There are two things I’m really passionate about in my teaching: One is dismantling the notion of linear, hierarchical, universal progress, especially when it comes to movement. The other is teaching in a way that students feel 100% agency to make autonomous, empowered, educated decisions about their own movement practice.
These two concepts come together really beautifully when we unpack regressions and progressions in movement because for every modification that could be considered a regression there is an example of the kind of body or situation in which that version is actually a progression and vice versa.
For this reason I am STOKED to have my friend Trina Altman back on the podcast to dive DEEP into these concepts.
Trina Altman is the creator of Yoga Deconstructed® and Pilates Deconstructed®, which helps movement teachers foster an embodied understanding of their teaching and create a more sustainable practice through an interdisciplinary approach based on current movement science.
Her work has been published in Yoga Journal, Yoga International and Pilates Style. Her book, Yoga Deconstructed®: Movement Science Principles For Teaching was published by Handspring Publishing in December 2020.
Check out our previous conversations in Episode #3 (about her Yoga Deconstructed approach) and Episode #34 (all about a creative use of props in asana class).
In this episode you’ll hear:
- what the research shows about why yoga-related injuries are quite common
- the difference between internal and external cueing and when you might use one rather than the other
- the nine different factors to consider when regressing or progressing a movement
- various movement adaptations based on these nine factors and when they would likely be regression and when they are more likely to be a progression
- what yoga teachers listening can do to integrate these ideas into their teaching
Learn More From Trina:
This episode is sponsored by Stillness + Movement Studio. Stillness + Movement is a virtual yoga studio and their classes weave mindful vinyasa flow with Buddhist teachings. They also combine awareness, breath, and vinyasa with somatic practices and functional strength training to fill the movement gaps left in our modern lifestyle. Use the coupon code MENTOR at checkout to take your first class free!
This was such a useful and engaging conversation! Thank you so much. I love all the examples that the two of you came up with to illustrate the principles of regression and progression — and your shared enthusiasm for the topic. Perhaps you already have one posted . .but it would be interesting to listen a conversation with an accomplished teacher whose teaching and studies are informed by living in a hypo-mobile body. Thanks Francesca for offering such consistently high quality products. I love seeing your success!
Hey Mercedes! Thanks so much for listening and for this great feedback! And I would love to feature a teacher whose studies and practice are informed by living in a hypo-mobile body. That is a great point and idea. I’ll definitely keep that in mind as I’m scheduling upcoming guests, and if you have any recommendations, I’m all ears!
Thank you, Francesca, for being an engaging leader & facilitator in our yoga community! I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with 2 yoga teacher gems. You both possess brilliance as human beings and teachers. Trina is one of my favorite innovative yoga educators. I apply the principles of regression & progression in my yoga classes and in my exercise classes for people with movement disorders. These principles address physiological as well as cognitive (and emotional) experiences with movement. Wishing you continued success with your business! Om Shanti
Thank you so much for listening and sharing your thoughts Sharlene! I’m happy we are on this path together!