The Wellness Amazon

Once again, I chat with the amazing & talented Brian Friedman, and we discuss the transformative power of functional yoga instruction, a method that emphasizes safety, strength, and stability over traditional practices. Brian shares his journey from traditional yoga to developing his own approach, highlighting the importance of understanding body mechanics and the need for a supportive teaching environment. They explore the significance of cross-training, the role of the instructor versus the teacher, and the necessity of unlearning outdated practices to foster a more effective and inclusive yoga experience. In this conversation, Brian from Redefined Yoga and I explore the evolution of yoga practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding movement, functionality, and adaptability in yoga. They discuss the significance of feedback loops in practice, the role of yoga teachers in injury prevention, and the necessity of building resilience through movement. The dialogue highlights the human experience in yoga, the practical applications of functional yoga, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in one's practice. Find Redefined Yoga here:https://www.redefinedyoga.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@RedefinedYogaOnline #functionalyoga , #yoga #yogainstructor #yogainstruction #strengthtraining #Stability #crosstraining #yogateacher #UnlearningYoga #mindbodyconnection , #yogabenefits , #wellness #wellnessyoga #functionalmovement , #injuryprevention , #bodyawareness , #Adaptability #humananatomy , #yogapractice , #resilience #feedback #EvolutionofYoga Takeaways: Functional yoga changed my life for the better. Traditional yoga hurt me over time and caused lasting damage. Suffering is the greatest teacher. You need someone who's been there to help you through. Functional yoga instruction is a safe, sane, and pragmatic way to practice yoga. Yoga was not good for my back; it was making it worse. We should be able to walk, jog, swim, do some yoga, and lift some weights. It's not about perfection, but correctness in practice. If you can, it's my most used sentence in class. Proper training looks boring, but it's effective. Understanding why movements are performed enhances practice. Rigid teaching methods can hinder evolution in yoga. Injury transparency among teachers is crucial. Functional yoga connects theory to real-life applications. Building resilience through movement is essential. Feedback loops help identify and correct muscle engagement. Pain management requires understanding body mechanics. Yoga teachers should prioritize injury prevention. Adaptability in practice leads to better outcomes. Continuous learning is vital for personal growth in yoga. Sound bites: "Bendy doesn’t equal helpful." "Keep your chin down." "We're here to help." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Functional Yoga 05:55 Understanding Functional Yoga Instruction 15:37 The Importance of Strength and Stability in Yoga 25:11 Mind-Body Connection and Personal Experiences in Yoga 32:50 The Role of Instructors vs. Teachers in Yoga 35:55 The Importance of Proper Guidance in Yoga 38:13 Personal Experiences and the Risks of Yoga 42:47 Unlearning Traditional Yoga Practices 48:35 The Need for Evolution in Yoga Instruction 54:49 Humanizing the Yoga Experience 01:00:14 Functional Yoga: Bridging Theory and Everyday Movement 01:02:56 The Real-World Application of Yoga 01:08:16 Understanding Body Mechanics and Injury Prevention 01:14:05 Functional Yoga: A New Approach 01:20:04 The Importance of Humility in Practice 01:26:40 The Journey of Personal Growth and Awareness