Journey Into Yoga

This pose incorporates an element of balance, as well as strength and is also seen as a full body stretch posture. The nature of the pose is often thought to be energyzing and also rejuvenating to the nervous system.  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes referred as the half chair pose or “funky chair pose,” this posture is also wonderful for providing a hip opener as well. Sometimes it feels like the hip opener is incidental because so much of our focus tends to turn to the balancing portion as we literally bring attention to staying upright and steady.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we worked with pose supta bhadda konasana, we saw a nice gentle posture that addressed the groins, and today, we will also work with a posture that helps to bring a nice stretch to this area, albeit a bit deeper.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s posture, figure 4 lying down pose also works into these areas but is typically seen as a bit of a lighter variation as compared to pigeon pose. If you have very tight hips and struggled with pigeon, don’t worry you are not alone.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Balance in yoga is a practice that goes well beyond the physical body. Yes, the pose is done physically, but if the mind wanders the balance is very hard to maintain. Staying present with your mind, body and breath are crucial to help stay steady in a balance pose.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are many reasons why we tend to have tight hips, one of them being that we spend way too much time in chairs. When we sit in such a way, the hips end up being compressed and tightening up. This sitting behaviour is also hard on the posts muscles which trend to be tight in many of us.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we are going to work into a posture that will really help to open up the shoulders, although I must confess, this posture does not have a formal name per se…

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deep twisting pose, revolved triangle strengthens and stretches the legs, opens the chest to improve breathing, relieves mild back pain, and improves your sense of balance. This pose especially opens the hamstrings and hips and as a result, it is often helpful to have a yoga prop available in order to help be in this pose, such as a yoga block.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes if you have tight hips and groins, uppavista konasana can be more difficult so I will give you some options to create more ease in the posture if this applies to you. One of the wonderful things in this pose is the delicious stretch to the spine so it’s important to be able to adjust the positioning of the hips so this stretch can happen.  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I discuss the different variations of Bridge Pose, a heart-opening yoga posture. I'll explain proper alignment and breathing techniques for the unsupported version and demonstrates the supported variation using a prop underneath the sacrum. Both variations offer benefits, including opening the chest area and stretching the shoulders, legs, back, and neck.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.