7: Anatomy Informed Yoga with Guest Teacher Dr. Ariele Foster

Anatomy studies can be a powerful tool in the yoga teacher’s utility belt, but I know many of us don’t know where to start or how to apply it to a teaching practice. There is so much to learn and it can feel overwhelming! Today I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Dr. Ariele Foster, a yoga instructor for 16 years and a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Dr. Foster is passionate about making yoga anatomy accessible to everyone, which is why she started the Yoga Anatomy Academy.  

Ariele’s deep understanding of the human body enables her to integrate movement and medicine into one practice and she offers us all some nuggets of wisdom we can take into our teaching right away. In general, I think we all hope to support our clients and students with compassion and discernment. Supporting your teaching with knowledge of anatomy is an important part of that equation.

Also in this episode:  

  • Ariele shares her unusual journey to yoga teaching and why the practice supports physical therapy so well.  
  • Placing a priority on strengthening over flexibility.  
  • Learn the 10 Principles of Anatomy Informed Yoga.  
  • Should yoga teachers be learning anatomy? Ariele and I discuss what is helpful for instructors to know.  
  • Teaching discernment to our students is difficult but worthwhile.  
  • We break down yoga poses and how to take some of the weight off of your overworked joints.  

Website and Social Media Links
Yoga Anatomy Academy Website
Yoga Anatomy Academy on Facebook
Yoga Anatomy Academy on Instagram

Giveaways!
10 Principles of Anatomy Informed Yoga Download
Smart Sequencing for Naginyasana Download

 

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6 Responses to “7: Anatomy Informed Yoga with Guest Teacher Dr. Ariele Foster”

  1. Misty Sherman

    I am loving this podcast. As a longtime yoga student, practicing a variety of styles. I just wanted to put my two cents in about listening to your body as a student. I have always listened to my body, or thought I was. But just because things have felt good/looked and we’re not painful hasn’t meant I’ve been doing them correctly by any stretch of the imagination. In fact after some pretty severe bouts with pain over the past few years I’ve come to see that what I was feeling as correct was not, and that the actual correct feeling I should be getting was very foreign to me and awkward.

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Hey Misty! I’m so happy to hear this episode is resonating with you! And yes, I totally hear you. The kind of discomfort that is beneficial can be super hard to discern from the kind of discomfort that is injurious. I hope as a teacher I am able to help students understand the difference between the two, but you are exactly right, that just telling students to “do what feels good” is often not enough information! I hope you are feeling good in your body these days. <3

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth Macon Agee

    I have hip- knee flexor injury Only recently after many years of Ashtanga practice
    Your guest Ariele Foster really woke me up to think differently so i can figure out how to heal

    Reply

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