I’ve been practicing and teaching yoga for over 15 years, and there’s still plenty I’m learning. Some of the techniques I was taught early in my career have changed, and I’ve adjusted my own teaching as I’ve gained experience.
I want StretchIndex to reflect that. The articles here draw on my teaching experience, my own practice, and research. I write about yoga, Pilates, stretching, mobility, and recovery, with an emphasis on explaining exercises properly and giving readers information they can actually use.
Here’s a little more about how I work.
Where My Information Comes From
Many of my article ideas come from questions students have asked me over the years. Others come from my own practice or subjects I’ve become interested in while studying yoga and other forms of movement.
When I’m writing about something I know well, I draw on my experience teaching it. For subjects involving anatomy, injuries, or the effects of particular exercises, I also look at published research and information from established medical and educational organizations.
I try to be careful about the difference between personal experience and scientific evidence. I might have used a particular stretch with students for years, but that doesn’t mean it’s been proven to work for everyone.
Where relevant, I include references so you can read more about the subject yourself.
How I Explain Exercises
One thing I’ve noticed while teaching is that people often struggle with an exercise because they haven’t been shown how to do it properly.
A student might spend weeks trying to get deeper into a forward fold when what they really need is to change the position of their pelvis or bend their knees slightly.
These are the kinds of details I pay attention to when writing.
I explain how to perform an exercise, what to look out for, and which adjustments might make it more comfortable. When an exercise is particularly challenging, I try to include an easier variation.
I also avoid unnecessarily complicated anatomical explanations. I’ll use technical terms when they’re helpful, but you shouldn’t need to study anatomy to understand a stretching routine.
A Note About Flexibility and Individual Differences
I wouldn’t teach every student in my class exactly the same way, and I don’t expect every reader to follow identical routines.
Your existing flexibility, strength, previous injuries, and experience with exercise all affect what you can comfortably do.
Some people can sit in a deep squat without thinking about it. Others find the same position extremely difficult, even after months of practice.
I try to account for these differences when recommending exercises. That might mean suggesting a yoga block, changing the position of your feet, reducing the range of motion, or choosing another exercise altogether.
I won’t promise that a particular routine will make you flexible in seven days or that one stretch will solve years of back pain. Those kinds of claims aren’t useful to anyone.
Medical Information and Safety
I’m a yoga teacher, and my articles reflect that background. I’m not a medical doctor or physiotherapist.
Although I occasionally discuss subjects such as back pain, joint stiffness, muscle soreness, and recovery, the information on StretchIndex is educational. It shouldn’t be used to diagnose an injury or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
I take extra care when writing about exercises that could aggravate existing injuries or medical conditions. Where necessary, I’ll explain when a movement might be unsuitable or when readers should seek professional advice.
If you have persistent pain, a recent injury, or a medical condition that affects your ability to exercise, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before starting a new routine.
Updating Older Articles
I occasionally go back through older articles, particularly when I come across new research or find a better way to explain something.
Sometimes an update is as simple as replacing an outdated reference or adding a photograph that makes an exercise easier to understand. Other times, it means rewriting a section because the original explanation wasn’t quite right.
If I find a factual mistake, I’ll correct it. When a significant change affects the advice in an article, I’ll make that clear to readers.
I also appreciate corrections from people who read StretchIndex. If you spot something inaccurate or confusing, you’re welcome to email me.
Product Reviews and Recommendations
You’ll occasionally find recommendations for yoga mats, blocks, stretching straps, foam rollers, and other equipment on StretchIndex.
I try to be specific about what a product is useful for. A yoga block might be helpful if you’re struggling to reach the floor, for example, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to buy one.
When I’ve personally used a product, I’ll say so. If a recommendation is based on research rather than personal experience, I’ll make that distinction.
Some articles may include affiliate links, which means StretchIndex can earn a commission if you purchase something through them. These relationships will be disclosed, and they won’t determine what I recommend.
Sponsored articles and paid partnerships will also be clearly identified.
Corrections and Contact
I check my articles before publishing, but I’m aware that I can miss things, particularly when covering subjects outside my main teaching experience.
If you notice an error, find a broken reference, or think I’ve explained something poorly, please let me know.
You can reach me personally at [Martha’s email]. For business inquiries, partnerships, or anything related to the website itself, contact [StretchIndex’s email].
I read the messages I receive and try to respond when I can. Feedback is also useful when I’m deciding which articles to revisit or what to write about next.
One Last Thing
Something I learned early in my teaching career is that an exercise can be perfectly reasonable on paper and still be completely wrong for the person trying to do it.
That’s why I pay so much attention to the instructions in my articles.
If I’m explaining a yoga pose, I want you to know where to place your hands and feet, how to adjust the position, and what to do if you can’t comfortably get into it. Where there’s a risk of misunderstanding an instruction, I’d rather explain it in a little more detail.
I want you to be able to take something you’ve read on StretchIndex, try it at home, and understand what you’re doing without having to guess what I meant.