76: Hypermobility in Yoga: Community Conversations with Jenni Tarma

Today host Rachel speaks with returning guest Jenni Tarma about hypermobility disorders, which appear more often in yoga students than in the general population.

In this episode Jenni describes the wide range of symptoms linked to hypermobility, some of the challenges yoga teachers face when working with students on this spectrum, as well as how yoga can help. Since hypermobility disorders can bring up both physical and mental symptoms, we talk about the importance of incorporating nervous system down-regulation practices, as well as those incorporating tactile external feedback.

Listen to this episode to learn why we could all benefit from getting more comfortable with a moderate range of motion and how to best help your hypermobile yoga students.

“People that are very bendy naturally tend to self-select for movement modalities like yoga, dance, and gymnastics.” – Jenni Tarma

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“Slower, more controlled movement can be really great because it’s giving you the opportunity and the time to really feel into your body how you are transitioning between shapes. – Jenni Tarma

Show Notes:

• Describing hypermobility generally and EDS specifically [4:10]
• Some of the ways hypermobility shows up [7:21]
• Other potential symptoms of hypermobility – physical and psychological [10:09]
• Prevalence of hypermobility, especially in yoga students [17:35]
• Slow, controlled movement for stability and improved proprioception [20:51]
• The value of nervous system down-regulation [23:20]
• Tips for breath practices for hypermobile students [25:17]
• Benefits of recalibrating to moderate range of motion, and isometric contraction [28:50]
• Working with hypermobile students one-on-one versus in group settings [34:11]
• Utilising walls and props for tactile input or to isolate movement options [38:25]
• Strength training for hypermobility [40:51]
• Final tips and resources [44:58]
• Group class teaching tips to support all students, hypermobile or not [49:36]
• More resources for hypermobility [54:17]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga for Hypermobility Online Course
• Yoga Medicine Online Resources:
  • Balanced Function for Flexible Folks Series
• Hypermobility resources on social media:
  • Nikki Naab-Levy // @naablevyfitness
  • Catherine Cowey // @catherinecowey
  • Jill Zimmerman // @jillzimmermanpt
  • DC Taylor Goldberg // @thehypermobilechiro
  • Myo Durham // @myodurham

• Connect with Jenni Tarma:

Facebook | Jenni Tarma Instagram | Kaari Prehab Instagram | Kaari Prehab | LinkedIn | Yoga Medicine Online Teacher

“You need to have a baseline of functionality before it becomes productive or safe or helpful to add on external load.” – Jenni Tarma