What is the flipchip?
A climate of open communication benefits everyone: students, teachers and owners. Placed in front of the mat, the flipchip is a discreet way for students to say when they want/don’t want a hands-on assist, so they can set clear boundaries in their practice and enjoy the peace of mind they expect.
By improving communication, the flipchip also makes the teacher's job easier and helps owners and teachers put clients' safety and wellbeing first.
We supply flipchips to studios, gyms and spas, often combined with a Smart Yoga workshop (earning Yoga Alliance Continuing Education credits).
NEW! We now offer personal flipchips for on-the-go yogis.
See SHOP for slideshow and prices.
As featured in Yoga International magazine, Spring 2013 Issue (Yoga Threads: "The little things we love").
Why is it needed?
"You can’t assume that because you’re the yoga teacher you have the right to touch people.”
Jason Ray Brown, Zenyasa Yoga and Wellness Studio (New York Times 2/11/11)
There's a host of reasons why yoga practitioners may prefer a verbal assist in one or more postures:
They have been injured. Most yoga-related injuries are caused through repetition – persistent ‘micro-trauma’ to the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints incurred over months or even years. These 'overuse' injuries are subtle in nature, often creeping up on you unawares. If ignored, they can lead to meniscal and labral tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, lumbar disc herniation and other acute injuries.
They have 'weak links.' Weak links are caused by old injuries and/or incompletely rehabilitated injuries incurred during yoga or other activities. They are predisposed to injury for genetic or other reasons. For example, they may have imbalances between strength and flexibility around certain joints, or body alignment issues (e.g. knock-knees, bow legs, unequal leg lengths, flat or high arched feet). They may be unusually tight from sitting at a desk all day, not exercising, etc. They have a medical condition. Examples include osteoporosis, hypermobility syndrome, spinal scoliosis, hyper skin sensitivity, rheumatoid arthritis. Because of the physical and psychological intimacy of a Yoga class, there are many other reasons why practitioners may not want a hands-on assist. They may be pregnant. They may not know the teacher. They may be brand new to yoga. They may have had a bad experience in the past. Common practice is to ask if anyone has issues prior to class. However this is unreliable because most people prefer not to talk about personal stuff, especially among people they don't know. Moreover, (a) everyone is pressed for time, and (b) classes have gotten larger (there's too much for teachers to remember, especially when there are lots of new faces every week). Created by a veteran yoga instructor and physical therapist with a background in exercise science and physiology, the Yogaflipchip gives each student the power to choose, and teachers a clear sign of what's needed so they can do their job more easily and with greater confidence. Because teachers and owners may be liable for injuries that arise, with the looming threat of lawsuits, proactive yoga facilities are making risk management an integral part of their practice. The flipchip helps meet this need without disrupting the flow or tranquility of the class. It also helps nurture a mindful climate in which students are less likely to push themselves too far. Because of all of the above factors, many teachers are less inclined to give a hands-on assist, which is a great pity because people with no issues who come to class for that special touch leave feeling frustrated. Here again the flipchip can help by sending a clear and unambiguous signal.
Who is behind it?
A Yoga instructor since 1998, Nina Jackson came up with the flipchip idea in 2009 to empower her students and make the teacher's life easier. Born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, Nina is also a licensed physical therapist, holding an M.S. in Physical Therapy and a B.S. in Exercise Science and Physiology. She has taken independent Yoga training and multiple yoga intensives with such teachers as Beryl Bender Birch, David Swenson, Seane Corn and Gary Kraftsow, as well as a Yoga therapy training course with Phoenix Rising (Level 1). Nina also holds mat and reformer Pilates certifications. She is passionate about integrating the wonderful benefits of Yoga and Pilates into her therapeutic practice!
Nina is a Continuing Education Provider through Yoga Alliance.
How is it made?
The patent pending flipchip is made from FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified, 100% renewable bamboo. Bamboo is about the most sustainable natural material on the planet, growing at a rate of 3 feet per day!
FSC is the gold standard in forestry management. FSC certification provides businesses and consumers with a powerful tool to influence how forests worldwide are managed. Indeed, since the early 1990s almost 165 million hectares have been certified. Visit fsc.org to learn how FSC holds members to strict economic, social and ecological standards, including protecting the rights of workers, communities and indigenous peoples.
Created by Jamie Irelan, our graphic designer, the flipchip's beautiful decorative design was inspired by the lotus flower, an ancient symbol of purity and spontaneous generation. Flipchips are screen printed by hand in small batches by the professionals at Blue Ridge Graphics, Virginia USA.
The flipchip comes in our patent pending canister, designed for the easy access and storage of 30 flipchips. This canister is also made from FSC certified bamboo. The canister is packaged in a custom drawstring bag made from soft, strong microfleece.
Where is it sold?
Testimonials
- "The flipchip has been a great addition to our yoga program!" - Sport&Health Washington's largest family of health clubs
- "A great communication tool for the teacher and honors the privacy of the student. Sustainably made and beautiful too!" - Serena Rappel, Mountain Bodhi, Rocky Mountain Health Club
- "Before I used the flipchip in my classes I was hesitant about giving assists. Now I feel more confident, I’m able to assist more people, and I'm having more fun teaching! Thank you! Like most teachers, I’m also a student. Before I had my flipchip I would get anxious whenever a teacher approached me during a spinal twist, because I have a back injury. Now I can relax, knowing that they know. " - Monica Buckley, freelance teacher & student
- "We love this Yogaflipchip idea! " - ORIGIN Magazine
- Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved
