Stretch Yoga Teacher Training Brisbane
Module 16: Yoga for Inclusivity
At the core of Stretch Yoga's studio philosophy is inclusivity. We truly believe that yoga is for EVERY body and that yoga can profoundly benefit people from all walks of life. Early in Stretch's beginning years we were told in a marketing course that we needed to "niche". To pick a population group to target. We said this was exactly the opposite of what we wanted to do - diversity in bodies, backgrounds, ages, genders, sexual orientation and life stages was the key for us to share our love of yoga, and to truly make it more accessible. It also makes Stretch extra special to be a part of - the diversity in our teaching team and members is so wonderful to be around.
We have run our Curvy Yoga course here at Stretch for over 6 years now, and during this period have been thrilled to see not only our studio filled with greater body diversity, but our teachers become more and more experiences at offering modifications and options in all of our general classes.
Objectives:
Understanding how unique the experience of yoga is from person to person and how varied needs can be considered for greater reach.
Explore how yoga truly is for every body - shifting from stricter alignment to a fully inclusive approach within teaching that accommodates all body shapes and types.
Exploring the foundations of pre-natal yoga - key modifications to support and considerations in safe practice for expecting pregnant humans in general classes.
Discussing intentional use of language that speaks not just the majority (especially gendered language), but to all individuals/groups.
Exploring the roots of yoga - honouring the rich traditional practice of yoga, discussion of cultural appropriation and impacts of Western modernisation of yoga, and paying respects to the deep seeded history and sacridness of yogic teachings. Acknowledgement of land and it's traditional custodians.
Content:
Adjustments and modifications:
Language
Cultural considerations
We have run our Curvy Yoga course here at Stretch for over 6 years now, and during this period have been thrilled to see not only our studio filled with greater body diversity, but our teachers become more and more experiences at offering modifications and options in all of our general classes.
Objectives:
Understanding how unique the experience of yoga is from person to person and how varied needs can be considered for greater reach.
Explore how yoga truly is for every body - shifting from stricter alignment to a fully inclusive approach within teaching that accommodates all body shapes and types.
Exploring the foundations of pre-natal yoga - key modifications to support and considerations in safe practice for expecting pregnant humans in general classes.
Discussing intentional use of language that speaks not just the majority (especially gendered language), but to all individuals/groups.
Exploring the roots of yoga - honouring the rich traditional practice of yoga, discussion of cultural appropriation and impacts of Western modernisation of yoga, and paying respects to the deep seeded history and sacridness of yogic teachings. Acknowledgement of land and it's traditional custodians.
Content:
Adjustments and modifications:
- Prop usage for inclusiveness
- Exploring different transitions
- Understanding regressions and alternatives of poses
Language
- Language to avoid for inclusivity
- Inclusive language cues
- How to give options in an open way
- Using language for encouragement
Cultural considerations
- Understanding appropriation in yoga
- Paying respect to culture and traditions
- Acknowledgement of country
