In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the hot topic of how to prevent yoga injuries. Travis is a recognized expert in the field of injury prevention, having researched and written his dissertation on the topic, as well as creating a masterclass on injury prevention for Physio Network. His insights on preventing injuries in yoga are therefore especially valuable and insightful!

Points of discussion in this episode include:

• How is an “injury” defined in the scientific literature?
• How are injuries classified and categorized in research on injury prevention?
• What are some common risk factors for injuries?
• The belief in the yoga world that “alignment” is the most important factor for yoga injuries
• Whether common yoga alignment rules about “joint stacking” are helpful for injury prevention
• The connection between strength training and yoga injury prevention
• A closer look at the popular FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and whether it’s a trustworthy tool for injury prediction
• Best practices for preventing yoga injuries
• And lots more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Strength Training for Yoga (digital book written by Jenni & Travis)

Infographic. Pain or injury? Why differentiation matters in exercise and sports medicine

International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement: Methods for Recording and Reporting of Epidemiological Data on Injury and Illness in Sports 2020

Improved reporting of overuse injuries and health problems in sport: an update of the Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center questionnaires

Yoga class & continuing ed course memberships on Jenni’s website

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.