The role of the abdominal area in asana and pranayama practice is much more varied, complex, and interesting, than it is in the more conventional physical exercises.  This area is rich with  musculature, organs, nerve plexi, and the more esoteric control centres.  It is recognised not just a ‘structural’ component whose musculature needs to be kept toned, but also an important physiological, endocrine, nervous and emotional centre.  When a practitioner further moves on to pranayama practices, the abdominal area is regarded as a more important locus for the breath than the heart/ lung (chest) area.   Any component that is so important, is also very sensitive, and imbalances can creep in easily.  In our practice we have to balance the ‘firming’ and ‘strengthening’ aspects with the ‘quietening’, ‘softening’ and  ‘deflating’ actions in the abdominal area.  The word ‘Core’ takes on a completely different meaning here!

The sessions in this Short Course move from dynamic movements of the arms and legs, while maintaining a stable and still abdomen, to steady holds, and then towards twists and balance challenges

Part 1 - Moving the Arms and the Legs from a Steady Core - fun and interesting movements where we explore the challenges of moving the limbs away from the abdominal ‘core’ without disturbing this area.

Part 2 - Moving the Arms and the Legs from a Steady Core: from Dynamic Movements to Steady Holds - progression from the previous session: from dynamic action, we move to stable holds.

Part 3 - Moving the Arms and the Legs from a Steady Core: Balance, Roll, Revolve - adding the challenges of balancing, rolling and revolving.

Tag words: abdomen abdominals core navasana parivrtta trikonasana parsvottanasana supta padangusthasana I supta padangusthasana III urdhva prasarita padasana utkatasana utthita hasta padangusthasana