Despite what many wellness gurus, podcast experts and editors will have us believe, sitting is not the new smoking. It is worth bearing in mind that most people who advocate these strong absolutes and black and white opinions usually have something to sell… It is a huge over simplification to say that sitting is the…
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that arranges human needs in a pyramid. It suggests that people strive to meet five levels of needs: physiological (food, water), safety (shelter, security), love and belonging (relationships), esteem (self-worth), and self-actualization (fulfillment of potential). As each lower need is satisfied, individuals pursue higher ones. This model…
So what is an injury? Injury often happens when there’s too much force applied to a body part, like a bone or muscle, which exceeds its strength or capacity. This force can come from accidents, falls, or occasionally repetitive actions. When the force is strong enough, it can lead to damage, like broken bones or…
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition causing heel or sole pain. It’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, ‘itis’ means inflame. Common among runners and those who stand for prolonged periods, it can lead to stabbing pain in the heel, usually…
Sit up straight! Did you know there is no evidence to support the idea that slouching is bad for you? So if you find yourself slumped watching the television, in awkward shapes whilst reading or hunched over a desk, fear not. Stillness, being sedentary & slouching is a normal part of being human, whether it…
If you have ever tweaked your back or know someone who struggles, it’s really common that we stiffen up in an act of protection and try not to move much. Even in exercise, we are often told to only move from our hip, hinge or isolate, certain areas (spoiler alert: nothing can truly be ‘isolated’)…
The practice isn’t the problem. In fact, the practice is the solution (not asana, the ‘other’ bit) We may actually be the problem… who recognises this arc either as your own journey or someone who know? We start going to yoga classes. We go a LOT. Going to yoga defines us and we…
Hear me out. Has consent clouded our reasons for adjustments in yoga? Yes, personal choice, agency and respect are important, as are the deeper elements of trauma and triggering and the freeze/fawn responses – but what about the really really simple and most obvious reason? Is there merit to weight loading a body that neither…
So what is solid, what do we know for sure when working with people in pain? Pain changes how we move. Changing the brain changes pain. Pain changes affect how we feel. I teach yoga teachers & personal trainers how to coach for this. We can start with a few pointers: A lot of…
Your yoga practice is a personal journey inwards, an interiorization. One concept connected to that is the inward turning of the mind and senses, pratyahara. It is often misunderstood as pushing away experiences and shutting the world out, forcing yourself into avoidance and isolation, believing this is true withdrawal. These are the teachings of Kaya…