At Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR), part of our Training Protocol includes elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reframe how we ..read more

In the demanding and high-pressure world of emergency responders, achieving peak performance is not just desirable—it's essential. While physical fitness and basic skill training are often emphasized, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the profound impact of sleep and recovery on overall human performance. That is why this blog will unveil the vital connection between sleep, ultimate human performance, the significance of focusing on recovery, and how breathwork can tie it all together nicely. We’ve all heard how important sleep is. Most likely, you’ve had experiences where you know how ho ..read more

In the podcast episode titled "Creating Confidence from On Air with Yoga for First Responders, Olivia Mead and Eric Brenneman interview Rachel, a writer, copywriter, and YFFR instructor based in Utah. Rachel, is a graduate of Northwestern University's creative writing program and writes the award-winning yoga blog, Alive in the Fire. She is also the author of the book "Creating Confidence," which hit number one on the Amazon yoga section. The episode delves into various topics related to empowerment, embodiment, and transformation, making it a powerful and insightful conversation. Rachel's bo ..read more

In the latest episode of "On Air by YFFR," we had the pleasure of hosting Katrina Marsh, the founder of Busy Bee Studios. Katrina's journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and entrepreneurship, as she navigates the intersection of these two worlds while striving for personal growth and community impact. Preparing to Teach Yoga to First Responders: Katrina's journey with Yoga for First Responders (YFFR) began with a desire to expand her offerings and serve her community better. While she doesn't currently teach first responders, she has taken the proactive step of enrolling ..read more

A Police officer is involved in a foot chase. He sprints for about 400 meters and tackles a subject. Control is gained, the subject is secure, and now the Officer needs to "call it in". He activates the mic and starts to speak calmly… or so he thinks. In reality, it's more likely a jumbled mess of words, some shouting and maybe some cursing, punctuated with a lot of heavy panting and mouth breathing. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to access an important tool in the officer’s toolbox: tactical breathing. It’s time to access an important tool in the officer’s toolbox: tactical breathing. Anyon ..read more

In this episode, Olivia and Eric explore a topic close to our hearts - the challenges and dynamics of online yoga training compared to traditional in-person classes. They vividly paint the picture of the energetic and interactive nature of in-person teaching, where the teacher-student dialogue creates an immersive experience. The spontaneity and inspiration drawn from students' energy contribute to a vibrant and engaging class. Contrastingly, online teaching is portrayed as a potential challenge, where the instructor might feel reduced to a "robotic head in the corner of the screen."The absen ..read more

In this powerful episode, Olivia and Eric join Jeremy Sanders on the Crew First Culture podcast to discuss the importance of breath work and breathing techniques. They dive into the science behind these techniques and provide valuable insights on when and why to use them. Whether you're a first responder or someone looking to enhance your mental and physical resilience, this episode is a must-listen. Take a deep breath and press play to begin your training. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Breathwork is the Core of Yoga : We emphasize that breathwork isn't just a part of yoga; it's what diffe ..read more

As we enter a new year, it's a time of reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for what lies ahead. One profound yet often overlooked aspect of this journey is the power of our breath. Just as every inhale brings fresh energy, every exhale offers the chance to release what no longer serves us. As we strive for personal growth and resilience, familiarizing ourselves with the practice of breathwork can be a valuable tool. If you've been following us for some time, you may have heard us mention the Three-Part-Breath technique among others. Let's delve into how incorporating breathwork practi ..read more

In the last week of October, we highlight two YFFR instructors and Squad Leaders who share similar resilience and outlook around the battle that got them there. First, we heard from Sarah Hall, and now we will hear from Maggie Eastman. After reading their blogs, I ask you this: your most challenging trauma could be your greatest tool and teacher? In Hamlet, Shakespeare wrote, and Hamlet said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” I’d read that line a dozen times without it impacting me or leaving any mark on my psyche. It was a nice idea, but it didn’t apply to me. I ..read more

In the last week of October, we highlight two YFFR instructors and Squad Leaders who share similar resilience and outlook around the battle that got them there. First, we hear from Sarah Hall, and next, we will hear from Maggie Eastman. After reading their blogs, I ask you this: your most challenging trauma could be your greatest tool and teacher? Cancer is the best thing to have happened to me. Sounds contradictory, right? I realize that for many people, just the word “cancer” brings up thoughts and feelings that are negative and scary. Everyone has at least one connection to cancer. It is ha ..read more