosing a YTT, feeling boxed in by your training, or curious about the business of yoga, this conversation will give you tools to teach inclusively, sustainably, and with confidence.

Learn more about Heart + Bones Yoga Teacher Training (200hr & 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Join our online yoga studio for Move + Learn classes for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga.

Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

Being a yoga teacher today means more than creating class sequences—it’s about evolving your teaching and your yoga business. In this episode of The Yoga Teacher Podcast, Brea Johnson and Ula examine what it really takes to adapt, grow, and build a sustainable path as a teacher.

We talk about:

• How to know if you’re actually growing as a teacher or just repeating the same year over and over.
• Why “boring” yoga sequencing can be more supportive than flashy flows.
• The business side of teaching yoga—and how to stop playing small.
• How to embrace your authentic, weird, wonderful self (instead of becoming another “boring grey yoga teacher”).
• Practical skills yoga teachers must evolve: inclusivity, personal practice, and community.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your teaching or wondered how to make your yoga business sustainable, this conversation is for you.

👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga.

🔗 Want to go deeper?

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

Many yoga teachers think sequencing needs to be exciting, complex, and creative every time. But here’s the truth: simple yoga sequencing is often the most effective, and the classes your students actually love.

In this video, Brea Johnson of Heart + Bones Yoga breaks down why “boring” sequences work, and how to balance consistency with just enough novelty.

You’ll learn:

– Why overcomplicating yoga sequencing can hold your students back

– How simple sequences support nervous system regulation and progress

– Practical tips for confident, anatomy-informed class planning

These yoga teacher tips will help you trust the power of simple, inclusive sequencing and feel more confident in your teaching.

🔗 Want to go deeper?

Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

What do experienced yoga teachers do differently after 20+ years in the practice? In this episode, we explore how teaching yoga evolves—especially when you start to question rigid alignment cues, romanticized yoga lineages, and performance-based teaching.

Join Brea Johnson and Ula for a candid conversation on what it means to lead inclusive, anatomy-informed, and sustainable yoga classes—without falling into old patterns or culty dynamics. Whether you're a new yoga teacher or a long-time practitioner, this episode helps you reflect on what actually supports your students (and yourself).

Join the next free training: How to Teach Inclusive Yoga Classes Aug 20th 2025: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/how-to-teach-inclusive-yoga-classes-workshop

Explore our online yoga teacher resources + trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Submit your story for our podcast: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

Feeling like a fraud in front of your class? You’re not alone.

Imposter syndrome is something almost every yoga teacher wrestles with at some point—especially when you're still finding your footing. In this conversation, Brea shares what’s helped her (and hundreds of teachers she’s mentored) feel more grounded, more clear, and more like themselves when they teach.

You’ll learn:

• What imposter syndrome actually is (and why it shows up for caring teachers)
• The truth about what makes a “good” yoga teacher (hint: not handstands or followers)
• Brea’s go-to tips for grounding yourself before and during class
• How to prepare and plan your class in a way that supports your confidence
• Why understanding anatomy helps you teach with clarity and calm
• How to stop comparing and reconnect with your purpose

Explore our 200 and 300 hour online trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Practice with Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio:

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Want to teach your own yoga workshop—but feeling stuck, unsure, or like you’re not “ready”? In this episode, Brea Johnson and Ula talk through what really holds yoga teachers back (hint: it’s not experience), and share actionable tips to help you plan and lead a workshop that feels aligned, spacious, and actually fills.

Whether you’re a new yoga teacher or have years of experience, this conversation breaks down the myths about what a workshop has to be, and how to move past fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism to confidently share your offerings.

Watch the original “How to Plan, Market + Fill Your Next Yoga Workshop” Replay: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/workshop-workshop/

Join the next free training: How to Teach Inclusive Yoga Classes: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/how-to-teach-inclusive-yoga-classes-workshop

Explore our online yoga teacher resources + trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/

What does it really mean to teach inclusive yoga?

In this candid, practical conversation, Brea Johnson and Ula from Heart + Bones Yoga unpack what inclusivity in yoga truly looks like, beyond the buzzwords. We explore how to teach accessible yoga classes that support a diverse range of bodies, abilities, and lived experiences… without sacrificing depth, integrity, or your own voice as a teacher.

Whether you're a new yoga teacher or years into your journey, this episode will help you rethink what makes a class feel welcoming, and give you tangible ways to start shifting your language, cues, and approach.

We talk props, agency, accessibility, community, language, chair yoga, and why normalizing inclusive cues benefits every body.

Want to go deeper?

Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

If you're considering yoga teacher training or curious about how online learning has evolved, this conversation is for you.

Join Ula (Heart + Bones team + yoga teacher) and Brea Johnson (founder of Heart + Bones Yoga) as they unpack the myths, trade-offs, and benefits of online yoga teacher training. With nearly a decade of experience running anatomy-informed, globally accessible training programs, Brea shares what’s changed, what still works, and what really makes a teacher training impactful—online or in person.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How online yoga education has matured since 2020
• What actually makes a yoga training effective (hint: it's not just the format)
• Surprising benefits of online learning for neurodivergent and international students
• How mentorship and community thrive even in virtual spaces
• Red flags to watch out for when researching online YTT programs
• Why accessibility is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessary evolution

Want to experience it yourself? Explore our 200 and 300 hour online trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

00:00 – Intro: What this episode covers

01:11 – Is online yoga teacher training worth it?

01:35 – What’s changed in the last 5 years of online YTT

02:44 – What surprised Brea about teaching online

04:08 – Online vs in-person: Real trade-offs to consider

07:40 – Accessibility: The deeper layers people overlook

19:33 – Mentorship and connection in online YTT

23:49 – What’s missing from many yoga teacher trainings

29:07 – How to choose the right online YTT

32:45 – Brea’s hopes for the future of teacher training

If you struggle with sequencing your yoga classes, here is one simple tip that you can use no matter what style of yoga you teach AND without having to create brand new sequences each time. It makes your life easier as a teacher and most importantly, it makes your teaching more effective.

This lesson will share insight about action cues and then we'll go through a bunch of different examples so that you can see how simple it is to add action cues to your sequences and teaching.

If you are a visual learner, follow along with Brea HERE.

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

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STUDY WITH HEART + BONES 

200/300 Hour Online Teacher Training: Learn More

Got bendy joints? Or ever wondered if there’s more to yoga than chasing flexibility? In this honest, practical chat, Ula (Heart + Bones team member + hypermobile human) sits down with Brea Johnson (Heart + Bones founder + anatomy nerd) to talk all things hypermobility, strength, and sustainable movement.

We cover:

• What hypermobility actually is (and how to know if it applies to you)
• Why strength and stability matter more than going deeper into poses
• How to stop glorifying extreme flexibility in yoga
• Easy cues that help everyone—hypermobile or not—move smarter
• The connection between nervous system support + healthy movement

Whether you’re a student, yoga teacher, or just want your body to feel stronger and more supported, this episode’s for you.

Try the Heart + Bones online studio for $1 this month using code: PODCASTMONTH

Start here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Curious about our anatomy-informed yoga teacher trainings?

Check them out here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-teacher-training-options/

A quick behind-the-scenes check-in with Brea, studio owner of Heart + Bones Yoga, as we reflect on the past 30 days of running an online yoga studio.

We cover what’s working (and what’s not), how we’re adapting for summer, launching a new mentorship program, and why we’re leaning into platforms like YouTube and podcasts instead of chasing social media trends.

If you're a yoga teacher or thinking about running your own online yoga business, this is an honest look at what it really takes.

Learn more about our online yoga teacher trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-teacher-training-options/

Read Ula’s Substack for essays on creativity, slow living + behind-the-scenes reflections: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Got a question for a future check-in? Drop it in the comments!

What does it really take to grow an online yoga platform—from a single workshop to a global membership community?

In this episode, Brea Johnson shares the behind-the-scenes story of Heart + Bones Yoga: how she launched her first course before it even existed, transitioned from in-person teaching to online, and built a sustainable platform without burning out. We talk about real mistakes, valuable lessons, and how the yoga industry has changed.

If you’re thinking about teaching yoga online or growing your presence as a teacher, this episode offers practical takeaways and honest insights from someone who’s lived it for over a decade.

Yoga Teacher Training with Brea and Heart and Bones Yoga:

https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-teacher-training-options/

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea:

https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/inspired-yoga-teacher-mentorship/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here

Not sure you have a yoga brand? You do.

Even if you’re just starting out—or have never thought about branding—your students are already experiencing your brand every time you teach. It’s not your logo or colours. It’s how people feel in your classes, the tone of your cues, the clarity of your voice, and how you show up.

In this episode, Brea and Ula explore what brand really means for yoga teachers and studios. We talk about what makes a teaching style memorable, how to attract the right students, and what building a sustainable yoga business actually looks like beyond the Instagram tips.

💡 Plus: We share practical takeaways so you can start applying what you learn—not just listen and forget it.

What you’ll hear:

• What “brand” really means for yoga teachers
• How your values, voice, and class vibe build trust
• Brea’s lessons from growing Heart + Bones Yoga
• Why your teaching style is your marketing
• How to attract the right students without selling out
• Homework prompts to clarify your unique yoga brand

Want to build a sustainable and soul-aligned teaching practice?

Check out our Inspire Mentorship and our 200hr / 300hr Yoga Teacher Trainings:

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea

Yoga Teacher Training with Brea and Heart and Bones Yoga

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code:

PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Feeling like a fraud at the front of your yoga class? You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can happen to yoga teachers also!

In this episode, we unpack imposter syndrome for yoga teachers—where it comes from, how it shows up in class, and what to do when the inner critic gets loud. Brea and Ula have an open conversation about self doubt as yoga teachers.

We explore how to stay confident and authentic as a teacher, why “being professional” might be hurting your connection with students, and how to find your voice without faking it.

In this episode:

• Imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a yoga teacher
• The pressure to be perfect or “professional”
• Why yoga teaching can feel feel isolating
• Real talk on authenticity vs oversharing
• Tools to soften self-judgment and reconnect with your teaching style

Want support becoming the kind of teacher you want to be?

Check out our Inspire Mentorship and our 200hr / 300hr Yoga Teacher Trainings:

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea:

https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/inspired-yoga-teacher-mentorship/?utm_campaign=button_list_YogaTeacherMentorship&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio

Yoga Teacher Training with Brea and Heart and Bones Yoga:

https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-teacher-training-options/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

What happens when you are the teacher… but still feel like an outsider in your own practice?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ula and Brea get even more real. From being injured students in rigid classes, to struggling with the pressure to look a certain way on Instagram, this is a no-filter conversation on the systems, expectations, and social media traps that shape modern yoga.

We talk about:

• Why being a flexible, able-bodied white woman shouldn’t be a yoga marketing strategy
• The myth of the “perfect teacher” and the yoga voice we all faked at some point
• How social media algorithms can undermine empathy and authenticity
• Why building inclusive, values-led yoga spaces matters now more than ever
• The burnout of the weekly class grind—and how to build a sustainable teaching path

🎧 If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “yogi” enough, or that something in modern yoga just feels… off—you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong to question it.

💡 Want to build a teaching life that’s aligned with your values—not the algorithm?

Learn more about our Inspire Mentorship and our 200hr / 300hr Teacher Training:

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea

Heart + Bones Yoga Teacher Training (200hr / 300hr)

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code:

PODCASTMONTH

Start Here

If you’ve ever taught a class and thought, “What am I even doing?” — you’re not alone.

In our first episode together, Ula and Brea share their real, raw, and often hilarious stories from their early days of teaching yoga. From bringing a notebook to class to being completely unprepared for students with injuries, we’ve been there.

This is the behind-the-scenes mentorship talk we wish we had when we started.

We also explore how yoga in the West often misses the deeper teachings—and what it really means to create an inclusive class, one that supports all bodies, not just the flexible few.

👉 If you’re a new teacher, a seasoned one rethinking your approach, or just yoga-curious, you’ll feel seen in this one.

💡 Want support becoming the kind of teacher you want to be?

Check out our Inspire Mentorship and our 200hr / 300hr Yoga Teacher Trainings:

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea

Yoga Teacher Training with Brea and Heart and Bones Yoga

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code:

PODCASTMONTH

Start Here

In your teacher training you learn so many different aspects of yoga but rarely do we talk about the things that actually make a good yoga teacher. This informative lesson will share the five most important aspects of being an effective and confident yoga teacher. You won't learn this in (most) teacher trainings and quite often will learn it the hard way so I'm here to give you a shortcut and help you be the best teacher you can be!

Looking for weekly inspiration and deeper yoga + movement knowledge? Whether you are a yoga teacher or student, Brea’s email is written to help you learn, grow, and connect with community: https://heartandbonesyoga.outgrow.us/General_list_Sign-Up

STUDY WITH HEART + BONES 🎓 200/300 Hour Online Teacher Training: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

10 Hour Online Applied Anatomy for Yoga: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/essential-course-curious-people/

Want to watch the video? Find Brea on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PCuziHlrXAU?si=e_n_wDzsyasP3JDV

In this episode of the Yoga Teacher Hotline, Brea answers three submitted questions from yoga instructors:

1. Handling Students Who Deviate in Class: What should you do when a student consistently does their own thing during your class?
2. Responding to Medical and Health Inquiries: How can you address situations when students seek medical or health advice beyond your training?
3. Using Anatomical Language Confidently: How can you incorporate anatomical terms in your teaching without feeling unsure or distancing your students?

☎️ Submit your questions for Brea here : https://heartandbonesyoga.outgrow.us/yogateacherhotline

STUDY WITH HEART + BONES 🎓 200/300 Hour Online Teacher Training: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

📕 10 Hour Online Applied Anatomy for Yoga: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/essential-course-curious-people/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Want to try out the online yoga studio? Get 1-month for $1 by using this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Say hi on social and follow for more tips and tutorials: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga/ https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandbonesyoga

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandbonesyoga

What if strength training could revolutionize not just your fitness, but your entire approach to health and well-being? In this episode of the Heart and Bones podcast, Brea Johnson sits down with Sarah Court, a physical therapist, and Laurel Beversdorf, a yoga teacher and personal trainer, to explore the transformative power of building strength and lifting weights. 

What We Discuss:

• Strength training is essential for physical health and well-being.
• The power of being strong- challenge societal norms and stereotypes around strength training and embrace power and strength.
• Integrating strength training with other movement practices, such as yoga, can create a well-rounded fitness routine.
• Cultural conditioning often discourages women from lifting heavy weights, but it is important to prioritize physical health and well-being.
• Strength training can increase bone density and muscle mass, leading to improved overall health and fitness. Find a coach or join a strength training program that focuses on progressive overload
• Strength training is subjective, and what is heavy for one person may be different for another
• Focus on your own progress and don't compare yourself to others
• Strength training can increase confidence, improve body function, and empower you
• Strength training can be fun, joyful, and inclusive, and it doesn't have to conform to traditional stereotypes

CONNECT WITH SARAH AND LAUREL

Website: https://movementlogictutorials.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movementlogictutorials/

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

About Laurel Beversdorf

Laurel Beversdorf, YACEP, E-RYT 500, is an international yoga educator and kettlebell specialist with an advanced certification from Living.Fit. Laurel is the creator of Yoga with Resistance Bands classes and trainings, Resistance Bands 101 with Yoga Journal, and Body of Knowledge anatomy and biomechanics workshops. She co-creates movement therapy tutorials with physical therapists and Pilates teachers for Movement Logic®.

Laurel also hosts weekly kettlebell and yoga classes in her virtual studio and has presented live yoga trainings and workshops at locations like Kripalu, YogaWorks, and studios all over the world. Her classes are multidisciplinary and blend strength training, rehabilitation practices, self-massage, and yoga. Laurel has written for Yoga Journal, Shut Up & Yoga, and the Tune Up Fitness blog. A Wisconsin native, she lives in NYC with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

About Dr. Sarah Court

Dr. Sarah Court is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and provides in person and online sessions that blend her decades of yoga, Pilates, and physical therapy experience. She's a co-founder of Movement Logic®, a series of continuing education tutorials that help movement teachers understand how to work with challenging clients while staying within their scope of practice. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and after her experience with surgery and chemotherapy, she created a FREE online video exercise series for people going through, or recovering from cancer treatment, that progresses from simple yoga to lifting weights. Sarah lives in Los Angeles, and you can find her at sarahcourtdpt.com or on Instagram at @sarahcourtdpt.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation

03:16 Introduction to Movement Logic

05:00 Sarah's Background and Approach

08:13 Empowering Women through Strength Training

16:37 The Limitations of Yoga Asana

20:59 The Importance of Strength Training for Women's Health

23:23 Addressing Bone Density and Muscle Loss

25:18 Reclaiming Power and Breaking Free from Conditioning

34:02 Increasing Tolerance and Resisting Binary Thinking

38:12 How to Incorporate Strength Training into Your Routine

41:05 The Importance of Coaching and Outside Help

45:32 Understanding Progressive Overload

49:21 The Pitfalls of Variety and the Need for Consistency

53:04 Redefining 'Heavy' and the Subjectivity of Strength

58:01 Strength Training as a Fun and Empowering Experience

01:03:09 Favourite Lifts: Calf Raises and Overhead Press

01:06:06 The Power of Positive Self-Talk and Inner Cheerleading

01:09:51 Inspiring Others and Celebrating Strength

What if strength training could transform not just your body, but your entire approach to life? Dr. Marcia, a physical therapist and powerlifting strong woman, shares her empowering journey on the Heart and Bones podcast. She challenges conventional views on fitness, revealing how strength training benefits everyone, including those with chronic illness and disabilities.

Dr. Marcia redefines strength training beyond traditional weightlifting, emphasizing that it can take many forms—from resistance bands to bodyweight exercises. "Strength training can mean anything... It's about what challenges you and helps you grow," she says. She also addresses common fears, like the myth of getting bulky, and highlights the functional benefits that enhance everyday life.

Marcia and Brea Johnson discuss the critical role of self-awareness and intuition in navigating fitness and healthcare. They encourage listeners to question societal narratives and prioritize their well-being. "Anyone you see for your health is being invited to share your journey. You have the right to ask questions and make decisions that feel right for you," Dr. Marcia emphasizes.

This conversation is a call to embrace your unique fitness journey, break free from limiting beliefs, and find strength in your own way.

About Dr. Marcia Darbouze

Dr. Marcia (she/they) is a doctor of physical therapy, Black spoonie, and powerlifting strongwoman. She is the owner of @MovewithMarcia which provides both free and affordable resources to help people move better through mobility exercises and yoga. Marcia also co-hosts the @DisabledGirlsWhoLift podcast. Find their links and more at DoctorMarcia.com.

PRACTICE WITH DR. MARCIA AT HEART + BONES

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Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Dr. Marcia's Background and Experience

05:08 Dr. Marcia's Personal Experience with Strength Training

09:00 Managing Strength Training with Chronic Illness and Disability 13:30 Understanding Spoon Theory

18:22 The Importance of Strength Training in Physical Therapy

26:57 Resistance to Strength Training and Cultural Narratives

29:54 Setting the Vibe: The Importance of Strength Training and Movement

31:45 Challenging Societal Narratives and Limitations in Fitness

32:24 Recognizing the Physical Demands of Everyday Life

35:11 Navigating the Influence of Capitalism and Social Systems

36:05 Embracing Individualized Approaches to Fitness

37:30 Prioritizing Well-being and Autonomy in Movement and Fitness

What if yoga could build strength in ways you never imagined? Jules Mitchell, an expert in yoga biomechanics, explains that yoga involves both strength and flexibility, emphasizing the importance of the nervous system's role in strength development. Strength is not just about muscle size but also about coordination and motor unit recruitment. Yoga enhances body awareness and coordination, complementing traditional strength training. Flexibility and mobility are distinct, with mobility being more functional for specific tasks. Integrating yoga with strength training leads to a balanced and holistic approach to fitness and well-being. Yoga practitioners should embrace its diverse benefits, while yoga teachers should educate students holistically and foster inclusivity.

About Jules Mitchell

Jules Mitchell leads advanced continuing education programs in biomechanics for intellectually fearless yoga teachers. She helps them integrate principles of exercise science and applications of pain science into their classes. Jules is the author of Yoga Biomechanics: Stretching Redefined, a unique, evidence-based exploration into the complexities of tissue mechanics and the human body’s resilience and adaptability. She leads workshops and courses online and worldwide, runs a popular 300 hour yoga teacher training, frequently serves as guest faculty, and hosts a comprehensive mentoring program to support teachers in both education and business. Her passion is bringing the most useful and applicable research-based concepts into the yoga community, even when it invokes a discerning analysis of popular opinions. Jules lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her cat Pitbull.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesyoga/

Website: https://www.julesmitchell.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context

02:28 Defining Strength and its Adaptations

11:07 Strength in Yoga: Challenging Binary Thinking

13:49 Inclusivity and Individual Needs in Strength Development

23:59 Taking a Holistic Approach to Strength in Yoga

24:54 The Nuanced Approach to Strength in Yoga

25:39 Navigating the Influence of Marketing and Capitalism

29:52 Embracing Curiosity, Uncertainty, and Self-Awareness

40:34 Selling Yoga Classes with Authenticity and Education

47:12 Moving Away from Rigid Guidelines in Strength

Strength goes beyond the physical in yoga, encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. In this episode, Brea Johnson chats with Tejal Patel, a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer, about redefining strength through yoga. Tejal shares her insights on how yoga's deeper teachings can help us cultivate inner strength, resilience, and holistic well-being.

Tejal explains that true strength in yoga is not just about physical prowess but about handling life’s challenges with grace and compassion. They discuss the cultural influences on modern yoga practices in the West and the importance of reclaiming yoga's authentic roots. Tejal highlights the need for inclusivity and the value of trauma-informed and decolonized yoga practices.

The conversation is filled with powerful reflections on how to integrate yoga philosophy into daily life and the significance of inner experience over external appearance. Tejal offers practical tips for those looking to deepen their yoga practice, emphasizing the importance of restorative yoga and studying foundational texts like the Yoga Sutras.

About Tejal Patel

Tejal Patel (She/They) is a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer. She advocates for holistic yoga through a social justice lens, aiming to educate and activate students for collective action. Tejal is the founder of Tejal Yoga Studio, a South Asian teacher-led community focused on social justice and authentic spiritual practices. She's also a co-host of the Yoga is Dead podcast, known for sparking critical conversations about wellness, power, and privilege. Tejal’s insightful teachings and compassionate approach make her a favourite in our online studio.

Website: www.tejalyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejalyoga

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Follow Brea on Instagram for tips and inspiration.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Meaning of Strength in Yoga

10:27 The Influence of Cultural Conditioning on Strength

14:08 Preserving the Original Teachings of Yoga

15:50 Unacknowledged Origins: Bro Science and Assimilation in Yoga

22:54 The Bias Towards White Men in Yoga Authority

26:09 Coexistence, Collaboration, and Appreciation in the Yoga Community

28:40 Decolonizing Yoga: Finding Holistic Approaches

34:44 Exploring Different Notions of Strength in Yoga

40:12 No Effort is Wasted: The Spiritual Path of Yoga

Strength is essential for handling life's challenges, especially as we age. In this episode, Brea Johnson chats with Amanda Ford, a strength and conditioning coach known as Movement Muse, about the importance of building strength and functionality. Amanda shares her journey from discovering her love for movement as a child to becoming a strength coach who focuses on helping those over 40. She highlights the necessity of self-directed movement practices and debunks common misconceptions about strength training.

Amanda explains that strength training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and mobility, allowing us to confidently face life's adventures. She emphasizes starting with simple, accessible moves like squats and hinges for the lower body and pushing and pulling exercises for the upper body. Amanda's approach is about meeting yourself where you are and progressing at your own pace.

The conversation is filled with inspiring stories of clients who have regained their strength and improved their quality of life, demonstrating that it's never too late to start strength training. Whether you're lifting a 10-pound dumbbell or just beginning with bodyweight exercises, any effort to improve strength is significantly better than none. Join Amanda and Brea as they explore how strength training can enhance your life at any age.

About Amanda Ford

Amanda Ford (She/Her) is a strength coach, movement and yoga teacher based in Seattle. She's also a poet, artist and all-around amazing human being. Not to mention the best style when it comes to workout clothes. Amanda is a favourite teacher here in the online studio with her smart approach to functional strength training.

Website: https://movementmuse.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movement.muse/?hl=en

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Strength Training and Amanda Ford

08:07 Amanda's Personal Journey with Movement

19:27 Starting Small: Incorporating Strength Training into Your Routine 21:10 Addressing Misconceptions about Strength Training

25:13 Tailoring Strength Training to Individual Needs

27:03 Focus on Movement Patterns

27:52 Training Upper and Lower Body

29:26 The Body's Ability to Adapt

35:54 Any Effort is Significant

41:25 More is Not Better

45:31 Strength Training as a Non-Negotiable