This quick, rhythmic practice takes you through sun salutations, standing sequence, the first half of the primary series linked by vinyasa, backbending, 3 seated postures, and rest. Traditional and modified versions of the Marichasana sequence are detailed. Grow a comfortable “Beginning Primary” practice before attempting half primary.
Bandha, a subtle engaging of the lower abdomen and floor of the pelvis, is an integral aspect of the Ashtanga method, to stabilize the mind and body. This practice begins with a “cross-training” exercise to help find the regions of uddiyana and mulabandha, then uses specific imagery and constant reminders to engage the center of … Continued
If you have an anxious response to stress you might sometimes find it a challenge to just sit down and relax. This affects not only how you feel and how you hold yourself, but your health as well. In this video, Dr. Baxter Bell guides you through a practice that will get you moving in … Continued
Tight muscles and shortened connective tissue in the neck can lead to neck pain, tension headaches, and even jaw, sinus, or eye problems. In this practice, Ellen guides you through a series of restorative postures to release this tension by massaging the neck muscles and lengthening the connective tissue that holds our bodies in conformity … Continued
Pattabhi Jois noted that a full practice, up to 90 minutes or more, is sometimes not possible amongst the duties of daily life. His MDR, Minimum Daily Requirement, includes Suryanamskara A and B, 3 times each, and the final 3 seated postures. Get your heart rate up, sit and breath, take rest- and you’re done! … Continued
Chronic pain is a complex condition that has been shown to have important considerations for working with both the body and mind in the process of healing and for the alleviation of suffering. In chronic pain, the nervous system becomes sensitized to sensation and there are changes in the brain’s relationship to sensation, to the … Continued
Agility is essential for healthy aging—it allows us to move through time and space with coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. If you are looking for a gentle introduction to developing agility, this is a great place to start! In this class, Dr. Baxter Bell uses a combination of dynamic movement and static, held postures to … Continued
As we get older our balance often will gradually worsen. This can lead to falls and fractures in our later years. However, if we work on balance regularly we can maintain and sometimes even improve our overall balance. The practice in this video has been designed by Dr. Baxter Bell to help you build balance … Continued
In this video, Dr. Baxter Bell guides you through a well-balanced series of movements to develop flexibility of the hips, lower back, knees, and ankles. Because most of us sit a lot during the day or maybe aren’t as active as we once were, we’ve lost some of our full potential in these areas. These … Continued
Dr. Baxter Bell has designed this video for those who have done the Easy Balance Practice and are ready to move to the next level. This series of poses will ramp up your balance skill quickly through a combination of traditional yoga postures and controlled instability, a technique from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. … Continued
It’s been said that sitting is the new smoking in terms of health concerns. Most of us have jobs in which we’re in this sedentary position for sometimes up to even 8 or 10 hours a day, which compounds the effects of daily stress. Dr. Baxter Bell has designed this practice to get you out … Continued
Flexibility is one of the four key life skills for healthy aging. Dr. Baxter Bell has designed this practice to increase the range of motion you have in your shoulders, upper back, and neck area. Each one of us is dealing with our own flexibility issues, which have likely been stable for some time. Through … Continued