The Birth of Modern Yoga: How Hatha Yoga Changed the Way We Move

The Birth of Modern Yoga: How Hatha Yoga Changed the Way We Move

What exactly is yoga—and why are there so many different styles? In this episode, we continue our journey through the history of yoga by exploring the teacher who helped shape modern yoga as we know it: Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often called the "Father of Modern Yoga." We'll also dive into Hatha Yoga, one of the foundational styles behind many modern yoga practices. You'll learn where Hatha came from, how it evolved, what to expect in a Hatha class, and why slowing down can actually help you develop greater body awareness, balance, and control. For golfers, this awareness is everything. Understanding how your body moves—and learning to move with more intention—can help you build a stronger foundation for performance on and off the course. Whether you're new to yoga, someone who has said "I tried yoga once and it wasn't for me," or a golfer looking to move better, this episode will help you understand why yoga is so much more than stretching. In upcoming episodes, we'll continue exploring different styles of yoga, including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and more. Show notes: * Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice — Mark Singleton [https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Body-Origins-Posture-Practice/dp/0195395344/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11RTFCL5Q5LTF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EcFo_pcuQ0WsWKIH3KszfwDUPZqxgbJQ64AP884K1m8BMx9zJmfWkAT9-SPZh5p6WMIcnckx1MTnc45tJgGY7nK2IbLOu4um98418IhVEu6BzAr-vA6p9ls8fUO5D1qSGmDJzkXHzMKBHlTM72d2JFFy6Hu0gEeHU8FH8p_Ha-KZ0kD0KHIIpcDRcDFbKB7BIU-wDQTSkCJjeGFTrSxxrVQTOufxV3zpyNHyHhQtZv4.U6Z2I0cSctp27KMVc4yB1owngYFreIlDEXhUDG9b-QM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Yoga+Body%3A+The+Origins+of+Modern+Posture+Practice+%E2%80%94+Mark+Singleton&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1783547345&sprefix=%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1] * The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice — Georg Feuerstein [https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Tradition-Literature-Philosophy-Practice/dp/1890772186/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JMC9S6MQW310&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1FOvtwoHUmVN9_pJrkH1-yRmwt6NiEdhYhZexSaTr8-xf97GUeluTJakgUiKISiTrAzSmApGpFDtryf5syGG_v35kh1K7g_n3cC2beZILxlsSUUcBkkdXrtMwEWU-DR5b8WfBbFpsVDkC4L3WuE6Ojf3OQilsuvN_P6frUILlq2CV1xYK8kncfhT9o5QL7-IwrC7_d0n3HkhBZLIFJaIdoAYIEryXoGoDM4rgAW-BSc.JDIg6p59aSpSXXnKbg9Q-zNFZ_xAgp56F6TbgjkzlAQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Yoga+Tradition%3A+Its+History%2C+Literature%2C+Philosophy+and+Practice+%E2%80%94+Georg+Feuerstein&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1783547360&sprefix=the+yoga+tradition+its+history%2C+literature%2C+philosophy+and+practice+georg+feuerstein%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1] * The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice — T.K.V. Desikachar [https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Yoga-Developing-Personal-Practice/dp/089281764X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DZQPLZCWF0H7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uVNKbeD2qbwgmrueNDOuYhj31mSttdBgAbZGymnz40lSuOSjoIWdmm7gmV92Y43-Gml0f_cKfQTVWdlDHvEqJrWAV-MC2XTHT8WHY3U9A_0fZKmBhwJxhZYNVSjcTHMw2NLmMUKbYqTtIgOhijNLrCdsc3lwkrxMt5VVL8PCz5HpmM7mchce7TpoGXukj--zB_vbL6DhFatRFns53R1Xow9SC5ewF1f728rW5jkNV08.mvHkYW4axt37YTxVU9C4uMWLx223KfsE-yA3jJD0Z1c&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Heart+of+Yoga%3A+Developing+a+Personal+Practice+%E2%80%94+T.K.V.+Desikachar&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1783547376&sprefix=the+yoga+tradition+its+history%2C+literature%2C+philosophy+and+practice+georg+feuerstein%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1] * Yoga Makaranda — Tirumalai Krishnamacharya [https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Makaranda-Nectar-Tirumalai-Krishnamacharya/dp/8192071618/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NJYJGQ410KJZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KsxlytMzXuwkWwwmQIweTVWdhot7wo_H9RxtYPcmi7kS_ZNF1HMaYNyFzG-LGgF8UKQeLSBKkYI1q2FA25chZWeU3SNmsfoae-pKbrQg1aXxQI_F4v0vZnVSurW9NDu9wzZyHwrIX1RR8TqtI0lZeR8J-68l3NOqzAgXhKRrFsSnEDNXmGpYMB1aFFPGLe1fez5S_nmKeACavjlo2pYLtEbLxGYO5IfOaXIARjCYElk.WTcEbIVhFpoSuwvwSloPgYnrqQWQrTE5FroAYYkJ6-Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Yoga+Makaranda+%E2%80%94+Tirumalai+Krishnamacharya&qid=1783547393&sprefix=yoga+makaranda+tirumalai+krishnamacharya%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1] * The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Patanjali [https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Sutras-Patanjali-Swami-Satchidananda/dp/1938477073/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1N1VV9AYYK3Q3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lNHzzdzomPP7ndMYyHYTG9d2fWMr5eW_kQLuDpFnta_WCA0WaosBiPreH9hGWr5tO_kdPDy61avx8HWwQht5IZJDIID-ZVWMdGlyxi5F_fx5gvDmDy4uaih-_WsxB3fLo2DWc0dOcgQP-WNwdKy8dAgDPslZyWmudYby8WNAK-aSSLYb-fkiMFD1UzwKfQhWD4ucUfMQirdj55J6C2EpdEiJQt4OUciK_EnBF0KXAxY.mfybUWr0dTtf773HHbDUWnbDR02TXph6I5IGhCZzNRk&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Yoga+Sutras+of+Patanjali+%E2%80%94+Patanjali&qid=1783547411&sprefix=yoga+makaranda+tirumalai+krishnamacharya%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1] * Hatha Yoga Pradipika — Swami Svatmarama [https://www.amazon.com/Hatha-Yoga-Pradipika-Swami-Muktibodhananda/dp/8185787387/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28793LVFFUWLO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Q_lgDESgcRW551hqLY7MCJ4wsHrBK734Q88v5XI8I-BBCpo5Aks5w4tTBUR1ig_oqtN9Sxy6tEdKLnpLd4FjhaEaYnfI4r89XvJKYIPlA9NvEgDo4ewwShbRV1yxZ7ZbZLzXuXU077cjD_pW_4bqM52E47RsYqIJyAYZXIprSyVJy88T8gBUSzIscpht4YSvxXMPw46TVLt4fKK0CXtd-EgYNQcpn-ifxJZ5LHcAo0Y.LXVURwzvSkRq-FiWeFqMyJAzckyqvtnKX0mEPPDS-oI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Hatha+Yoga+Pradipika+%E2%80%94+Swami+Svatmarama&qid=1783547425&sprefix=hatha+yoga+pradipika+swami+svatmarama%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1] * YoGolf Performance® [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Golf Mobility Guide [https://yogolfperformance.com/pages/free-golf-mobility-exercises-for-a-better-swing] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

You Don't Hate Yoga—You Probably Just Took the Wrong Class

Think yoga isn't for you? Before you write it off, ask yourself one question: What kind of yoga did you actually try? In this episode, we're exploring what yoga really is—and what it isn't. We'll unpack some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding yoga, including whether it's just stretching, whether you have to be flexible, and whether practicing yoga means participating in a religion. You'll also learn how yoga has evolved over thousands of years, how it made its way from India to the West, and why the yoga practiced in most studios today looks very different from its ancient roots. Whether you're a golfer who's curious about yoga or someone who's tried one class and decided it wasn't for you, this episode will give you a new perspective and lay the foundation for the rest of the series. Show notes: * YoGolf Performance® [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Golf Mobility Guide [https://yogolfperformance.com/pages/free-golf-mobility-exercises-for-a-better-swing] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

Recovery Is Training: The Missing Link in Your Golf Performance

Most golfers focus on practice, swing mechanics, strength, and mobility… but overlook one of the most important parts of performance: recovery. In this episode, we reframe recovery not as rest, but as an active and essential part of your golf performance system. Because improvement doesn't actually happen during practice or play — it happens afterward, when your body has time to adapt. You'll learn how recovery impacts mobility, rotation, coordination, focus, and consistency on the course, and why feeling stiff, tight, or inconsistent is often less about technique and more about under-recovery. We also break down what real recovery actually looks like — including sleep, walking, nervous system regulation, restorative yoga, foam rolling, nature exposure, warm water immersion, and social connection — all supported by research in exercise physiology, neuroscience, and sports science. Most importantly, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding that recovery isn't optional or passive. It's a performance tool. If you've ever felt like your swing doesn't quite "show up," this episode will help you understand why — and what to do about it. Show notes: * Recovery sequences [https://yogolfperformance.com/catalog/search?search=recovery] * Sleep support sequences [https://yogolfperformance.com/catalog/search?search=sleep] * YoGolf Performance® [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Golf Mobility Guide [https://yogolfperformance.com/pages/free-golf-mobility-exercises-for-a-better-swing] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga] * Fullagar, H. H. K., Skorski, S., Duffield, R., Hammes, D., Coutts, A. J., & Meyer, T. (2015). Sleep and athletic performance: The effects of sleep loss on exercise performance, and physiological and cognitive responses to exercise. Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0318-9 * Dupuy, O., Douzi, W., Theurot, D., Bosquet, L., & Dugué, B. (2018). An evidence-based approach for choosing post-exercise recovery techniques to reduce markers of muscle damage, soreness, fatigue, and inflammation: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00403 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00403] * Woodyard, C. (2011). Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. International Journal of Yoga. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.85485 * Cheatham, S. W., Kolber, M. J., Cain, M., & Lee, M. (2015). The effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. * Vaile, J., Halson, S., Gill, N., & Dawson, B. (2008). Effect of hydrotherapy on recovery from fatigue. Journal of Sports Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410701716784 * Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1510459112 [https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1510459112] * Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01744.x

5 Minutes to a Better Swing: A Guided Pre-Round Warm-Up

Do you ever find yourself with only five minutes to prepare for a round of golf? In this guided episode, I'll walk you through a simple yet effective movement routine designed to help you move better, swing more freely, and step onto the first tee feeling ready to play. We'll move through all three planes of motion, improve weight shift and balance, loosen up the wrists, and use intentional breathing to cultivate focus and release unnecessary tension. Whether you're heading to the course, getting ready for a practice session, or simply looking for a quick movement break during the day, this routine will help you prepare your body—and your mind—for better golf. If you have the space, stand up and follow along. If you're driving or listening on the go, save this episode and come back to it when you can move with it. Show notes: * YoGolf Performance® (start your free trial!) [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Golf Mobility Guide [https://yogolfperformance.com/pages/free-golf-mobility-exercises-for-a-better-swing] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]

Press On: Jordan Thomas on Resilience, Adaptive Golf, and Finding Purpose Through Adversity

What if you wanted to play golf, run, play soccer, or simply be an active kid — but the prosthetic you needed to participate wasn't considered "medically necessary" by your insurance company? That's a reality many children living with limb loss face, and it's one of the reasons Jordan Thomas founded the Jordan Thomas Foundation. In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, Jordan shares how a life-changing experience at age 16 inspired him to help children gain access to the prosthetic care they need to fully participate in sports, recreation, and everyday life. We discuss the mission behind the Jordan Thomas Foundation, the challenges many families face in accessing prosthetic care, and why every child deserves the opportunity to play, compete, and pursue their passions. We also explore the role golf has played throughout Jordan's journey — from recovery and personal growth to competing at a high level in adaptive golf. Along the way, Jordan shares his perspective on resilience, the mindset behind Lunch Pail Golf, and the balance between working hard, pushing forward, and giving yourself grace when things don't go according to plan. Whether you're a golfer, coach, parent, or navigating a challenging season of your own, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that resilience isn't just about moving through adversity — it's also about learning to meet yourself with patience, perspective, and self-compassion along the way. Show notes: * Jordan Thomas Foundation [https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/] * JTF Golf Tournament [https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/golf-tournament/] * U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance [https://www.usaga.org/] * Lunch Pail Golf [https://www.instagram.com/lunchpail.golf/] * U.S. Adaptive Open Championship [https://championships.usga.org/usadaptiveopen.html] * YoGolf Performance® (start free for seven days!) [https://yogolfperformance.com/] * Contact me [info@lauren.yoga]