Are you trying to make sense of all the conflicting narratives about fitness? Learn how to ground your teaching practice in science-based research instead. The Yoga Research & Beyond Podcast helps yoga teachers and fitness professionals discern popular messages about the benefits and dangers of how our bodies move. Co-hosts Ariana Raven and Jules Mitchell discuss published research on yoga and exercise, challenge dominant trends about the human body, and teach research literacy in a fun and engaging way.
About The Hosts:
Ariana Raven is a yoga teacher and strength trainer who co-runs New York Stretch in NYC. For more than ten years, she's been helping people reach their goals with a holistic approach that combines principles from yoga, exercise science, and published research. Find her at arianaraven.com.
Jules Mitchell is a disrupter, yoga teacher, and the author of Yoga Biomechanics: Stretching Redefined. She is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and leads advanced continuing education programs in biomechanics for fitness and rehab professionals worldwide. Find her at julesmitchell.com.
Summary
In this episode, Ariana and Jules discuss the effectiveness of exercise on cognition, memory, and executive function based on a systematic review and meta-analysis. They explore the methodology of the study, key findings, and the implications of the results while also addressing the limitations and quality of the studies included in the review. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of research findings and the broader context of exercise in relation to cognitive health.
Takeaways
The paper reviews the effectiveness of exercise on cognition.
Exercise types included aerobic, strength training, yoga, and more.
The study included 133 systematic reviews and 2,724 RCTs.
Exercise shows a medium effect on general cognition.
Children and adolescents saw larger gains in memory.
Light and moderate intensity exercise was more effective than high intensity.
Shorter programs often had bigger effects than longer ones.
The quality of included studies was often critically low.
Exercise is beneficial but should not be seen as a cure-all.
Research findings should be interpreted with caution.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Exercise and Cognition
01:36 Understanding the Umbrella Review
07:06 Key Findings on Exercise and Cognitive Function
12:29 Limitations and Implications of the Study
20 Feb 2026
Child's Pose in the Emergency Room: What a Yoga Case Study Tells Us
Summary
In this episode, Ariana and Jules discuss a fascinating case study on Child's Pose and its impact on a patient with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). They explore the mechanics of the pose, the significance of individual variations, and the broader implications of yoga research in heart health. The conversation highlights the importance of case studies in generating new ideas and insights in the field of yoga and exercise science.
Takeaways
Child's pose can help manage SVT symptoms.
The case study involved a single patient experience.
Individual variations in child's pose can affect outcomes.
Research on yoga often focuses on interventions, not single poses.
Case studies provide qualitative insights into individual experiences.
Real-world effects of yoga can be significant for patients.
Case studies can inspire new research directions.
Not all yoga poses are practiced the same way.
The importance of research literacy in yoga teaching.
Case studies contribute valuable insights to the research hierarchy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Child's Pose and SVT
02:57 Case Study Overview and Findings
05:37 Mechanics of Child's Pose and Individual Variability
08:35 Research Methods and Implications
11:24 Real-World Impact of Case Studies
14:12 Importance of Case Studies in Research
21 Jun 2025
Episode 78: Teaching Yoga To Seniors: Instructional Strategies
Hosts Ariana and Jules discuss instructional strategies for teaching yoga to older adults, examining their experiences, needs, and the role of community, offering valuable recommendations for yoga teachers.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
4.6 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
71
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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