Hands On Assists

Pilates Exchange

Movement can be the joy that integrates us all together, but what about touch? Hands on assists has been a topic of contention in yoga for many years and recently, there's been a decided shift in what is widely deemed acceptable and unacceptable. To help us gain a better understanding of the evolution of hands on adjusts, we are joined today by Erin Ehlers – a yoga teacher, therapist, and licensed massage therapist with the goal of merging the philosophical traditions of yoga with modern movement science. Erin begins with her personal view of hands on assists and how it has changed since studying massage therapy, how it's impossible to have one universally accepted (and equitable) standard, the role of empathy, and the best practices to adopt when using hands on assists in your teachings. We also unpack the power of choice, the importance of adequate training, and Erin's approach to consent. We end with some helpful tools to be aware of for your next yoga session.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming yoga therapist, Erin Ehlers as she walks us through her journey in movement.
• Erin's view on hands on assists and how it's changed since she studied massage therapy.
• Debunking the notion that there is only one ideal that we should all be striving towards.
• Why hands on assists are always better with empathy.
• How various styles of yoga incorporate hands on assists and the best practices to adopt.
• Why choice matters and why this conversation is bigger than just consent.
• Understanding that there is a time and place for everything.
• The importance of being adequately trained and prepared as a teacher.
• Erin shares her thoughts on consent and dives deeper into her hands on approach.
• Tools and strategies to keep in mind for your next yoga class.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Erin Ehlers

Erin Ehlers on Instagram

Erin Ehlers on YouTube

‘The Art of Asking’

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