One downward dog a day keeps the doctor away…
Posts Tagged ‘Yoga Sequence’
One downward dog a day keeps the doctor away
September 21st, 2009Yoga Poses – Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
September 5th, 2009Warrior 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)
Yoga Pose – Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
September 4th, 2009This 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?
Yoga Flexibility?? Paschimothanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
August 29th, 2009Seated 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.
Then you’ll have the proper alignment intended for this asana.
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.
Namaste!
