Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) ardha = half; chandra = shining About the pose: This is a standing balance posture, which can be done with a block and against a wall to assist in holding the pose . It opens the entire front body and because of the stretch crossing from one side to the […]
It is quite amazing how powerful our attitude and belief can influence the success or failure of a yoga posture (or anything in life, for that matter). I hear a lot of times (particularly when it comes to arm balances, like headstand or crow posture) that he or she is “not strong” enough. While this […]
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) ut = intense; tan = stretch About the pose: As the Sanskrit name says, Uttanasana is an ‘intense’ stretch and as such, caution should be used by accentuating that the majority of the forward bend comes from the hips rather from the back. The misconception that it is ‘good’ or ‘admirable’ […]
Ustrasana (Camel Pose) ustra = camel About the pose: Ustrasana is a kneeling backbend that also lengthens the hip-flexors. The importance of this pose, like with all backbends, is to avoid limiting the bending to the lumbar region (the most easy to extend part of the spine) and instead simultaneously open the chest and shoulders […]
We like to label and categorise things: male, female, young, old, overweight, underweight, fit, out-of-shape … the list goes on. And so it is in yoga: We have classes for ‘beginners’ and ‘advanced’ students. But what does it really mean? And do these labels mean the same thing for all students, studios and teachers? Are […]
The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two parts of Patanjali’s yoga of 8-limbs. The ‘Yamas’ are principles to develop disciplines that helps us interact mindfully with the outside world: 1) Ahimsa: non-harming, including ourselves; developing a sensitivity to all living beings 2) Satya: truthfulness; being honest but not hurtful with your words 3) […]
We all know that fitting in a yoga class at a particular time, duration and location can be challenging. Similarly, if we are traveling for work or pleasure our yoga practice can get short-changed. While it is all too easy to just let the practice slip, developing a home practice can help you make […]
One of the most asked questions from students is “How often do I need to come to a class?” and a second (least asked, but most thought) question is “What should I do if I don’t feel like practicing?” For the first question, the answers will vary depending on your circumstances (work, family, etc. commitments). […]