Are you intrigued by backbends, but not sure where to begin? Or are you concerned about a vulnerable low back or knees? Backbends are an important and traditional part of asana practice. However, many yoga practitioners struggle with them, especially students with a sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to slumped posture, tight hips, and compressed internal … Continued
What are forward head posture and hyperkyphosis and why should you care? In the last few decades, researchers have become increasingly interested in the health effects of a posture on our health. And, what they are discovering is pretty remarkable. You may have heard of the new concept of ‘text neck’– which is essentially forward … Continued
Back pain is the third most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, one of the most common reasons for missing work, and the single leading cause of disability. Yoga has been shown in numerous studies to be an effective technique for preventing and relieving back pain. In fact, research has found that yoga … Continued
In recent years, a great deal of research attention has focused on how yoga can help enhance well-being and support a healthy mental and emotional balance. In this online course, Senior Iyengar yoga teacher Marla Apt shares the principles used in recent successful studies on yoga for depression to show how yoga asanas and other … Continued
A recent study published by Surgical Technology International concludes that when you look down at your cell phone to text, check email, or play a game the force applied to the neck is the equivalent of four adult-sized bowling balls, or 60 pounds. In fact, some are now calling this body position an iPosture, or … Continued
The human wrist and ankle are both marvels of mechanical design and utility. Some authorities site the dexterity of the human hand as our basic advantage over other mammals. Yet in yoga we choose to become four-legged, three legged, legless or one legged creatures – dogs, cobras, cranes, storks and more – with demand for … Continued
Most yoga students think of yoga as the physical postures of asanas or the breathing practices of pranayama. However, in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra we are introduced to the Yamas and Niyamas, the ethical guidelines for all practitioners. In other words, the classical teachings of yoga begin not with asana, but rather with the guidelines for how we … Continued
Osteoarthritis affects 30 million adults in the USA, causing pain, severely restricted essential activities such as walking and other daily movement, and fear of exercise. Ironically, while arthritis tends to limit movement, movement is also the best antidote against arthritis – if it’s the right type of movement. Yoga enhances coordination and flexibility, the very … Continued
Chronic neck and shoulder tension affects millions of people, and can seriously detract from our day to day well-being. In this online course, yoga therapist Robin Rothenberg, author of The Essential Low Back Program: Relieve Pain and Restore Health, will discuss the factors that often result in neck and shoulder pain and offer a yoga … Continued
Every body is unique. This can present a challenge to yoga teachers and practitioners, not only in terms of adapting to ability, but also figuring out how to deal with muscle tightness, weakness, over flexibility, and other common asymmetries. In this 6-part course, yoga therapist Shy Sayar addresses key approaches that can help us and … Continued
Restorative yoga can be a gateway to deep relaxation and the cultivation of mindfulness. Enter, enter!” —Jon Kabat Zinn, Ph.D. in Relax & Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times by Judith Hanson Lasater We work very hard in our lives, and while we may sleep, we rarely take time to rest. Restorative yoga poses help us learn … Continued
Informal surveys indicate that the highest percentage of yoga injuries come from forward bending postures. One likely reason is that numerous biomechanical factors impact the safety of forward bends. These include not just tight hamstrings, but many other interactive anatomical and kinesiological factors, which most yoga teachers have not been trained to observe or correct. … Continued