My Yoga for Life

Spinal Flex Series from Practical Yoga

Toresa — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:11:34 +0000

I saw this and wanted to share it with you. The following is an excerpt I received in my email…

Open Your Heart with This Three-Part Series

The spine is the central channel for the human body and one of the main benefits of physical yoga postures is that they facilitate and encourage spinal flexibility and strength. A flexible spine is vital in procuring the healthy flow of life force, also called kundalini and chi, and this Spinal Flex Series can help deliver this flow to your body.

Spinal flexes support your spine in a number of ways. The gentle wavelike motion, along with the coordinated breath, allows the chest to open, releases tension around the rib cage, and maximizes circulation in the torso so that you can breathe deeply. This heart-healthy exercise can also get your circulation going just when you need it.

flexible spine, heart, kundalini, spinal flexibility, yoga, Yoga Techniques

Strengthen and Stretch Your Core

Toresa — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:39:45 +0000

“Set” Your Navel Center (Abdominals) Each Morning

Did you know that yogis “set” their navel each morning?

By this we mean that we exercise our abdominals (our core) and do breath work to support the process of waking up. Today’s Nose to Knees Pose is a posture you can do even when you are still in bed!

This pose works to build abdominal strength, massage the vital organs, and help with digestion — it fires up your body’s engine, so to speak. It’s a great first-thing-in-the-morning exercise, or it can become part of a general warm-up set.

Watch the Nose to Knees Pose Yoga Quickie™ Video

Click on the image above to view the video brought to us by Practical Yoga TV

nose to knee, Stretching, yoga, Yoga Techniques

Etiquette in a Yoga Class

Toresa — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:15:34 +0000

Basic yoga may look easy, but it’s a tough flexibility and strength workout. One of the easiest ways to learn the skills you need for yoga is to take a class. However, as with all kinds of classes, it is important to understand the basic rules of etiquette before you sign up. By following these rules, you and those around you will be more comfortable.

A Positive Attitude

First of all, keep a positive attitude. Don’t lose patience. Like anything else, yoga takes time to learn and to develop proper skills. Don’t let the frustration drive you away. (Though, if after awhile in a class you’re more frustrated than before, you might want to try a different instructor or class.) If you’re feeling negative, don’t voice your frustration during class, instead speak with the teacher afterwards.

Stay in Your Own Sandbox

Don’t put your mat too close to or too far from the other students around you. You need enough space to stretch out your arms and not touch your neighbor. On the other hand, don’t take any more space than you need. Crowded classrooms need all the space they can get.

Proper Yoga Clothing

Don’t wear clothes that will fall off or show too much skin. Wear clothing that is comfortable and will stretch, but bear in mind that you might be doing such unusual positions as turning upside down. Showing skin can make others feel uncomfortable and can create embarrassing situations if your clothing slips.

Respect

Don’t stare; you may be more advanced than those around you, or you may be the only first beginner in the room. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses. Respect that. Staring at someone who is or is not doing the techniques correctly is unfair-stare at the teacher instead, that is what an instructor is for.

Know Your Limits

Don’t overstrain yourself-if you can’t perform a stance, just do it as far as you can or substitute the alternate stance that the instructor will probably suggest. Don’t force yourself to do something you can’t yet just because you’re too embarrassed to admit that you need the alternate stance. Don’t overestimate your abilities. Injuring yourself can disrupt the entire class. Avoid other interruptions as well and don’t draw attention to yourself. Respect other students and yoga’s goal of peace and overall balance (inner and outer). Avoid chatting and loud breathing, and turn your phone off.

Don’t be offended if the instructor corrects your pose. You can’t see what you’re doing; he or she can, and the instructor is there to help and teach you. It’s meant to be help, not an insult. That is what classes are for-help with your technique-so by learning the rules of etiquette, you can be sure to enjoy class and keep it an enjoyable place for those around you.

yoga, yoga class, yoga etiquette