the home of The Podcast (coming very soon), Relax With Rose (free audio relaxations) & The Blog in that order
If yoga was dramatically anti ageing, something undeniably measurable and with guaranteed results for all, well, I’d be typing this from my retirement compound full of dogs with an ageing portrait of myself in the attic. However, there IS evidence that yoga in both its physical and philosophical forms does have some pretty positive impact…
Comfy & Curious These two concepts can be great cornerstones to a yoga practice whether you are a student or a teacher. Could they even be an extreme simplification of all you need to remember in class? So, what do they mean and how can we use them? It’s easy to look at the words…
Kirtan Kriya is a traditional meditation practice from Kundalini Yoga. It involves using the mantra (‘muntra’) “Sa Ta Na Ma” while touching the thumb to each fingertip in a sequence, but don’t lose interest just yet, you may be surprised at a modern application. There are lots of different types of meditation and landing on…
Understanding the Gunas in Yoga Philosophy, to me, is exactly like the fable of Goldilocks. I am no academic so the way I make sense and apply philosophy may seem silly or disrespectful to some but I strongly believe in finding an access point that everyone can understand immediately from the get go rather…
4 ideas for freshening up a set yoga sequence without changing a thing. 1️⃣Try adding the concept of ‘up and down’. In every shape invite the option to explore reaching up an inch, reaching down an inch and feel into what they prefer, the qualities that both have and give to the shape and being…
Yoga Like A Fine Wine? We all definitely end up settling into a style of yoga or a teacher that suits our tastes. Something tried and tested , does what it says on the label and dosn’t make us feel funny or leave us with a nasty taste. Like a good wine, yoga needs a…
Let’s lower some barriers to meditation. Play around with what feels good, and manageable for you individually. And understand there is no rule book, no blueprint, and no way to get it right or wrong. You can meditate in the morning, or in the evening, or both – there are no rules. You can sit,…
Let’s talk about tissue healing, recovery from injury, and what that means to everyone, including movement enthusiasts. Tissue healing simply means the bodies regeneration and repair by replacing destroyed or damaged tissue with new living tissue. So what are these tissues of the body? They include fascia, tendons, muscles, ligaments and bones and we cannot…
I am an avid reader and love listening to Radio 4s Poetry Please because I wish I understood it more. So when I heard poetry read out loud reduces anxiety and depression it sounded like the wellness territory I wanted to do a dive in to find out more. It’s the reading aloud part that…
We often hear phrases like, ‘going to the gym is my therapy’ or ‘running is my meditation’, even, ‘training sorts my head out’. It’s always great when we can make those mind body connections outside the confines of the yoga studio or the latest bio hacking app- but is it meditation? Well, no but that’s…
A large percentage of my private clients often find me originally with some sort of pain and injury after running the gamut of contradictory advice , money draining services and no change or improvement despite doing everything their physios say. That said, I work collaboratively with some fabulous physios and have even trained a couple…
One of the key things I ask a prospective new private yoga client about is their current activity and as soon as someone says they are a keen gardener it speaks volumes. Digging, lifting, raking, crouching, squatting, reaching overhead, leaning over, gardening has ninja warrior written all over it in my book. In fact an…
When you’re dealing with an injury, it can feel frustrating and slow. However, two key biological principles can shed some light on how your body actually responds and adapts over time: Wolff’s Law (1892) and Davis’ Law (1867) These laws explain how both bones and soft tissues like muscles and tendons change based on the…
Nothing makes me more unkindly to people than the pious ‘be kind’ movement. I hate being told how to behave and the popular hashtag #bekind is very often guilty of bypassing peoples own poor behaviour, smokescreens around transparency and guilt trips. But today we are reclaiming ‘be kind’ in the name of wellness! We often…
Weirdly I have taught and trained yoga to three Nordic walking coaches so far and it really seems to be growing in popularity. One coach I worked with was training in yoga to offer it additionally on her popular Nordic walking holidays and retreats. Like any sport or activity there is some technique to consider…
A study in 2021 found four main psychological factors that increase injury risk in running – and they are quite shockingly absolutely nothing to do with your shoes, gait or terrain or anything you may guess straightaway. The research showed them to be: Identity – meaning identifying as a serious athlete can lead to risk…
Finding Inner Peace: The True Meaning of Santosha In a world filled with constant change and external pressures, finding inner peace can seem like a daunting task. Yet, there is a concept in yoga philosophy that offers a pathway to lasting contentment, no matter what life throws our way. This concept is known as Santosha.…
Is International Yoga Day Problematic? Each year on June 21st, people worldwide celebrate International Yoga Day. Social media lights up with photos of yoga poses and inspirational quotes, and large groups gather to meditate in public spaces. However, this celebration can have a troubling side that many might not be aware of. The idea for…
Chakras: Beyond the Myths and Misconceptions Chakra, pronounced “chu-kra,” not “sha-kra” commonly translates to “circular wheel-like disc.” However, the common terms we often hear, like chakra blockages, balancing, opening, or healing, can be misleading. Traditional Yoga texts suggest that chakras don’t need opening because they aren’t closed, nor do they need healing because they aren’t…
Have you ever felt a sense of peace when you’re near water or found yourself mesmerized by its gentle movement? Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols explains in his book “Blue Mind” that being near water helps our brains enter a semi-meditative state called drifting. This special form of attention means we’re engaged with the world…
The five kleshas (‘clay-shas’) in the Yoga sutras as known as afflictions, often translated as poisons and seen as the root of our discontent. We could simply think of them as obstacles in our minds that make us unhappy. They are: 1.Ignorance/delusion avidya 2.Ego asmita 3.Attachment raga 4.Aversion dvesa 5.Fear of death/change abinivesah These can…
Choosing to use a prop in yoga isn’t always a practical decision but more often an emotional one. Each prop carries a unique energy and symbolism, resonating differently with individuals. Whether it’s the comforting embrace of a bolster or the grounding stability of a block, or your nervous system feeling supported nestled into a meditation…
Ever been bored in yoga? I have. Yoga is a mirror, it reflects us back to ourselves. It teaches us something about ourselves- What I can tolerate today and what I can’t. Whats comfortable and what am I forcing? What are my habits and tendencies, can I unshackle from them? What keeps cropping up in…
Unlocking the Secrets of Flexibility: Nature vs. Nurture Are we born flexible, or do we become flexible over time? It’s a question that’s intrigued fitness enthusiasts and scientists alike. Let’s delve into flexibility and uncover the truth. Contrary to popular belief, our exercise routines and physical activities play only a minor role in determining our…
The Bhagavad Gita in a Nutshell: A Timeless Guide To Finding Purpose and Peace Have you ever felt torn between duty and desire? Unsure of your path in life? If so, you’re not alone and this ancient text provides guidance to timeless problems we can all relate to, it is the key text of yoga…
Have you heard of the Tibetan Five Rites? I once had a private Dru yoga teacher who taught me them. They are considered to be an ancient practice with relevance for today’s busy world. Let’s look at what these rites are all about and how they might benefit us in our everyday lives. The Tibetan…
If you’re experiencing pain or know someone who is, this message is for you. “Move for Soothe.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that movement is key, especially when pain comes knocking or wants to overstay its welcome as a house guest. When discomfort strikes, our instinct is often to stop moving, to freeze. But…
Soothing Somatic Solutions: A Roadmap to Relaxation? Somatics has gone from being a tiny slice of the wellness cake to now being a considerable chunky wedge. The word “somatic” originates from the Greek word “sōma,” which means “body” and in general, “somatic” means “of the body.” In the context of somatic practices like somatic exercises…
The Marvels of Nasal Breathing: Boosting Brain Power and Health In our hustle and bustle, we often overlook the simple act of breathing through our nose. Yet, this unassuming practice holds potent benefits for both mind and body. Let’s delve into the wonders of nasal breathing: 1. **Brain Boosting Benefits:** – Did you know…
🤕 Okay, so you have just winced in pain again around THAT recurring issue. You have tried everything and nothing works, you are totally despondent so what now? 👌Here’s how I often start to work with my one to one clients with recurring pain and be warned, exercise and poses don’t feature so exit now…
To be clear, sound has a completely different relationship to yoga and rest…but playlists, tracks and tunes… what’s the nitty gritty? There are so many great conversations out there and personally I love that challenge to my own comfort and narrative as a teacher and practitioner. Here’s my flip flops on music as a key…
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…
Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose, symbolises the ‘death’, end of the physical practice and the beginning of the deeper inward yoga practices. It is a foundational yoga posture that embodies the essence of non-sleep deep rest or NSDR. In this pose, practitioners lie down, allowing their bodies and minds to enter a guided tour…
7 reasons to avoid saying ‘the full expression of a pose’: 🌟There is no such thing if we all acknowledge the irrefutable fact that our skeletons alone are completely unique as well as the rest of individual anatomy. 🌟It breeds a culture of hierarchy, those who ‘can and those who ‘can’t’. 🌟Perfection dosn’t exist –…
The more physically dramatic the practice the more outward it takes you.The more subtle the practice the more it draws you inwards. This interiorisation is yoga. Choose any practice that clears the path inwards and repeat it. Again and again. The more we can practice this the easier it becomes to drop into tranquility within…
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. Kaya Mindlin poses a beautiful question…
Does bull**** really baffle brains? Well, yes, it can. We can all apply this to our workplace and people we encounter but in yoga and the fitness world there are a lot of self styled experts to avoid and a red flag is often dealing in absolutes not possibilities. For example ‘doing *this fixes xyz’…
Triangle pose I always teach with ‘lightness and lift’ cues rather than sink down, dump down and reach ideas, thinking about up rather than down but for as many different ways to approach the shape there are different ideas around its symbolism too. There is the tale of Parvati inspired by her reflection to adopt…
A red flag that your physio, pain coach, yoga teacher or movement professional is seeing dollar signs when they look at you is their conversation around the importance of posture assessment, corrections or analysis. Human beings are perfectly imperfect and imbalanced. From iris to ears, knees to noses and spines to squats we are…
Hear me out. Has consent clouded our reasons for adjustments in yoga? Of course personal choice, agency and respect are important, as are the deeper elements of trauma, triggering and the freeze/fawn response- but what about the really, really simple and most obvious reason? Is there merit to weight loading a body that neither you,…
Less can be more. Try: Less talking, more listening. Less jargon, more plain language. Less finding weaknesses, more finding strengths. Less pain reduction, more pain resilience. You may also enjoy: Is Your Pain Plan broken https://yogabyrose.co.uk/is-your-pain-plan-broken/
As things currently stand, there are no treatment protocols, exercise, programs, or yoga poses to prevent or treat paid efficiently and reliably. The current focus of physical and biomechanical, even medical, simply isn’t enough. So what do we do? Firstly, we need to recognise that exercise has multiple values, but we cannot claim in relation…
When recovering from an injury it is common to experience pain or discomfort after exercise. Infact it is somewhat expected and in the majority of cases it is no cause for alarm. We can think of this aggravation to the existing injury as a hangover. While the discomfort might be unpleasant, it is typically temporary…
Recovery from an injury can be like a game of Snakes and Ladders. Each step forward in the recovery process is like climbing a ladder, bringing you closer to healing and regaining your strength. However, just as in the game, there may be setbacks or unexpected challenges represented by the snakes. These setbacks can take…
I’m just going to leave this blog here in case it helps anyone as it is a common term used in medical diagnosis for individuals as well as trainings for movement professionals yet we are all expected to magically understand all these terms – I hope it helps! In this case I discuss how the…
The post hoc fallacy, also known as the fallacy of false cause or correlation does not imply causation, is a logical error in reasoning. It occurs when someone assumes that just because one event happens before another, the first event caused the second one to occur. This is so handy to know when trying to…
Debunking the Myth: Bodyweight and Joint Pain Joint pain can be a debilitating condition that affects individuals of all ages, sizes and backgrounds. It is a common belief that bodyweight plays a significant role in the onset and development of joint pain. However, recent research suggests that bodyweight alone is not the sole cause or…
Here is a great pocket sized handy yoga class planning hack and yoga teacher tip: MY ADDITION SUBTRACTION METHOD We often feel we need to be endlessly creative in our class planning but sometimes life takes over or we are just generally tanking too much time into planning. * This tip isnt for sustainable planning…
It’s quite easy to make someone physically exhausted. It’s not impossible to set difficult physical feats or challenges. Indeed these have an important place in health & movement but in YOGA there is a warped message in making a class physically tough then offering relaxation or savasana as a reward for our exertion. Its stealth…
The biopsychosocial model of pain is a comprehensive framework that recognizes the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in the experience of pain. While it offers valuable insights into pain management, there are potential misinterpretations that can arise when applying this model. One common misinterpretation is reducing the model to a simple formula where…
I can promise you that the toes are not the goal. I can confirm that there are multiple directions of travel, not just down. I can guarantee that there are good things to discover with lightness and lift, not just depth and down. It can be a beautiful approach for both the body and mind…
Desire Paths Whilst walking the British coast & countryside with my little Flossie, I notice two main types of path: a bridleway/trail and a desire path. The first path has been deliberately made and often laid with the clear intention of getting you from A to B. Not only is it intended to make the…
When movement isn’t punishment or goal orientated what could it be? Potential Informative Curious Reassuring Discovery Nurturing Therapeutic Joyful What would you add?
Consistency. Is it one of the most toxic words in the wellness industry? Consistency requires extreme privilege. It is patronising, patriarchal and has negative consequences, suggesting that if we only made the effort things could be different for us… And we all know that there is a plethora of research around the impact of language…
8 simple things I wish I’d known about delivering private yoga sessions: •Some clients want to talk more than do, there are many reasons for this and it’s perfectly ok •Some clients want to do more than talk, there are many reasons for this and its perfectly ok •This may be the only time they…
Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that extends far beyond a mere physical sensation. To fully comprehend and address the complexities of pain, the biopsychosocial model provides a comprehensive framework. This model recognizes that pain is multi factorial and influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach…
In a fast-paced and demanding world, maintaining good mental health is crucial. While there are various approaches to achieving this, one practice that has gained significant recognition for its positive impact on mental well-being is yoga. Beyond its physical benefits, yoga offers a multitude of advantages for mental health. Let’s explore some of the ways…
One of the most common questions I am asked as a yoga teacher peer mentor is about expanding into teaching regular private sessions and client retention. Teaching a one-off session isn’t difficult, retaining returning weekly, fortnightly or monthly clients requires a whole different skill set. So let’s start at with the basics to put in…
Pain can always cause us concern, but often the words of our doctor, physiotherapist or even friends can cultivate more alarm. The words ‘degeneration’ and ‘herniation’ are the most common when we have pursued imagery of the spine. They can be very daunting and the use of, impact and associated qualities of these words can…
As we head into spring and summer the inevitable slew of wellness and yoga festivals start to jostle for our support and attention. Personally I started to turn down working at these and attending as my awareness grew to how they didn’t use their position for positive change and instead of employing a wealth and…
Still in pain a year or more later? Still in pain after pills, meds, injections, operations, massages, treatments and interventions? To treat pain we need to understand it. We need to let go of ideas of a single cure or that a combination of certain ideas may find the perfect mix to resolve it and…
Ever been told strengthening your core will help your bad back ? Correcting your posture will solve that stiff neck or even working on your pelvic tilt will help your pain? These are all well disproven, old fashioned movement myths with no supporting evidence. In fact red flags should pop up when ever we hear…
Yoga has been repackaged by the west to look luxe, aspirational and effortless but when it comes to meditation realities this image could not be more misleading and is why meditation can feel so difficult and full of disappointments. It is also often confused with mindfulness, seeing the words used interchangeably. Practicing mindfulness is bringing…
Neutral isn’t a magical land where injury doesn’t occur. Neutral isn’t a unique zone where you are bulletproof and protected. Neutral isn’t a special place of safety where movement is executed perfectly. Neutral is not a rare sought after unicorn but it is absolutely a myth. Neutral simply cannot exist. If you accept our bodies…
We have had man buns, apple cider vinegar shots, barefoot shoes and now the current trend of ice baths. Don’t get me wrong, I love a new cult trend but the way the physio bro science of the internet has taken to warring over their value is frankly the best entertainment I’ve had since we…
It is a common misconception that more of anything is ‘better’. However, when it comes to exercise and indeed yoga, there is a strong case for less is more. Pushing into shapes and poses on the yoga mat can be a counter productive stress signal to the body, whereas backing off, building your stretch tolerance…
Paper cuts, bruises, blisters. All damaged tissue but *generally the ‘damage’ is minimal. But the pain they cause? Massively out of proportion to the damage. A bruise can have you wincing, a paper cut can be invisible but makes you shake your hand and change your behaviour and a simple blister can stop you from…
What if yoga wasn’t the womb or the moon? What if yoga wasn’t crystals or cards, Reiki or angels? What is yoga wasn’t fast or fitness, hot or physical progression? What if yoga wasn’t affirmations or journalling, boss babes or zen vibes? What if yoga wasn’t juice cleanses, ice baths, body brushing or indigenous medicine?…
Think of this post as your hall pass, your permission slip to pause, stop being a good girl and rest – because sometimes trying to do very little is actually hard work. We self sabotage rest. We feel we need to be productive and making progress, to tick things off a never ending to do…
What does a yoga teacher actually need to know about anatomy that has useful connections and practical applications to the reality of teaching? I am very guilty of over learning, overly pursuing advanced anatomy, courses for physios and deep dives into fascia and cadaver work. Anatomy has become seen as a badge of knowledge in…
When we talk in yoga of losing weight, strength or fitness goals we immediately prioritise the body over the soul. Talk of ‘sweating out sins’, ridding yourself of guilt through practice? Centralises the body over the mind. Narrative around practicing postures to improve, achieve or attain? It ranks the future abound the now. Placing importance…
We keep rescheduling rest. We deprioritise slowing down. We distract with highs. We tell ourselves rest must be earned. We convince ourselves only physical progression counts. We long for what’s next, what’s been, not valuing the now. We honour ‘more is more’. And we wonder why our minds struggle. Yet we keep on rescheduling rest.
Think of yoga as having the right coat for the weather. When we start we often reach for fashion, what style is popular and cool, what style gives us that instant shoppers high, immediate gratification but often unethical and unsustainable. When we find out feet, over time, we instinctively listen to the forecast of our…
Celebrities swear by them, colleges provide them for staff and students, recovery centres use them for addiction, trauma and now pain – but what exactly is a sound bath and will you have to get wet? They may sound like a revolutionary new age wellness trend, especially with city sessions selling for around £70, but…
Teams don’t make it to the Super Bowl the first time they step out on the pitch. It can take years, a whole career – and they may not make it even then. This dosn’t stop them trying, training or enjoying the process. We can apply the same idea to savasana, corpse pose, the relaxation…
Movement ‘Snacks’ No, not the kind you eat! A 2018 study shows that breaking your movement into just a few minutes through the day is more effective and has multiple benefits preferable to several long workouts. Current guidelines suggest moderate exercise is when you feel warmer, are breathing harder and your heart beats faster but…
Ahhh, the joy of being outside. We are not talking about exercise or 10,000 steps a day, just simply spending time outside in nature. By being engaged in the world around us – listening to birds, feeling the weather and touching the earth we become less introspective and it reduces our anxiety and lowers cortisol and…
5 Reasons For A Private Yoga Session How a one to one yoga class can benefit you. 1. You have specific needs such as persistent pain, an injury, limited mobility, fear of movement or return to sport goals 2. You feel uncomfortable with the public group class model; it is too fast or too exclusive,…
5 Effective Ways Of Mitigating Pain & Moving Forward. Instead of focusing on what the reason, cause or pathology is, treat the pain itself. Modern pain science show us that the best approach is to not aim to rid yourself of all discomfort and make a goal of being pain free, but to instead aim…
I CAN’T BALANCE! Really? Or do we just get taught that a balance is standing on one leg and completing other tasks at the same time? Walking is a multitasking single leg balance which most of us do everyday, but sometimes yoga can be overly elaborate and end goal focused, leading us to struggle unnecessarily.…
Let’s look at lowering to the ground as a yoga transition and that knees, chest, chin is an alternative to chaturanga Firstly what is the purpose of the pose? What are we trying to achieve here? I don’t teach chaturanga to up dog as a transition anymore and rarely teach chaturanga at all but…
Creaky, snapping, clicky, popping, crunching – our bodies do love to get loud and vocal with us when we move! And the good news is the sounds alone are perfectly normal when they aren’t accompanied by any other symptoms. We are not fully clear on why they happen, it can be joints or soft tissues…
Do you need anything special or fancy to practice yoga?
No, of course not but just like running or going to the gym there are some pieces of kit that can make a difference and help distraction free practice.
If we took up running we would invest in some good running shoes and a good mat will enable no hand or feet slips or surfing across the floor in warrior two.
Use your common sense, patterns may wear, pale colours get grubby and just like run shoes expect your mat to have a mileage life span rather than last forever – i usually update mine every year or two.
After buying virtually every yoga mat going, wasting money on ones that didn’t meet their promises of non slip and feeling frustrated at ones that don’t perform well- I can honestly say lululemon make the best ones and was in love with them well before my working relationship with the brand. I usually buy a 5mm one to be kind to knees and joints but if weight is an issue the 3mm are lighter but less padded.
If you are happy with any colour keep an eye on their sale section as they always pop up in there too.
A yoga block and strap can be good investments too.
Props are definitely not for people who cannot do something, they are a brilliant aid to help engagement, cultivate play and switch up what we doing – your body loves variety and in fact your tissues respond better to variety rather than depth in the poses.
For my yin lovers, a bolster and eye pillow make for a transformation of your yin experience and lights out in savasana