Class Focus
Strong Legs, Stable Mind
Standing Poses for Hamstrings & Legs – Standing poses form the basis of yoga practice to develop stability, flexibility, lightness and balance. They strengthen the legs, and create a foundation of the feet, allowing us to extend from that base. The poses build strength in the pelvic and shoulder girdles, creating a structure of support for the spinal column. Learn tips and techniques to help you develop a lifetime of practice, and modifications for ageless practice.
Moving Forward
Seated Poses for Knee, Ankle & Feet – Seated poses stretch muscles of the spine and legs, which help release tension and increase flexibility. They strengthen and tone core muscles of the back and abdomen, and create freedom in the pelvic area to help prevent strain on the lower back. We will explore a variety of poses including twists, core strengtheners and forward folds to tone abdominal muscles, lower back, oblique and upper thighs.
Changing the View
Inversions can be seen as the epitome and centerpiece of yoga asana. They offer physiological benefits of working against gravity and the freedom of changing the relationship of body bearing weight. Inversions help to increase blood flow and circulation, calm the nervous system, and relieve stress. They can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability. The body upside down changes directional blood flow, which boosts major body systems including circulatory, respiratory, nervous and glandular, and gives a rest to the heart. Headstand and shoulderstand will be taught in this session.
Supporting the Heart
Shoulder Openers & Backbends – Physically, backbends open the hips, strengthen and stretch the legs and lower back muscles. They tone, lengthen, and increase blood flow around the spine and diaphragm, which helps boost energy, relieve tension in muscles and release natural endorphins and hormones. Backbends offer a profound exploration of our selves within a physical experience integrating the body with the mind, senses, and breath. Freedom of movement in the shoulders expands the ribcage and improves respiratory function. B.K.S. Iyengar recommended backbends for depression and as a holistic alternative for heart patients and ischemia.
Finding Sanctuary
Forward Folds – Forward folding poses help to provide a feeling of sanctuary and support, which calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. They promote total exhalation of air from the lungs by compressing the chest which helps to calm down the mind. Forward bends open up the back body, lengthens and strengthens hamstrings, inner legs, spinal muscles, ankles and knees. The asanas mimic the shape of the body in the womb (primary curve), providing a physiologically nurturing support, which aids in working with anxiety and grief.
Wringing the Waste
Twists – Twisting poses develop flexibility in the spine, increase circulation and help to cleanse internal organs. They work to compress the internal organs and glands of the torso, forcing out metabolic-waste. B.K.S. Iyengar, describes twists as a “squeeze-and-soak” action, similar to wringing out a wet towel. The organs are compressed during a twist, pushing out toxins, which allows fresh blood to carry oxygen to heal and rejuvenate the body. Twists can give us an instant energy lift and decompress the vertebrae in a safe healthy way. They work to reduce stress and anxiety by quieting the “monkey mind”, and bringing attention into the present which slows and calms the mind.