On Tuesday, I actually had to take a private yoga lesson! Ha Ha Ha. The word had is used in jest. Anytime yoga is involved it is a joy. Yoga Works does not allow you to receive your completion certificate until all hours are made up. This private session was a make-up on INVERSIONS. Cool!
My Yoga Works TT had two senior teachers, Thomas and Carmen, and two teacher trainers, Michelle and Sarah. My trainers were more like my “sisters” there to help us achieve what the teachers were requiring. They were on our side, so to speak. Both my trainers teach at the Yoga Works studios if you take one of their classes: be prepared… They are freakin hard!
It was cool to have the opportunity to work on the three “big” inversions in a private session because all three poses are seriously challenging. What are the big three: Headstand, Handstand and Pincha Mayurasana. Phew! Inversions can benefit the body in a variety of ways- namely, it builds self confidence, empowering, strength building, they increase circulation and can prevent edema in the feet, ankles and legs and it benefits your digestive, respitory, and eliminatory systems…
Two Major Things I learned:
Don’t look at your feet! When moving into handstand, look between your hands. This is a big deal, people!! In preparation for Pincha, again, look at your hands. Pincha is SO hard that you need to focus on something other than “how will I get up?” cause as soon as you think you can’t, you can’t.
Pelvic Tilt: Imagine that your pelvis is a bowl of water. If you are standing with a sway back, your water will pour out the front. If you stand with your pelvis tucked in, it might want to pour out the back. So, when in inversions, keep you pelvis neutral. From me, since I have an extra amount of sway in my back, I really need to tuck in my pelvis in an inversion.
What’s the goal of inversions?
Working on a longer hold. I’m on the 30 seconds in headstand, handstand and 10 seconds in Pincha! The idea is to work towards a five minute hold. Little bit by little bit.
How many of you have an inversion practice? It’s worth it to find a good teacher to help you learn the techniques! I love them.
1 response so far ↓
1 Fitarella // Aug 1, 2009 at 3:00 am
wow, that is so cool! I’ve never done even attempted that. the closest I’ve come is trying to do handstand push-ups, which I’m still working on! Go girl!
Fitarella´s last blog ..Official MizFit Fashion!
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