When I first started doing yoga, I had to use a lot of props — blocks, straps, wedges, bolsters, etc. As I became more flexible, though, my use of props decreased, until I eventually stopped using yoga props altogether. Now, more than ten years after I started doing vinyasa flow yoga, I’m using props all … Continue reading
Downward Facing Dog is not a position you can easily avoid. For those who find the pose puts stress on their neck, shoulders and wrists, one possible solution is to check your foundation. In this article I will discuss the proper hand placement to give your dog a solid base. Remember that just as a … Continue reading
Today I’m reposting an old set of videos demonstrating one of the most fun (but kind of scary!) transitions in yoga: Jumping from Down Dog into Tripod Headstand. Yes, it sounds crazy. No, it’s actually not that hard. However, this is a demo video, so don’t try this at home, kids. Not unless you have the guidance … Continue reading
Om Shanti: A Yoga Blog is expanding! Throughout 2013, I’ll be introducing several new contributors on the site. These yogis all share my love of Ashtanga and vinyasa flow yoga, but each will bring his or her own unique perspective and voice to the discussion. In the coming months, expect to see a growing range of … Continue reading
A few years ago, I posted an example of a 45-minute yoga practice that people can do at home. A shorter practice like this can be especially useful during the holiday season, when you’re traveling or just don’t seem to have the time to get to your local yoga studio. Today, I’m going to post … Continue reading
The first video I’m reposting is the transition from Bakasana into Handstand (and then back down into Bakasana). This has always been one of my favorite transitions. In a strange way, it feels like tight-rope walking to me, in terms of the focus and precision you need in order to pull it off. There’s very … Continue reading
A long time ago, in my past life as an “advanced” yogi, I wrote a post on this blog about the proper way to do Chaturanga. Yesterday, as part of my slow and on-going recovery, I went to another Anusara class and got a totally different take on Chaturangas/Vinyasas that blew my mind. Continue reading
A curious thing about the traditional asana practice is that it tends not to develop great core strength, even though so many of the poses require you to use core strength. With the exception of Navasana (Boat Pose), there aren’t that many asanas that focus specifically on the core muscles. Some poses, like Trikonasana (Triangle) … Continue reading
Visvamitrasana is, as my friend puts it, a “bear” of a pose. Like a lot of advanced poses, this one requires balance, strength, flexibility, and strength within flexibility. Continue reading
One of my yoga teachers says frequently that weightlifting and yoga are wholly incompatible. He believes that weightlifting works against everything we are trying to accomplish in yoga. I think he is right that excessive weightlifting/body-building can tighten up your body so much that it’ll take years just to get your arms straight in Down-Dog. … Continue reading
