Yoga Heart Opening

Yoga Backbends – When Is A Bridge Too Far?

Backbends invoke mixed emotions from yoga students.  Some love them, some fear them and many avoid them​. Done safely and mindfully they have many benefits, from maintaining a healthy spine, to developing self awareness and building confidence.

​I know this from personal experience because I’ve ​been through every emotion possible during spinal extension.  I’ve been frightened of hurting myself, over cautious, over zealous and even high from the after buzz release… Endorphine rush is the absolute best drug.

I’m not the bendiest of yoga teachers, I’ve had to work for every ounce of flexibilty and back bending was my nemisis for many years. I still find certain postures like Urdva Dhanurasana (Full Bridge) really hard work, and I’ve not done a drop-back in years, that said, I love the way my spine and I feel after my back bending practice.

I no longer think backbends but more about the opening of the front of my body. Most of the day I’m sitting in forward flexion and this we know is not the ideal posture for humans.

In this workshop we will take a quick look at the muscle groups involved in lengthening and expanding the space in the front of our bodies. We’ll look the role of connective tissue, fascia and the compensatory patterns that our bodies adopt when the pressure is on. This information will give you a better understanding of how your body moves and why some postures are more challenging than others.

We’ll take a good look at how breath supports you during your asana (yoga postures) before moving into a slow moving vinyasa sequence to prepare your muscles and nervous system. We will target the quads, hips, abs and shoulders and begin with gentle supported postures, building into stronger, more energetic asana for those students who wish to keep going. There will be some partner work and most definitely fun in this workshop.

So come with a good intention and a light and open heart and your best and most stretchiest yoga pants.

All levels welcome. Be strong, stretched & centred.