Stop Micromanaging Your Yoga Students!

Yoga Meets Movement Science

Yoga Meets Movement Science
Stop Micromanaging Your Yoga Students!
May 31, 2022 Episode 17
Jenni Rawlings & Travis Pollen, PhD

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of micromanaging in yoga and movement classes.

Points of discussion include:

  • What does “micromanaging” mean in a yoga or movement context?
  • Do we see micromanaging tendencies in other movement fields, such as personal training, physical therapy, or somatics-based practices?
  • What are some examples of micromanaging that we see in yoga classes?
  • Why is it common for yoga instructors to use a micromanaging approach in their teaching?
  • How can micromanaging in yoga be unhelpful?
  • In what contexts can teaching in a detailed manner (which is not necessarily the same thing as micromanaging) actually be helpful?
  • Are these common alignment cues in yoga examples of micromanaging? “Externally rotate your shoulders in down dog”, “pull your navel to your spine”, and “find a neutral pelvis”?
  • …And much more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!


Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

YouTube video: 3 Tips for Shoulder Pain in Down Dog

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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