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Archive for the ‘Yoga Sequence’ category

Yoga Poses – Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

September 5th, 2009

Warrior II can help increase stamina and improve posture.

Yoga Pose Alignment Needed?

This is a common error when practicing the Warrior II pose. The feet are too close together to ever attain proper extension and alignment in this asana. Even if the lunge were deeper, the knee would not be in line with the ankle.

One way to overcome this is to always check your feet width before you begin to extend into the lunge. They should always be 1.2 to 1.375 meters apart (4 to 4 1/2 feet) apart. If they’re not far enough, simple move your back foot farther away from the front foot. This will allow you to fully extend the lunge and keep your weight evenly balanced between each leg.

Yoga Picture Setup

Enjoy the Alignment!

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

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Posted in Featured Articles, Yoga Sequence

Tags: proper yoga alignment warrior Virabhadrasana II warrior 2 warrior II warrior yoga yoga pose Yoga Sequence

Yoga Pose – Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

September 4th, 2009

This pose actually tones your spinal nerves and can improve your digestion. However, most beginners move into the pose too quickly, do not utilize the correct alignment and then cannot benefit from the health benefits of the asana.

Yoga Pose Alignment Needed?

To avoid this error, add in a simple transition pose between when your feet are spread apart/toes turned out and before you open your chest up and extend your arms apart.
All you need to do is slide your torso to the right directly over the right leg, bending from the hip joint, not the waist.

Yoga Pose Alignment Needed?

Then, extend your arms out and enjoy the rewards of this position.

Yoga Pose Alignment Needed?

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Posted in Featured Articles, Yoga Sequence

Tags: Utthita Trikonasana yoga pictures yoga pose Yoga Sequence yoga triangle pose

Yoga Poses – Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

September 3rd, 2009

Downward Facing Dog is one of the most recognized yoga poses and is known to calm the mind, release stress and even can relieve back pain.

This is a great example of poor alignment affecting the overall pose. The legs and arms are not hip and shoulder-width apart which throws off the balance, the head is up, and the sit bones are not able to extend to the intended position.

Yoga Pose Alignment Needed?

One way to overcome bad alignment in this asana is to begin by positioning yourself in Bidalasana (Cat Pose, also sometimes called Table posture). You’ll be able to ensure your legs are hip distance apart and line up your knees under your hips. Your arms will be shoulder length apart with your hands directly underneath your shoulders. Then, simply curl your toes under and stretch back to Downward Facing Dog.

Yoga Picture Transition

See what a difference it makes!

Adho Mukha Svanasana

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Posted in Featured Articles, Yoga Sequence

Tags: Adho Mukha Svanasana downward dog downward pose yoga alignment yoga pictures yoga pose yoga sequences

Yoga Flexibility?? Paschimothanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

August 29th, 2009

Seated Forward Bend is a great stretch for the hamstrings and can help your thinking mind unwind. Many people think the goal of this pose is to get your head to your legs. See how the head is forced down, and the whole trunk of the body is crunched up?

Yoga Pose Alignment Needed?

To avoid this, make it your goal to move your heart and chest to your feet. Extend your arms and reach your chest forward before you lower your head.

yoga sequence

Then you’ll have the proper alignment intended for this asana.

yoga sequence

Other things will help you achieve proper alignment for this yoga sequence:

- Don’t be afraid to use props including blocks, blankets, belts and even the wall.

- Choose the right teacher for you – someone you trust, someone you’re comfortable with adjusting your pose, etc. Our bodies don’t always know how the correct pose feels at first. Repeated asanas in correct alignment are necessary for the body to learn to do it on autopilot.

Please remember to talk to your doctor to learn if there are any other alignment issues that you need to be aware of. This is particulary important for pregnant women, sedentary individuals, or those recovering from injury.