Jason and I recorded this episode live at LoveStoryYoga in San Francisco at the Module 1 Advanced Studies training. Since the students are currently focusing on the hips and legs, we thought we'd take a look at backbending techniques. Jason unpacks some of the conventional wisdom about the alignment of this category of poses and then offers some unconventional options for those who don't fit the blueprint.The bottom line is this: Since there are many different body types, there is often more than one "right" way to approach pose alignment.We talk about: * Three different approaches to try to troubleshoot knee pain during backbends* When it might be OK for the feet to not be perfectly parallel in backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana * Why Jason no longer subscribes to any hard rules for how to tilt the pelvis in backbends (in other words, whether you should "tuck" the tailbone or not) and what he does instead to find a balanced arc* Strategies for preparing the arms and shoulders for postures like Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose or Wheel Pose)Show notes: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode180SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORSGet your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuityscheduling.com.Women shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to feminine products. And, with Lola, there are no compromises. Lola products are 100 percent natural, made of 100 percent organic cotton with no added chemicals, fragrances, synthetics, or dyes. Plus, they now offer new hypoallergenic cleansing wipes. Their online subscription service is fully customizable, so it’s one less thing to worry about. For 30 percent off all subscriptions, visit Mylola.com and enter code YOGALAND30 when you subscribe.Aera is a better, safer way to diffuse essential oils. Easy, press-and-play aromatherapy capsules with no mixing, heating, or cleaning needed so it doesn’t add an additional stress of another to-do to your life. For 20% off diffusers and free shipping, go to AeraforHome.com and use code YOGALAND at check out. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy