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Friday, June 10, 2011

7 tips to get the most out of your yoga practice (and new yoga class to the schedule!!!)

 Hi Shoeboxers -

Today we have a guest post from Jennifer Henry, our regular Ashtanga yoga teacher.

But before we get to that, NEWS ALERT!!!! Jennifer has just added another yoga class to the schedule from 6-7 PM on Mondays, 

Enrollment for her Ashtanga Master Class is still going strong, (you can still get in on the action here: bit.ly/k9B8uT ) and she's decided to prepare 7 tips to help you prepare for class and the extended workshop.  We've decided to turn this into a two part series, for you to get the most out of the material, get a chance to absorb it then take on the next set of instructions.


1. Come to practice with an empty stomach.

Try not to eat anything solid for approx 4 hrs before practice. A little yogurt or some nuts can be taken before, if necessary. Many of the poses are meant to affect the digestive system and it is good not to toxify the body with matter in the intestines and bladder. It also aids in adding comfort to a practice that works to create a suction-like feeling in the lower abdomen.


2. Keep the lower abdominal region engaged throughout every inhalation and exhalation. 

Think, "Inhale, navel towards the spine, exhale, navel towards spine.". Ultimately this should help one find that tautness in the entire body cavity and begin to awaken the perinium and other diaphrams within the torso. This is the essence of "core strength". Breathing should be done expanding the ribs and lungs of the upper torso, not the belly, unless otherwise instructed for restorative systems.

3. When in downward dog or a forward bend rotate the tops of the thighs toward each other.

This helps us find and isolate the lowest abdominal muscles that seem to be the most difficult to locate and engage. Over time, the inguinal region will become strong, taught and charged with energy and the perenium will engage as well, becomming coordinated and intentional. This will also "lift" the weight out of the hips and give a lightness and bouyancy leading the way to a sensation of "freedom" within the poses.



4. In any position, but especially forward bends, pull the shoulders back away from the ears, giving yourself a long neck.

This furthers the process of creating a suction-like feeling within the cavities of the torso, essential for balance, strength and longevity. The relationship between the shoulder and abdominal region will begin to come to life and increase a sense of lightness within one's posture in general.


Pretty cool stuff, eh?  We'll be posting part 2 next week.  Stay tuned.

Namaste,

The 'Box

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