Extended Triangle Pose: Utthita Trikonasana (A standing pose/lateral bend) It’s the feeling of wringing out the back and spinal muscles while creating space for breath in the corners of the torso, that keeps this pose a staple in my practice.…
Hanumanasana – Monkey Pose Hanumanasana is named after the monkey-god Hanuman, emblematic of physical strength, perseverance and devotion. As told in the epic Indian tale known as the Ramayana, Hanuman is called upon to help Lord Rama rescue his beloved…
Utthita Parsvkonasana/Extended Side Angle I love this pose, it’s like the best early morning stretch any time of the day! It’s strengthening, stabilizing, lengthening, and expands the rib cage to encourage a full deep breath. It’s hip opening, creates tone…
Makarasana (Alligator Pose) This pose makes the spine flexible, strengthening the digestive system, abdomen, backside and legs. Alligator Pose card by Andrea Kalpana Tabachnick, YTT coordinator, senior teacher and artist.
Salamba Sarvangasana/Shoulderstand Pose This asana feels amazing! You can actually feel your body changing inside as you invert. It is as if your cells start to sense that the world looks and feels different when upside down. Everything gets quiet…
Dhanurasana – Bow Pose as taught by Jenny Shanti Collver Dhanurasana is a back bend which requires flexibility in the shoulders and thighs. Benefits Bow Pose energizes the body and counteracts the effects of too much sitting. Stretching the front of…
Virabhadrasana 2 (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna) – Warrior 2 Steady and strong, with strength and stamina. Virabhadrasana 2 can teach us a lot about the dynamics of bringing wisdom into the actions of our everyday lives. It is a powerful pose, no doubt,…
Dandasana (Staff or Seated Mountain Pose) This is a pose I use in every class. I like to use it at the beginning of a series of seated postures to help establish a start point, a centre of awareness of…
Supta Padangusthasana or Reclining Big Toe Hold When introducing your students to a challenging balancing pose, try taking it in a reclining, or supta position first. This allows a student to build familiarity with the actions of the pose before…
Utkatasana, chair or powerful pose I am always drawn to bring utkatasana into my classes – so much so that some of my students once gave me a thank you card with a stick figure in chair and plank pose…