Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers
The podcast for yoga teachers centered around important conversations for yoga teachers to discuss, reflect, and implement. From class planning to business strategy, these conversations help yoga teachers build the business that will help keep them teaching long-term and with a sustainable income.
Ep 94: Confidence Is the Key to Teaching Injured Students
As yoga teachers, we often feel pressure to be endlessly creative in our sequencing, transitions, and class themes. But when a student walks into class with an injury or persistent pain, creativity isn’t what they need most. They need you to be confident about how you're going to teach them!
In this episode, I break down why confidence (not flashy sequencing or the “perfect” peak pose) is an important foundation for teaching students safely and effectively when they show up injured.
Whether you’re a new yoga teacher still finding your footing or an experienc...
Ep 93: Anatomy Made Simple: Teach with Confidence
Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of learning anatomy as a yoga teacher? You’re not alone. I'm sure you know the importance of understanding anatomy, but at the same time, it feels complicated, time-consuming, and intimidating.
In this episode, I'll dissect the reasons why learning anatomy often feels overwhelming and how it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ll walk you through the most common 'thought barriers' yoga teachers have around anatomy, from lack of time to fear of complexity, and I’ll offer you simple, practical ways to approach learning it without a...
Ep 92: Repetitive Stress Injuries in Yoga: What You Should Know
Not all yoga injuries happen in a single moment. Many develop slowly, over time, from repeated movements or sustained positions. These are known as repetitive stress injuries, and they are some of the most common injuries students have because of their yoga practice.
In this episode, you'll hear why repetitive stress injuries are not always known to you or the student. I'll also remind you why adding variety to your sequencing matters, and how you can adapt your classes to support students without stepping outside your scope of practice.
F...
Ep 91: How Foot Injuries Affect A Student's Yoga Experience
The feet are our foundation, yet they can be overlooked when it comes to teaching and sequencing. In this episode, I'll discuss a few foot injuries and conditions, like plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, ankle instability, and stress fractures. And explain how a student with these conditions experiences physical yoga in your classes. Not just the physical challenges, but also the impact on their proprioception, nervous system regulation, and how compensations can ripple throughout their entire body.
As yoga teachers, understanding the role of the feet gives us the tools to adapt our cues, support students in building...
Ep 90: Yoga Rules That Don’t Hold Up
When you finished your 200-hour yoga teacher training, chances are you walked away not just with a certificate but with a list of “rules” about how to teach. Rules about sequencing, alignment, hands-on assists, and even how you’re supposed to show up as a teacher. At the time, those rules might have given you confidence and structure. But the truth is, many of them simply aren't true, are opinion-based, or have been discredited.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the myths, outdated teaching rules, and misconceptions that still show up in yoga classes today...
Ep 89: Sequencing Struggles That Still Haunt Experienced Teachers
Sequencing is more than putting poses together; it’s actually a puzzle if you think about it. Inside that puzzle are nervous systems, mixed abilities, injuries, as well as the human need for meaning and understanding. If sequencing still feels like a challenge, it’s totally understandable that it would.
In this episode, we’ll consider the hidden mistakes even experienced teachers continue to make, and how to design classes that actually build capacity in the body… especially for students arriving with pain and injuries.
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know yo...
Ep 88: Feel Unprepared for Multiple Injuries in One Yoga Class?
Teaching yoga in a group setting can feel overwhelming when students show up with injuries or persistent pain. How do you balance the flow of the class while making sure every student feels safe, supported, and included? In this episode, we’ll chat about strategies you can use to build trust and create safety in your classes, no matter who walks through the door.
I'll remind you of the importance of setting the tone early in class and how your presence can create an atmosphere of reassurance and belonging.
This episode will help gi...
Ep 87: Teaching Beginner Yoga Classes - Pros, Cons, and More
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freebie: Yoga Sequencing for Different Injuries
Let's connect:
Want me to discuss a topic? Click <...
Ep 86: Teaching the Senses of Proprioception, Interoception, and the Vestibular System
In this episode, I'll discuss three internal systems that shape every student’s experience on the mat, but are often left out of the conversation in yoga teacher trainings. They are: proprioception, interoception, and the vestibular system.
I'll teach you:
What these systems are Why they’re essential for movement, balance, and body awarenessHow to incorporate them into your teaching, and Why students with injuries need this kind of teaching more than ever.This episode is perfect if you want to deepen your understanding of the nervous system, offer...
Ep 85: The Case for Teaching Students w Injuries
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freebie: Yoga Sequencing for Different Injuries
Let's connect:
Want me to discuss a topic? Click <...
Ep 84: Sciatica: What Yoga Teachers Should Understand
If you’ve ever had a student say, “I have sciatica,” and your go-to response was to offer hamstring stretches or deep hip openers, you’re not alone. Many teachers and students think they’re helpful. Today, let's unpack why that approach often doesn’t work & what you should be considering instead.
Strategy Call: Schedule HERE
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freeb...
Ep 83: Mobility: How You Define It Matters!
You’ve probably heard people say that yoga improves both flexibility and mobility. While that may be true, what most yoga teachers don’t realize is that mobility has more than one definition.
Each definition matters when you're teaching students with injuries, pain, or physical limitations.
In this episode, I’m going to break down those definitions & explain why understanding them (and using them for their intended purpose) can make a huge difference in how effective and safe your teaching is.
If you're working with students with injuries and especially if y...
Ep 82: Why Hip Openers Look Different & Understanding Skeletal Variations in the Hip Joint
In this episode we cover:
why hip openers look so different from student to studenttake a look over a few poses and what to look out forwhy no amount of stretching will make certain bodies look like what we see in yoga photos, and what you can do in your yoga classes to help your students understand their body’s makeup and how to adapt their practice.Get your journal & let's talk about it!
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
<...
Ep 81: Yoga Poses: Teaching Full Expression vs Functional Variations
We’re talking about the widely used phrase “full expression of the pose” what it means, how it’s used, and why it can unintentionally create harm or hierarchy in your classes.
If you’re using this phrase now, don't you worry, in this episode, I’ll walk you through why you’d want to shift your language and how to start!
Strategy Call: Schedule HERE
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the s...
Ep 80: Why Is The Psoas Muscle So Important?
In a recent conversation with a fellow yoga teacher, she asked me if I’d ever consider doing an episode on the psoas muscle. Of course, I said YES!
I truly love diving into topics like these! There are certain muscles that every yoga or movement teacher should understand on a deeper level, the psoas is definitely one of them. It’s widely referenced in classes, but just as often misunderstood. So today, we’re unpacking what it is, what it does, and why it matters so much in the way we teach.
Stra...
Ep 79: All Backbends Are Not The Same! Let's Explore Why...
Not all backbends are the same & that might sound obvious at first, but I can’t tell you how many classes I’ve been in, or even taught in my early years, where backbends were treated as one interchangeable category. Whether it was Cobra, Bow, Wheel, or Camel, I was taught to prepare the body in the same way, taught a sequence full of them, and assumed students would be able to do all of them safely.
Today, we’re going to talk about the differences, plus alternative ways to help your students prepare for specific backbe...
Ep 78: Upward Facing Dog: Not As Simple As It Looks!
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freebie: Yoga Sequencing for Different Injuries
Let's connect:
Want me to discuss a topic? Click <...
Ep 77: All Pelvises Are Not Created The Same, How This Affects The Yoga Practice
In this episode, we’re taking a deeper dive into the pelvis. Its anatomy, its purpose, and some deviations from “normal,” how those deviations affect the yoga practice, and what you can do about it in your classes.
Let’s get to it!
Mentioned in episode: Ep 75: Should Students w/ Scoliosis Practice Yoga
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freebie: Yoga Se...
Ep 76: Excessive Hip Flexion In Yoga & What To Do About it
Let’s discuss the issue of hip flexion in yoga.
What is it? Is there too much? And what can you do about it.Hip flexion is normal; You need to flex your hips to walk, sit down, and even curl up on the couch.
In this episode, I’ll share some ways you can create more intentional sequences with specific goals in mind. Plus, smart class language to help students understand the importance of their full range of hip movement so that they incorporate them in their daily movement.
Let’s get to it...
Ep 75: Should Students w/ Scoliosis Practice Yoga?
Ever wondered if students with scoliosis can practice yoga safely? Spoiler, the answer is Yes, but first we’ve gotta ditch the one-size-fits-all alignment cues and actually work with the curve, not against it.
In this episode, I’ll break down spinal anatomy, the risks, and the best practices to keep students with spinal deviations strong, mobile, and inspired in your classes.
Let’s get to it!
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Y...
Ep 74: SI Joint Dysfunction and Yoga
Many students practicing yoga encounter the frustrating and often debilitating experience of SI joint pain. I even experience it from time to time myself! Despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood, and well-intentioned advice can sometimes exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it.
A common solution in yoga classes for SI joint pain is to "engage your core" or "engage your glutes." While core and glute engagement are undeniably important for overall stability and movement, applying them as a blanket solution for SI joint issues often falls short and can even be counterproductive. This episode is specifically d...
Ep 73: Hip Openers and Labral Tears: Why Deep Stretches Aren’t for Everyone
Some students need to be extremely cautious when it comes to poses like Pigeon, Fire Log, and even Butterfly. Excessive hip movement that's required in these poses can lead to labral tears, hip impingement, and even chronic pain.
These poses primarily target the hip joints, which are in a position of flexion, external rotation, and abduction. And Pigen pose is the #1 culprit... and I'll explain why.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss hip openers and one common injury associated with them. Ever heard of a labral tear?
Referenced in...
Ep 72: When to Refer Out: Recognizing the Limits of Your Scope
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
Support the show
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freebie: Yoga Sequencing for Different Injuries
Let's connect:
Want me to discuss a topic? Click <...
Ep 71: Injury Prevention in Yoga: What We Can (and Can’t) Control
Injury prevention in yoga is often oversimplified into absolutes. It's either "yoga heals everything" or "if you get hurt, you did it wrong." But the truth is far more nuanced. While we can and must take steps to minimize risks, true injury prevention has inherent limitations because movement is never fully predictable.
Students come to class with unique bodies, histories, and habits that influence their practice in ways no teacher can entirely foresee.
In this episode, we'll cover:
The controllable factors (how you can reduce risk)The uncontrollable variables (why injuries still ha...Ep 70: How Alignment Cues Affect Your Nervous System
In the last two episodes, we've discussed keeping students safe in our classes by being more mindful of the alignment cues we use. However, what is correct alignment, and is it safe for all students?” Those questions were the inspiration for these episodes on how we teach alignment & what we teach students to believe about their personal alignment.
How has your teaching on alignment evolved since your initial Yoga Teacher Training?
Mine has evolved significantly!
In this episode, we'll focus on two more perspectives: strength vs flexibility and the effects alignment has on...
Ep 69: Why Alignment Cues Don’t work For Everyone - Part 2
We discussed safety in the last episode because I believe we all come from that standpoint. Thinking safety begs the question, “Is our understanding of 'correct alignment' safe for all students?” That took me down a deep rabbit hole and was an inspiration for these episodes on what we teach students about alignment.
Ask yourself if, since your initial Yoga Teacher Training, have your beliefs around alignment in yoga evolved significantly?
In this episode, we’ll explore more around changing our ideas & our teaching about alignment by focusing on skeletal variations & students’ personal preferences.
...
Ep 68: The Problem w/ Rigid Alignment Cues - Part 1
Traditionally, alignment was taught as a set of fixed, universal principles—certain cues, angles, and posture requirements that were considered "correct" for all bodies. However, modern discussions, influenced by movement science, biomechanics, and inclusivity, now emphasize functional movement, individual variation, and nervous system safety over rigid alignment rules.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, today we’re exploring how alignment can be personalized, empowering, and adaptable rather than rigid or fear-based.
In this episode, I’m going to focus on two perspectives that we once had but are moving away from, thank goodness!
They...
Ep 67: How to Teach Anatomy? - Teacher Questions Answered
Understanding anatomy is super important as a movement teacher. You may have noticed that I weave this sentiment in many of my episodes. I've received a few questions from teachers who listen to the podcast about their challenges with teaching anatomy in their classes, and I thought I’d answer their questions in this episode because I wonder if you have these same questions as well!
I'm excited for you to listen because the answers will surely be helpful for you too!
Mentioned in this episode:
Ep 66: Staying Within Your Scope of Practice...
Ep 66: Staying Within Your Scope of Practice While Teaching Injured Students
One of the biggest concerns you might have as a yoga teacher is whether or not you’re stepping outside of your scope of practice. We are not doctors & we cannot diagnose an injury, however, we can AND SHOULD learn about them because we are teaching movement to people who probably are currently injured, have a past injury, or might injure themselves in the future.
If you’ve ever been afraid of stepping outside of your scope of practice, this is the episode for you! I’m gonna help you realize that you CAN work with injured...
Ep 65: Learning Anatomy Feels Overwhelming, Start Here!
I wholeheartedly believe every yoga teacher must have a working knowledge of anatomy, it is the responsible thing to do because you're teaching movement and working with bodies. Your students trust you, therefore you should be well-educated.
It doesn’t matter if you teach vinyasa, or yin; meditation or pranayama… understanding why a student might be uncomfortable in a seated cross leg position is important.
Why does that hurt? What life experiences may have led to this pain? Is there anything you can do about it?Get your journal for this one because you’ll w...
Ep 64: Sequencing for Students with Rotator Cuff Injuries
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile—and vulnerable—joints in your body, and the rotator cuff muscles play a crucial role in its stability. When a student is dealing with a rotator cuff injury, it can be challenging to know how to sequence a class that supports their healing while still offering a meaningful practice.
If you desire to understand and effectively address rotator cuff injuries, then a solid understanding of shoulder anatomy is essential.
The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles—the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—which work in concer...
Ep 63: Yoga Retreats: A Beginner’s Guide for Teachers
I’m a couple of weeks back from hosting another yoga international yoga retreat. While I was away, I had a few yoga teachers ask me about how to start hosting retreats. I’ve also coached teachers on planning and organizing their own retreats, as they were interested in diversifying their offerings to include retreats.
So today we’re diving into a topic that’s both exciting and might feel a little intimidating: planning your first yoga retreat.
Hosting a retreat is an incredible way to deepen your teaching, connect with students, and create a...
Ep 62: How to Teach A Student with An Injury
You want to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone who walks into your classes. But when a student is dealing with an injury, it can feel overwhelming to know how to support them. Do you resort to telling them, “Do what feels right for you”? This is a valid suggestion to offer, but have you ever yearned to actually help them or address their needs in your class?
Questions like:
How do I assess their needs? What questions should I ask? andHow do I know when to refer them to a healthcare professional?In...
Ep 61: Guided Meditation - What is Guided Imagery?
In this guided meditation, I want to take you on a journey… a different journey than the guided meditation in Episode 56, in which I guided you through an awareness of your body and breath.
In this meditation, I’m going to take you on a visual experience and also help you to calm and regulate your nervous system. Guided meditation, also called Yoga Nidra, and is a powerful tool for rest and rejuvenation. It allows you to connect with your body, calm your mind, and support the natural healing processes of your nervous system.
I am ex...
Ep 60: The Complexities of Half Pigeon Pose
You either love Half Pigeon pose or you hate it!! Which is it for you or your students? It can be a powerful hip opener, but it’s also a pose that begs respect for the body’s limits. Understanding the pose on a deeper level (more than anatomy and general alignment) and adding in the biomechanics of the pose, helps us practice and teach it in a way that honors our students’ unique bodies and needs.
As teachers, we must understand the complexity of Half Pigeon pose, because we are placing stress while we position the joints...
Ep 59: How to Teach Chair Yoga - Creating Accessible Classes for All Ages
Have you ever considered teaching chair yoga? It’s a versatile and accessible style of yoga that opens the doors of the yoga practice to students of all ages, abilities, and levels of mobility. If you’re thinking of offering chair yoga classes, remember it’s not only an opportunity to diversify your offerings but also a chance to serve a wider community of students who may feel excluded from traditional mat-based yoga practices, and opens up a whole new demographic of students for you!
In this episode, I’ll share the benefits of teaching chair yog...
Ep 58: Meditation Sounds Easy, Is It?
Meditation is a practice of focusing the mind to regulate your nervous system by reaching for a state of mental clarity, emotional calm, and overall awareness.
However, the thought of starting a meditation practice can feel out of reach. Whether you think “I can’t possibly sit still for 15 or more minutes” or “It’s impossible to quiet my mind” you too CAN meditate, and you can encourage your students to try it as well… so let’s talk about it.
Get your journal for this one because I’ve got lots of ideas for you!
YouTu...
Ep 57: Winter Season - Class Themes Inspired by Ayurveda
Is it winter where you live right now? While the cycle of the seasons is more apparent in certain parts of the world, winter brings its own unique challenges: shorter days, colder temperatures, and a natural tendency for your body & mind to slow down.
In Ayurveda, winter is a season dominated by Vata (cold, dry, and light) and Kapha (heavy, slow, and damp). As yoga teachers, now is the time for you to create classes that honor this seasonal energy while addressing common winter i...
Ep 56: Guided Meditation - Breath & Body Awareness
Welcome to meditation! Today is the perfect day to explore how your breath can help calm and regulate your nervous system. Guided meditation, also called Yoga Nidra, is a powerful tool for rest and renewal. It allows you to connect with your body, calm your mind, and support the natural healing & regulating processes of your nervous system.
In this episode, I invite you to get cozy and listen along while I guide you through a short meditation practice. You'll finish feeling calm, relaxed, and renewed.
Ep 38: Managing Pain & Injuries via Nervous System Regulation Pt. 1
Ep 55: Teaching Classes to Beginner Students
Teaching beginner classes sounds easy, but when you have a room full of students who have never practiced yoga or have preconceived notions of what yoga should be or what it looks like because of the images they've been fed. Well, teaching becomes a little bit more challenging.
So let's get into some different ways to welcome students, calm their nerves, and teach beginner-friendly classes.
In this episode, I'll help you with some tips for teaching students who may feel like they're not flexible enough, not good enough, or that yoga isn't for the...
