Stretching - What makes us tight?

For the week of September 10, we're working on increasing flexibility by mainly working with the side body.

The more you move, the more flexible you become. Think about it, when you wake in the morning or stand up after watching a movie, your body may be a feel stiff. A good stretch is just the thing. If you have any pets, notice how they don't just wake up and run around. Even lively Pippin (pictured above) loves a great stretch in order to transition from rest to movement. So, when you get up in the morning don't jump out of bed. Take a few minutes to stretch and gently prepare your body for the day ahead. Same thing after you've been sitting at the office for a while. Take your time to at least spend a few breaths opening your spine. Who knows maybe you'll start a healthy trend for those around you!

Here are some brief ideas for your home practice (based off what we did in class):

1. Full deep breathing.

2. Gentle warm ups, like table top/cat/cow. Also, from a seated position, bow to the right and then to the left. Add anything that feel natural to slowly get the body moving with the breath.

3. Sun Salutations (Notice, for those of us that are a bit tighter, it is very helpful to first warm up and follow that with Salutations.)

4. Use any poses that help to open the side body, such as Side Angle (feel free to modify with the front forearm on the front leg), Side Mountain, Triangle w/ the top arm reaching in the direction of your front toes.

5. Beginners work with Gate. All level students go for Side Plank.

6. Cool down with supine poses, such as hugging the knees into the chest and knees to one side for a twist.

7. Corpse (Savasana).

8. Breathing with a focus on the exhales

9. Meditate on a positive affirmation, such as "I am growing more courageous, joyful, and peaceful every day."

Namaste,

Kris Kramer
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyoga.blogspot.com/

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!