Tonight I'm taking my class in what seems to be the coldest night of the year so far. The other day I was asked how it has been going back to taking classes after a break. I was only out for 2 months but there are some differences. My shoulders feel weaker doing Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose). I have to bring my knees down for extra help. My legs are also feeling a little shaky if holding Warrior 1 or 2 which is odd. Hip openers and standing poses are my forte! I take pride in my strong tree trunk legs, except for Utkatasana (Chair Pose), I never liked that pose but I guess it's good for my butt. :)
The instructor I've been going to Thursday nights is nice but she won't incorporate an inversion in the class which I wish she would do. It is a Level 1 class and the other L1 classes in the studio have at least a headstand, or work your way into a headstand. So it's not like I'm asking her to do something special just for me. I love going upside-down, I NEED to go upside-down, no I'm not crazy!
From YogaJournal.com:
When one inverts, tissue fluids of the lower extremities drain—far more effectively than when one is asleep. Areas of congestion clear. In a 1992 Yoga International article on Headstand and the circulatory system, Coulter wrote: "If you can remain in an inverted posture for just 3 to 5 minutes, the blood will not only drain quickly to the heart, but tissue fluids will flow more efficiently into the veins and lymph channels of the lower extremities and of the abdominal and pelvic organs, facilitating a healthier exchange of nutrients and wastes between cells and capillaries."
Plus, on a psychological level, there is nothing more gratifying than conquering a fear of standing on your head. Quite the self-confidence booster!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
I luvs to stand on me head
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
hello Sirsasana girl! I think it is great that you like headstand so much...but I can also see the teacher's concern. Most beginner students I've taught wind up doing more damage than good to their neck and overalll alignment because they lack basic balance and strength of the psoas. But you might want to ask if she would consider doing some more modified or restorative versions at least so that students in the class have something to build on. Do you practice on your own at home? you can do as much headstand as you want when you're not in class...
Thank you for adding me to your list of blogs. I will def. do the same. :)
Oh I totally hear ya! Early in my practice I would DREAD the inversion part of class. They encourage using the wall as support for any inversions we do. I don't practice at home as much as I would like to. Trying to find the time is the hardest part.
at my current studio (contrary to any other place i've practiced), we actually start class with individual headstands, as a way to center yourself and start warmingup. it sounds a little counter/intuivite, beginning practice with such an intense pose, but it's amazing. just lay down your mat, several breaths in childs pose, a few in downward dog to start activating muscles, and then a few minutes in headstand (followed by another dd or childs pose). it's great :)
Post a Comment