Recently, I stumbled across an interesting outlook on twisting poses, so it has inspired me to create a theme around twisting asanas this week.Roger Cole, a certified Iyengar yoga instructor wrote the following in Yoga Journal Magazine about twisting asanas:
"If your masseuse, your shrink, and your yoga teacher ever got together, they'd surely agree that you need twists. Your masseuse knows that your back muscles are tighter than the strings on a soprano ukulele; your shrink knows that half your tension comes from stress. And your teacher knows that twisting poses are often the best way to untie both physical and psychological knots.
Forward bends, side bends, and backbends bring relief, but twists really get to the core of your tension. Only twists can effectively stretch the deepest layer of back muscles: the small ones closest to your spine. The more you practice twists, the more you realize they don't just release tightness; they also dissipate the frustration, anxiety, or fear that's often behind physical tension. On many levels, twisting is more about what you let go of than what you accomplish."
So this week, let's focus on just that! Throughout our practice, I will incorporate several twisting poses and variations of poses with a twisting modification. So as mentioned last week, of the three elements - cardio, strength, and flexibility - flexibility will play a key role in twisting asanas. That's not to say cardio and strength will not, but the dominating factor this class will be flexibility. If you have a yoga strap at home, I would encourage you to bring it to class. There are a few straps in the classroom if you need one and do not own one.
Lastly, twisting poses go hand-in-hand with core strengtheners, so after savasana, I will dedicate 15 minutes after class towards abdominal work. You are more than welcome to join me!
If you have any questions or concerns prior to this class, please send me an e-mail. Also any twisting poses you would like to work on during this class, please offer up suggestions. I look forward to seeing you again this week. Cheers!
1 comment:
Twisting poses can often be difficult because it is an awkward position and maybe constrict fluid breathing, but you all did amazing! The breath was loud, clear, and constant, and the energy and enthusiasm were present.
The new sequence towards the end of class where arm balances and side planks were incorporated was absolutely a challenging sequence. However, if you felt you were unable to complete it, don't be discouraged because as I repeat over and over again, patience and dedication will bring you strength, flexibility, and most importantly confidence to perform any yoga pose. The sequence definitely was challenging on the wrists, and I'm glad to see that people took breaks rather than forced themselves through the sequence risking injury.
Lately, it haven't had as much feedback from you all in regards to the class. I'm assuming that silence means satisfaction. If that's not the case, speak up and be heard. It is very challenging to teach a multi-level yoga class, so I try as hard to please everyone at every level they are currently, but if you feel that classes are not challenging you enough, or perhaps too challenging, you must let me know. I am counting on you to assist me with making our yoga practice a success!
Thanks again for coming out! It's great to see familiar faces and new faces. As for this Sunday's outdoor yoga, please check the website on Saturday to ensure there is class because the weather looks quite unpredictable at this point. Enjoy the rest of your week, and let me know if you have any suggestions for upcoming classes.
Cheers!
sammi
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