Category Archives: Yoga
May
09
Develop your core with Yoga
Do you want a strong core? Check out this twist… A lot is said about the Yoga Practice for “flexibility” and it’s true, “Range of Motion-use it or loose it”…but did you ever think about the other half of that? Strength. Healthy low back needs flexibility around the hip flexors, adductors, hammies and lats….but all [...]
Apr
20
The Power of Proprioception
All athletes face the dangers of getting hurt during their sport. That is why we train and practice. It helps provide the body and mind with some confidence that we can perform that tasks required of us. One of the largest components to this sense of confidence is proprioception. Proprioception refers to the sense of [...]
Feb
24
Meditation and the Brain
OHMMMM… With the stress of modern life most people seek some sort of retreat. Often times this manifests as a vacation adventure, internet search, blog or book, television show or movie. This does in a sense allow a break to enjoy life, but have you actually allowed your brain to completely shut off? Meditation is [...]
Jan
12
Yoga for Ailments
While studying Ayurvedic medicine (holistic medicine from India), I quickly realized how intertwined yoga is in this system. There are several different types of yoga, most focus on meditation. Hatha yoga is a branch that integrates physical asanas; this is what most westerners are familiar with. A pioneer in Hatha yoga is Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja [...]
Dec
10
Yoga Pose of the Month: Bridge
Bridge Pose Setu= Bridge Bandha= lock, or bind Welcome to Seattle winter, brrr, are you ready? To keep the internal fires stoked, a strong yoga practice that includes a little external heat, and back bending is a great way to stay healthy as cold sets into our joints. Bridge pose is a simple and easily [...]
Nov
05
Yoga is Hard Core!
Most people associate yoga with flexibility and mental relaxation training, but rarely make the connection that Yoga Asana (poses) are great abdominal strength training too! If you need a break from “crunches”, take a little journey with me as I explore two powerful “hard core” poses from the yoga asana sequence. Plank Pose and Dolphin [...]
Jul
22
Yoga Pose of the Month: Post Workout Stretches
This month, the Yoga Pose of the Month is actually a simple series of four basic “feel good” yoga poses for a post work out stretch. The first, Downward Facing Dog (Adho Muka Svasana), is a yoga classic. It’s purpose is to stretch all the major posterior muscle groups, as you strengthen your core, and [...]
Jun
04
Pilates Exercise of the Month – Shoulder Bridge
Purpose: To work the powerhouse and strengthen the back of the legs (hamstrings). Lie on your back with your knees bent, hip width apart, both feet firmly planted on the mat; arms by your sides, palms down. Squeeze your bottom and raise your hips off the mat. The hips, knees and feet are in perfect [...]
May
11
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Criss-Cross or Obliques
Purpose: The last of the Stomach Series, this works the external obliques, waistline and powerhouse. Lie on your back with hands behind your lifted head; elbows wide and your knees bent into your chest. Extend your right leg out long; hovering above the mat. Twist your upper body until the right elbow touches left knee. [...]
May
06
Yoga Pose of the Month: Ardha Chandrasana/Half Moon Pose
Ardha Chandrasana/Half Moon Pose What is one of the most common Spring sports injury? The ANKLE joint. Now that the sun is beginning to peak it’s head out more often, it’s time to amp up your Spring training and use yoga balance poses to strengthen ankles, calves, inner thighs and core. Spring sports like Soccer [...]
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