We are headed into the last week of the #MermaidYogis challenge, and it’s time to start getting upside down! One of the most important preparations for inversions is stretching the hamstrings, which can be done quite nicely with a wide leg forward fold, called Upavistha Konasana in Sanskrit. Wide Leg Seated Forward Fold Sit down […]
Hello, heart opener! Wheel pose is one of my very favorite postures, but it can be quite challenging for those with tight shoulders and less flexibility in the back. If this feels more intense than good, feel free to modify with bridge pose. Wheel Pose: Begin laying on your back, knees bent, heels close […]
Boat Pose, or Navasana in sanskrit, is a great counter pose for backbends. In Ashtanga primary series, five rounds of boat pose interspersed with mula bandha check ups, jump backs, and handstands are used to train the core and build strength before accessing the deep backbend that is full wheel (chakrasana or urdhva dhanurasana in […]
Camel Pose is one of my favorite backbends. When you’re first starting out, it can be quite intense, so read on below for a few ways to modify until you’re ready for the full expression. The most important things to remember in camel pose are to keep your hips over your knees and think […]
Oooooh yes! Child’s pose. Not much to explain here, except how delish it is. Let day 20 of #MermaidYogis give you a little respite after some major backbending, and invite you to equalize before wrapping up the challenge with a week of inversions! Childs Pose: Begin kneeling. Draw your knees wide and big toes […]
Ready to gain flexibility in all parts of the spine, and give a gentle massage to all your internal organs? Day 19 of #MermaidYogis is bow pose, or dhanurasana. Bow Pose: Begin lying prone (on belly). Bend both knees and reach back to take hold of tops of the feet or ankles. Exhale, release […]
Cobra pose is easily the most underrated backbend, in my humble opinion. This backbend-meets-chest opener is a beautiful way to stretch the chest while strengthening the shoulders and arms. Cobra Pose: Begin in a prone position, lying on the belly with hands palms down beneath the shoulders. Hug elbows into the ribcage. Inhale and […]
You’re at the end of a yoga class. Your teacher reads an inspiring quote, and encourages you to leave and continue to practice your yoga “off the mat.” And you’re like, “Um, but what does that mean?” Here’s a few insights into taking your yoga “off the mat” and keeping your zen outside of the studio. […]
This simple standing backbend can be practiced on your feet, or on your knees. You can make it dynamic, inhaling to reach up, and exhaling to arch back and draw elbows to the earth – we call these “whale spouts.” Standing Backbend: Stand or kneel with feet hip distance apart or slightly narrower. Inhale […]
It’s one thing to read about the difference between our certification program and other stand up paddle board teacher trainings, and it’s another thing to see it explained on the fly and with passion. One of my students caught this candid video of me explaining a few of the differences between Stoked Yogi and other stand up […]