Heart health is considered a key to the overall health and longevity. From the vantage point of Western Medicine, poor heart health is the leading cause of disease and death in the developed world. And although much time and money goes into the development of pharmaceutical and surgical treatment for disease of the heart, much … Continued
The root of a whole host of physical challenges and chronic pain — from shoulder, hip and low back pain to joint injury and deterioration and forms of scoliosis — can be found in basic imbalances in the alignments of the pelvic girdle. This is about more than just having a ‘picture perfect’ posture (which … Continued
Keeping our joints healthy is essential for enjoying freedom of movement and agility all through life. As the joints age, we tend to lose range of motion, and that in turn limits ease of movement, compromises balance and may even lead to increased risk of falls and fractures. In the long run, joint deterioration can … Continued
Ever wondered how to quiet that neurotic roommate in your head that keeps perpetuating feelings of worry or stress? We all experience moments of nervousness, worry and stress. But excessive anxiety and obsessive thinking can lead to sleepless nights, emotional meltdowns, high-blood pressure and in general will undermine our health and well-being in many ways. … Continued
All around us we see an epidemic of posture problems that often lead to back pain and other problems. Particularly common is the slumping and forward head posture that often comes with prolonged sitting. Posture problems also contribute to problems in yoga poses and even may predispose students towards injuries. In this course, Julie Gudmestad … Continued
An estimated eight out of every ten people will suffer from back pain at least once in their lives. Recent studies find that yoga shows promise as a complementary treatment for back pain; it has been shown to be more effective than exercise or a self-care book for improving back functioning in people with back … Continued
In this two-part teleclass, Judith Hanson Lasater shares her unique and deep insights into the philosophy and practice of yoga. This audio teleclass focuses on two related topics relevant to anyone practicing yoga, whether beginner, advanced practitioner or yoga teacher. The practice of yoga is a profound and demanding one, because it asks us to look … Continued
Practicing yoga can change our life in numerous positive ways, but as with all forms of physical activity, there can be risks of injury. How can you make the most progress in your yoga practice, without increasing the risk of injury? Join popular Yoga U presenters Dr. Loren Fishman and yoga therapist Ellen Saltonstall for a … Continued
Your spine is a long curving river….in scoliosis, and indeed in all spinal terrains, it is important to sense the course of the river, the riverbanks, the surrounding country. To encounter the inflow of the tributaries of the limbs, and observe their impact on the course of the river-spine. The interior body as felt, known … Continued
With the popularity of abdominal strengthening exercises like curl-ups and crunches, many people come to yoga with overly tight and short abdominals. Tightness in the abdominal muscles can restrict the movement of the diaphragm and disturb the proper balance between the different muscles involved in breathing, thus disturbing the breath’s natural rhythm. When the diaphragm … Continued
Core strengthening has been a health and fitness buzzword for years, but there is a lot of confusion about what it actually is. True core strengthening has little to do with building a “ripped” or “shredded” six-pack, rather, it is a full-body integration that enables us to strengthen and access the entirety of the core’s … Continued
Teaching beginners is by far the most challenging teaching situation for yoga teachers. Combine that difficulty with the fact that it is often newer teachers who teach beginning classes, and it is easy to see why there can be difficulties. With the growing popularity of yoga, more and more people with little yoga experience are flocking to studios. … Continued