Deep Spinal Twist Variation

I have been haunted by hunch back since my schooling days. Whenever I am in Upavisthasana, I tried very hard to lengthen my back but failed miserably. Now matter how I roll and roll my shoulder, it just would not straighten. This is one posture that my Yoga Instructor constantly came over and corrected it by pulling my shoulder to the back. Ahh…. I feel good when she did that.

Ever since I took up Yoga, I would contantly reminded myself to walk-with-your-back-straight! But…but… hunching is so relaxing…. *puppy eye*

Namaste, everyone!

This post is by special request of a fellow friend of mine. The differences of Pyramid and Traditional headstand.

Left: Traditional Headstand. Right: Pyramid Headstand

And yes! During the photoshoot, I fell backward to the ground numerous times. Surprisingly, I felt myself like a feather. Gently falling down, gliding my butt on the mat, lastly my legs touching the ground instead of falling down like a log *TIMBER!*. Nothing breaks except for a sore neck the next day.

All well, ends well. Namaste, everyone!

Sunday was another usual day where I drop my eldest daughter for her Teakwando class and I hop over for my Yoga class. But last Sunday, there is only 2 yogis present. Good thing I don’t end up being alone as that would freak me out. Tho, I have an evil plan in head. Not trying to be a show off, the usual Hatha class is no longer a challenge for me. What else with 4 sets of Sun Salutation? *yawn!*

Before I could open my mouth, my Yoga Instructor Elaine suggested, “Today we do something extreme.” I claps my mouth almost cheering out in joy. Then I smile at her, “I was going to suggest that too.”

A challenging Sun Salutation pose. Instead of the usual “plank pose – chest and chin down – slide into cobra”, we had “plank pose – chaturanga – upward dog”. aitelyu, it is not easy to come up from chaturanga to upward dog without my big tight hitting the mat once. Teheeheee… this is my first time tho and I can’t help myself but to cheat a little. Sue me *sticking out tongue*

We was taught other challenging postures and did many outrageous postures. For example the Pyramid headstand. I’m almost there but not quite there yet. Elaine taught us the other variation of headstand, that is the Traditional headstand.

Woohoo! For the first time I am able to lift myself to full headstand. I still have the phobia of falling backward. So, no picture of me doing the full headstand in public as of now.

We adjourned the class with another variation of shavasana by placing a block under our back making sure our butt is still firmly on the mat and our leg in butterfly pose. Nice!

I left the class feeling accomplished (headstand) and fullfilled (different variation). How I wish our daily lesson is always so challenging.

Namaste, everyone.

I don’t have a strong arm 🙁 I sulk when coming to any posture with arm balancing. Tho I’m good now, I strive to be better. One of the posture I practice regularly at home.

Pardon the photo editing. It was supposed to show a posture of my leg leaning on the wall for support.  The biggest challenge now is to hold up my leg 90degree OFF THE WALL as in headstand (Sanskrit: Shirshasana)  That, we can wait. lol

Namaste, everyone.

*This act is not part of Yoga posture but very effective to strengthen your core muscle and some priceless family bonding.*

Your core make up of three muscle regions on your body. That is abdominal, pelvic, and lower back. Basically, your core muscle located between your pelvis and the base of your ribcage. These muscles work together to support your spine. When you strengthen your core, you gain greater balance, stability and better posture.

Core muscles are the the vital foundation for all movement of your body. The muscles of your torso stabilize your spine and provide a solid foundation for developing strong shoulders, arms and legs. If the core muscles are weak, your body won’t work effectively, and other muscles have to pick up the slack. Weak core is why we ‘hunch’ our shoulders or get an aching back.

In Yoga, if you don’t build up your core muscles, you won’t be able to hold on some poses for a long period and hence, the reason why we are slipping away on the mat. Beginners usually blame it on the mat, but the fact is, they don’t have a strong core and not using the strength from their core muscle.

*Note: Refering to 2nd pic. Make sure you tuck in your tummy and tighten your inner tight. That is part of the secret to get rid of your love handle.

Namaste, everyone!

Sanskrit: Konasana

Can’t bend without aid. Good thing I can get a helping hand at home. To me, this is 8/10!

Wonder when I can perfect this posture?  Hmm…. many moons to come.

Namaste, everyone!

Sanskrit:  Vrikshasana

Imagine you are a tree. Your foot is the  root and your leg is the trunk.  Continue imagining your outstretched arm and head is the branches and leaves.  You maybe unsteady for a while and your body swaying back and forth and your leg go wobbly like a tree bending in the wind yet staying upright and keep concentrating at one point.  Yes, our body can maintain the balancing on one foot.

For a challenge, turn your head looking to your left while maintaining your posture firmly.  Repeat on the right side.  I find that it’s a big challenge as our body balances on one straight point and thus loosing balances  the moment we turn our head.

Sanskrit : Garudasana

The Eagle Posture will strengthen your legs, knees and ankles. It stretches and tones muscles of the leg that grow weak from sedentary lifestyles ad can help relieve cramps of the legs. However, if you have knee pain, avoid doing this pose.

I do have problem with this posture.  Blame it on my fat tight.  I can’t seem to wrap my right foot all the way to the back. Each time I tried to do that, I will lost my balance. Now I just rest my fat tight on my left leg occasionally cheated by resting my toes on the floor for support. *ngek, ngek, ngek*

This is how you do it:

Draw the right foot upward bending the knee and wrap the right foot around your left leg as you rest the back of your right thigh on the left thigh. Cross your arms at the elbows, right over left.  Join the palms of your hands together keeping the fingers pointed upward.

For a challenge, sink your hip lower and stretch your arms higher.

Namaste, everyone!

Different hand variation in Padmasana Posture.

Backwards prayer position.

Take a deep breath, lengthen your spin, arch your back and stretch your hand backwards into prayer position. Exhale…..  I need to perfect this posture by bringing up my hands higher tho.  Maybe the next photoshoot 😉

Quick go learn this posture. Very useful if you are in Thailand. Like Kennysia said, “can greet sawadeeka from the back”.

Namaste, everyone.

Like all other activities yoga also needs to be practiced in clothes that are specifically deigned for the physical demands of Yoga. It is beyond doubt that wearing proper Yoga clothes helps an individual to give their best performance yet did not restrict them from any movements.

When I first started Yoga, I’ve never thought clothing would come as a subject to ponder as I thought any t-shirt and any pants would does it’s trick. I soon realised it when I have to fussed over restricted movement around knee bend and occasionally tugging, pulling and freeing stuck fabric around my knee bend. Somehow, the thought just struck me. Expert don’t invent Yoga clothings for no apparent reason. Go get your PROPER yoga clothing! Oh, do I have to mentioned on oversizes T-shirt when you do the Shoulder Stand?

Another important feature of Yoga clothes should be sweat absorbencies quality especially during Pilates classes. It helps in moisture absorption and keeping one dry.

The material that I usually go for is lycra as they are comfortable enough to allow free movement of various body parts in almost all Yoga poses or positions.

Why want to stings on clothings as you can afford to pay for Yoga classes?

Namaste, everyone!