Seated Forward Extensions: Supported Positions for a Quiet Practice
In this final session of the Short Course on seated forward extensions, we practice these asanas with support. Such a practice is emotionally quietening, cooling (and therefore recommended for hot days), can relieve headaches, and is part of the practice for high blood pressure, and womens’ menstrual practice. The use of supports makes especially makes […]
The ‘Eka Pada’ of Back Arches
Eka pada (lit. one-leg)actions teach us to observe and balance two perspective – seemingly opposites of each other. In this session we explore the front and back legs scissoring away from each other as it plays out in back arches. Duration: 90 mins. Level: Intermediate Props needed: a stack of firm blankets or a bolster, […]
Knee Alignment: Explanations and Experiences
Basic concepts in knee alignment, how to diagnose imbalances, and to take simple corrective measures. Level: Beginner, Experienced beginners, Intermediate, Gentle Duration: 90 mins; Props needed: a yoga strap, a belt, a sturdy chair This recording is part of the following Short Courses: Short Course #1 for Knees: from Healing to Challenging (Short Course; level: […]
Knee Health: Creating ‘Space’ at the Joint
The subjective experience of ‘Space’ at the knee joint. Creating and maintaining that space in extended and flexed leg positions to protect the cartilage and ligaments. Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate, Gentle Duration: 90 min; Props needed: couple of yoga blocks, a few firm blankets, a couple of yoga straps or any long piece of cloth, a […]
Viparita Karani Deep Dive: the Serenity of the Inverted Lake (Short Course Level: Experienced Beginners, Gentle)
In the Iyengar tradition, the restorative qualities of viparita karani are harnessed by making possible long supported holds. This position/ action finds mention in the yogic scriptures ( indeed, its benefits are said to be ‘death defying’), but without clear description. It was Mr BKS Iyengar who not only interpreted the action, but also made it […]
Short Course #1 for Knees: from Healing to Challenging (Short Course; level: Intermediate)
This Short Course on Knee awareness neatly breaks down the information packets: alignment, creating space, activating the surrounding tissue: thighs, hips and calves, dynamic weight shifts, progressive loading of the knee, going beyond flexion and extension to internal and external rotations This structure makes it easier to understand the breadth of actions in which the […]
Bringing Movement to the Groins: Preparation for more Complex Actions
Introducing movement (‘mobilising’) into the Groin area, through a combination of active and passive actions and positions. Level: experienced Beginner, Intermediate Duration: 90min Props needed: a sturdy chair, 2 blocks, yoga strap, access to a wall, a stack of firm blankets or a bolster This Recording is part of the following Short Courses: Releasing Tight […]
Bringing Further Movement to the Groins
While groin injuries are common in sportspeople, runners and bicyclers, most of us live with chronically ‘tight’ groins. The second session of this Short Course continues to explore the involvement of the groins in standing and seated asanas. The inner thigh area (the adductor group of muscles and the surrounding connective tissue) is stretched farther […]
Releasing Tight Groins Due to Walking/ Running/ Bicycling (Short Course; Level -Experienced Beginners, Gentle)
The only time you might have paid attention to your groin is when you might have got a groin strain or ‘pull’. M of us have never given a thought to our groins because we have got used to living with chronically ‘tight’ groins. Groin tightness is common across the spectrum – from those who […]
Back arches: Fast Movements Using Supports
This session explores how short bursts of fast movements effect back arches. The movements are chosen so that the kinetic chain along the back of the body is activated in a way quite different than holding passive stretches. Supports/ props are used to maintain momentum, rather than for ease of execution. Level: Intermediate Duration: 90 […]
