16: Creating Truly Inclusive Yoga Spaces with Guest Teacher Amber Karnes

I am so excited to share this powerful conversation with you. While many yoga studios proclaim that “Everyone is Welcome!” in their classes, in today’s episode we ask, “ Are we actually teaching our classes in a way that supports that message?”.  

My friend Amber Karnes is whip smart, a powerful advocate and a seasoned yoga teacher. We didn’t hold back on any difficult conversations or taboo topics in this episode on Creating Truly Inclusive Yoga Spaces.

In this episode you'll hear:  

• The difference between saying "everyone is welcome" and actually creating an accommodating space.

  1. How to modify foundational poses to make them more accessible.

  2. Examples of specific language Amber recommends teachers avoid in their group classes and what  you can say instead.

  3. What to expect when teaching larger bodies.  

  4. The best ways to level and name classes and the problem we see with All Levels classes.

  5. How we can disrupt the cycle of a non-diverse pool of teachers.

  6. How I realized I could be contributing more to the diverse yoga culture I want to support.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Amber’s Website

• Pose breakdowns and modifications

• Yoga For AllTeacher Training - A 5-week online program with Dianne Bondy and Amber Karnes. Learn to create body positive yoga classes for all shapes, sizes, and abilities - enrollment opens April 2.

• Body Positive Clubhouse - yoga & self-acceptance membership site

• Body Positive Rebellion - free 7-day crash course in kicking diet culture to the curb and embracing your body

• Amber on Facebook

• Amber on Instagram

• Amber on YouTube

• Amber on Yoga International