Yoga Teachers: Stop saying "stretch"
In the video below we look at why “stretch” might not be the optimal word choice. We also discuss the impact of cueing sensations (i.e. telling students where to feel the pose). Watch the video to discover how these small shifts might make a big difference!
If you want to take a big leap in your yoga teaching journey, consider our 300hr Advanced Embodied Somatic Yoga Teacher Training.
In our 300hr we dive deep into language for cueing, cueing to sensations but more importantly we look behind this. We look at anatomy and physiology from an integrated perspective. We look the whole way from the cellular level to the Fascia and the Organ systems. Understanding all of this allows us to cue to sensation (naturally trauma informed) and really understand what’s going on behind it all!
Rethinking the Word “Stretch” in Yoga Teaching
1. Muscles Don’t Actually Stretch
Muscles tense and release—they don’t truly "stretch."
What we often call "stretching" may involve creating micro-tears at the tendon level, especially when pulling on already relaxed muscles.
The true goal is release, lengthening, unwinding knots, and finding ease in the body.
2. Overuse Encourages Unsafe Patterns
Many yoga students are ex-dancers or hypermobile individuals who already have great flexibility. These individuals are often drawn to deep stretching because it's familiar and rewarding to them.
Overstretching can cause joint instability and stress connective tissues, ligaments, and tendons.
Shift the Focus:
Encourage students to engage muscles and contain joints rather than "hang out" of their joints.
Incorporating embodied language to develop somatic awareness (mind-muscle connection)
Update Language:
Replace “stretch” with more precise words like:
Lengthen
Release
Precision in language supports better somatic understanding and safer practice.
Cueing to Sensation Instead of Assumption
Move from Telling to Asking:
Rather than directing students to “feel the stretch in X,” guide them to notice where they feel sensation.
Sensations differ: Downward Dog may feel like calf tension for one student and wrist strain for another.
Watch the video to get a full explanation!
If this type of thing lights you up, if you love anatomy and you want to teach from a more Embodied Somatic approach, our 300hr Advanced Embodied Somatic Yoga Teacher Training might be for you!