Yoga Anatomy Recap

We had a full house for today’s Yoga Anatomy: Practice & Prevention seminar. After brief introductions by Shawn (our resident DPT) and myself, the program transitioned into a highly interactive session: Full of queries, life accounts, practice and the near constant exchange of information.

We transitioned from seated breathing (expanding the belly and rib cage) to forward bends (are we stretching our hamstrings or back), to table and down dog (where we explored the shoulders and spine), to low lunges (where we worked on maintaining our core), to sphinx, cobra and friends (spinal extension) to child (ahhh).

Then up for standing balance (working from the core) to lunges (glut strength anyone) to triangle (bend the  knee just enough that the instructor cannot see) to therapeutic exercises (knees, wrists, hips & more) to supine poses (gentleness to close out) and finally a short shavasana.

Here the point is that our journeying was slow wherein Shawn highlighted the operative anatomical features and addressed common ailments and injuries. No matter one’s level, it really was an eye-opening experience where we explored our human laboratory and gained insight into our bodies and our practice.

Here are but a few of the many thoughts that participants had to share. “The best part of the seminar was…”

– The back and forth between yoga and pt information. It was easy to apply the information Shawn gave to my practice and I noticed several improvements right away.

– Everything! Q & A always helpful and other peoples’ experiences.

– Even without asking personal things about my own lower back issues, I learned how to manage it, when to do backbends vs forward bends, many variations of both in case something is uncomfortable, how to read my pain, and the idea that it could be a lopsided glut. Who knew?

– The basic theme of explaining what goes on anatomically as we move. Also the use of clear, layman’s language with analogies.

– The hints! Especially the persistent reminder to tighten the core – I think that alone will really improve my practice!

– And there were so many more – and I hope those who attended will write more about their experiences in the comments of this post!!

Thanks to all who came – you brought your energy, inquisitiveness, engagement and so much more to make this a successful workshop. Shawn and I look forward to seeing you again soon – at the next one!