Episode 38

Is Yoga for Me? (with DuShaun Branch Pollard)

YOGA. If you've never done it, the concept can be intimidating. All those crazy poses with difficult-to-pronounce names. Is it gonna be HOT in the room? Are there mirrors everywhere? What if I fall down? OMG what if my body makes a weird noise and EVERYONE HEARS IT??

Never fear! Today we have an AMAZING yoga instructor here to quell our yoga fears and help us break down the barriers to the wonderful benefits yoga can bring.

DuShaun has been practicing yoga for 13 years and is a certified yoga instructor by the Yoga Alliance. As a yoga student, she noticed that she was the only black and plus-sized person in the room, which inspired her to bring yoga to more people who looked like her.

She previously worked in higher education and community activism in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s west side. She often teaches yoga in “non-traditional” settings. 

“She intends on taking down as many barriers as possible to bring yoga to those who are looking for calm and relaxed minds.” (direct quote from her site for her amazing brand, SAGE GAWD COLLECTIVE).

So get centered, friends! This one is an ABSOLUTE CAN'T-MISS EPISODE!

Topics in this episode include:

Is yoga right for my body?

Is there special preparation I should do before yoga? Do I need fancy equipment?

What if I'm just not flexible? Can I still do yoga?

How does practicing yoga impact our minds and bodies?

How can we practice inclusivity and cultural competence in yoga?

How can we make yoga more accessible for everyone?

Follow DuShaun on Instagram with her handle, @dushaun_nicole, and visit sagegawdcollective.com to learn more about how we break down barriers in yoga :)

Catch a virtual class with DuShaun the 4th Saturday morning of the month at the Garfield Park Conservatory!


For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Mentioned in this episode:

DrFriends30 Code

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Your Doctor Friends
Your Doctor Friends

About your hosts

Profile picture for Jeremy Alland

Jeremy Alland

Dr. Jeremy Alland is a sports medicine physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, a renowned, consistently top-10 nationally-ranked orthopedic practice in Chicago, IL. In addition to a busy clinical practice, he serves as the head primary care team physician for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Dogs, as well as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire Soccer Club. An avid athlete, Dr. Alland played collegiate baseball for DePauw University before pursuing medicine and enjoys golfing, basketball and stand-up paddleboarding. He lives in a suburb of Chicago with his wife, Katie, two children, Olive and Logan, and their goldendoodle, Archie. He never thought he would have a podcast, but has found it insanely fun and is excited to bring fun and approachability to the most common questions we hear as doctors.

"Work Hard + be kind" -The Alland Kitchen Wall
Profile picture for Julie Bruene

Julie Bruene

Dr. Julie (Julia if we’re being formal, Julia Rose if she’s in trouble) Bruene is a sports medicine physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, a renowned, nationally-ranked orthopedic practice in Chicago. She serves as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and DePaul University. Aside from her obvious interests in sports and medicine, she is a true crime obsessive and is a total sucker for rescued cats. She lives in Chicago with her husband and partner-in-crime, Adam, and with several of the aforementioned rescued cats. We don’t need to get into specifics about the exact number here. She likes when people are kind to one another and when animals dress up like other animals. Rock over London, rock on Chicago.