I think most of my readers by now take it as a given that the yoga I teach is pretty far removed from “classical yoga” (whatever that might be, not the time or place to hear that debate again). To me the roots of yoga are the creation of a union between breath, body and mind and really, any mindful, controlled movement practice works. In both my teaching and my practice I bring yoga, pilates and dance moves, slowly, carefully and mindfully onto the mat. It’s what feels right and the students who need that kind of practice will find me, those that prefer to stand on their heads will find the teacher that is right for them.
Today’s flow is really nicked from classical mat Pilates. I’m a huge fan of Pilates. Yoga is something that has been a constant throughout my life but a large part of my heart lies in Pilates, mainly because it is so much kinder to the back. It was Pilates I practised right through studying for my Masters and I’m not sure I would have got through without it (one memorable lesson sticks in my mind when I cried throughout after deciding to change the main thread of my thesis about a month before hand in – my Pilates teacher understood, she was writing her PhD at the time!). What I don’t like about Pilates is that it does just seem to start suddenly, and then an hour later, finish. There is no centring practice to begin or final relaxation. Which is why I like to combine the two….
This little flow will strengthen shoulders and core. Enjoy
Start in all fours. Draw the navel into the spine and draw the shoulderblades into the back of the body. As you exhale start to take the buttocks back towards the heels, spreading the sitting bones. As soon as you start to feel the tailbone tuck under stop – you want to keep a flat back. Inhale back to all fours, but rather than just swing back to all fours using leg strength, push down with the palms and use the shoulders and arms to pull you back.
Exhale raise the right arm alongside the ear. Inhale back to all fours. Exhale the left arm alongside the ear. Inhale back to all fours.
Repeat the whole sequence 3-6 times. It makes a good alternative to cat/cow or sun salutations.
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Friday’s blanks courtesy of Lauren.
Readers, I’m taking the weekend off. I’ll see you all on Monday with episode 2 of Suburban Yogini TV.
Nice sequence! I’ve never tried pilates but it’s on my list. I’ve been told the breathing is very different from yoga, do you find that?
PS – I like the catwoman look! I have never liked black, but when I was a teenager I was into grunge. Oh, parents, why do you save those pictures?!