Host Matt Huy interviews Dr. Libby Hinsley, an experienced physical therapist, yoga teacher, and hypermobility specialist. They discuss Libby’s background, her work with hypermobility syndromes, and her approach to teaching anatomy to yoga teachers. Key topics include the importance of understanding anatomy for yoga practitioners and teachers, common misconceptions about body mechanics, the role of pain in yoga practice, and the benefits and considerations of yin yoga for hypermobile individuals. Libby provides insights on how yoga teachers can empower their students through informed anatomical knowledge and reflective practice.

Resources mentioned:

• Bone photos from the Grilley website: https://paulgrilley.com/bones
• Libby Hinsley’s website: https://libbyhinsley.com/
• Libby Hinsley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbyhinsleypt/

00:00 Introduction to the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast

00:26 Meet Dr. Libby Hinsley: Yoga Teacher and Physical Therapist

01:30 Libby's Journey: From Yoga Teacher to Physical Therapist

03:57 The Importance of Anatomy Knowledge for Yoga Teachers

12:03 Understanding Pain and Its Implications in Yoga

18:17 Hypermobility and Yoga: A Nuanced Discussion

18:44 The Role of Yin Yoga for Hypermobile Individuals

26:48 Debunking Myths: What Yoga Teachers Should Stop Saying

31:58 Debunking Myths About Back Pain and Yoga

32:54 The Fear of Spinal Flexion in Yoga

36:12 Understanding Anatomy for Better Yoga Practice

37:52 Decoding Common Yoga Cues

43:39 The Importance of Individual Anatomy in Yoga

48:38 Empowering Yoga Students Through Self-Discovery

55:11 The Role of Anatomy in Yoga Teaching

58:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Matt delves into how the human body adapts to yoga and exercise. Reflecting on past misconceptions from his early teaching days, he clarifies a range of physiological adaptations, such as muscular hypertrophy, neural, cardiovascular, and connective tissue responses. Drawing on historical and scientific insights, including his personal experiences and education, Matt explains how repeated exposure to exercise leads to beneficial adaptations, including increased strength, coordination, and efficiency. He emphasizes the empowerment that comes from understanding these changes and promotes an active lifestyle. The episode also differentiates between adaptations and the broader benefits of exercise and touches on the physiological effects of pranayama.

Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.

Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.

For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.

In this episode, Matt interviews Bernie Clark, author of Your Body Your Yoga and other books, discussing his journey into yoga, his influential works on yin yoga, and his deep dive into human anatomy and variations. They address the scientific and experiential aspects of Yin Yoga, the importance of stress and rest on tissues, and the dynamic nature of pain and recovery. They also touch on the evolution of yoga therapy and the nuances of teaching yoga with a focus on individual variations. The episode includes insights into how anatomical differences impact yoga practice and refutes common misconceptions with a critical and informed approach.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Your Body Your Yoga by Bernie Clark
• Bone Photos from the Paul and Suzee Grilley Website
• That infamous Callaghan and McGill study about flexion/extension on dead pig spines

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:11 Bernie Clark's Journey into Yoga

02:34 Discovering Yin Yoga and Human Variation

03:47 The Importance of Anatomy in Yoga

14:07 Challenges and Evolution in Yoga Teaching

23:54 Yoga Therapy and Scientific Validation

32:53 Understanding Muscle Tension: Hypertonic vs. Hypotonic

33:11 The Role of the Immune System in Muscle Stiffness

33:51 Hormonal Influences on Fascia and Injury Risks

34:22 Tension vs. Compression: Limits of Flexibility

35:02 Personal Experiences with Compression and Injury

36:35 The Reality of Physical Limitations in Yoga

37:47 Debunking Myths: Yoga and Bone Structure

38:57 The Debate on Fascia and Yin Yoga

40:35 Targeting vs. Isolating Fascia in Yoga

42:00 The Science Behind Long-Held Yoga Poses

51:04 Stress and Recovery: The Key to Tissue Health

57:25 The Controversial Credit Card Analogy

01:04:56 Final Thoughts and Current Endeavors

Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.

Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.

For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.