For this class you will need blocks and a blanket. The class touches on the whole body to leave you ready for your day or as a nice wind down at the end of the day. This class was filmed live October 9, 2021.
Neck, Shoulders, and Wrists, Spoon Addition
For this class you will need a long wooden spoon or short dowel. We will also use yoga blocks and a foam roller if you have one. For this class we continue our work on the neck, shoulders and wrists. The dowel/spoon gives us a little more to work with in strengthening around the wrists. This work can be strong so go slowly and listen to your body. After more shoulder warm ups we give push ups a try, feel free to use your resistance band for a push up like action while lying down. Strengthening the front chest and front neck just might give your posture the support it was missing. See how your standing poses feel. This class was filmed live October 5, 2021.
Neck, Shoulders, and Wrists
For this class you will need a dowel, long stick, hiking pole or long wooded spoon. You will also need yoga blocks and a blanket. In this class we continue on our neck and shoulder work and incorporate work down chain in the wrists. After a thorough warm up we work on standing poses and then get a chance to head upside down. This class was filmed live October 4, 2021.
Neck and Shoulder Reset Continued
For this class you might want a blanket or bolster, and yoga blocks. In this class we combine the powerful work of hips and neck. Through fasicia our bodies woven together and connected so the hip and neck work directly effect each other. We also work on nerve flossing to help alleviate tension and open up greater ranges of motion. We then put it all together in our standing poses working subtly with the neck. This class was filmed live October 2, 2021
Neck and Shoulder Reset
For this class use a towel for some body buffing as part of the warm up. Does this sensory work improve your range of motion? Feel free to sit in a chair or on the floor for the warm up.
From there we use blocks as a way to build strength in the neck both while staying still and then moving. From there we continue to warm up the rest of the body in some reclining stretches. We then work with the block against the head again in the standing poses to feel the stability it brings to the neck. We end class with legs up the wall to rest a recover from the strengthening work. This class was filmed live Sept 28, 2021.
Wheel Pose
For this class you will need wall space, a chair without arms, yoga blocks, a blanket and a bolster.
This class starts off standing working on shoulder mobility and expanding breathing. From here we lengthen the hip flexors and create balance strengthening the back of the hip. All of this aides in belly down backbends and then wheel pose at the end of class. This class was filmed live April 19, 2021.
Back Care Flow
For this class you will need a yoga block, blanket, and long resistance band.
Starting off we work on breathing and resetting the ribcage and pelvis for optimal breathing. We then work into mobilizing the hips and ribcage. Notice how it feels to sit upright after these warmups. We use the resistance bands to help warm up our shoulders and then use the block in a interesting way to gently strengthen our necks. Much of the time in our bodies stability needs to proceed mobilty. After standing poses we practice bridge pose and explore neck flexion in the supported pose. This class was filmed live March 30, 2021.
Neck and Hip Stability for Mobility
For this class you will need two yoga blocks, a mini loop band, a slidable surface, and blanket for padding. Sometimes before more range of motion we need more stability.
In this sequence we work on stability and movement with the hips and neck. A check in before and after might leave you with more range of motion. We then utilize our block neck stabilizing work in standing poses. We leave extra time to rest at the end of class, rest is so important and so undervalued. Take the time at the end of this practice to let it all soak in. This class was filmed live March 29, 2021.
Weighted Shoulderstand Prep
For this class you will need to small (2 lbs) hand weights or two cans of soup, yoga blocks, a strap and possibly a chair.
In this class we use the small weights to continue to explore shoulder mechanics focusing mostly on the ability to rotate. The ability to rotate both internally and externally dictates our range of motion both behind us and over head. We utilize our strong shoulders and upper back in a series of standing poses and then check in with the neck from spynx pose, our belly down backend. Mobilizing neck, shoulders and hips culminates in our chair shoulderstand at the end of the practice. This class was filmed live February 16, 2021.
Gomukasana Flow and Side Plank Hack
For this class you will need some wall space and possibly yoga blocks.
We start reclining to warm up the body and hone in on the ability to stabilize to torso while moving the arms and legs. This supports awareness as we continue to move in the standing poses. At the wall we focus on internal rotation of the shoulders, the key to opening up more space in the shoulder capsule. This rotational work is continued in plank and side plank at the wall and then later from the floor to increase the load and ability to build strength and resilience of the shoulders. The Gomukasana Arms flow challenges shoulder mobility and balance all at once in this playful sequence. This class was filmed live February 6, 2021.
A New Take of Familiar Moves
For this class you will need a strap and chair and ideally yoga blocks.
Neck work can be challenging so try this reclining sequence to stretch out your neck and gently strengthen. Then work on your upper back strength and coordination in standing shoulder work. Spinal balance is a wonderful pose for so many reasons, but have your tried spinal balance while in a C curve of your spine? This new version may change your perspective and improve your spinal strength and mobility. Last but not least we end with backbending to strenthen the upper back. Students at the end of class said, "My neck feels amazing!'. This class was filmed live February 2, 2021
Strong and Mobile Neck and Shoulders
In this class you will need a bolster and long strap and yoga blocks and optional yoga chair with alternatives given.
We start up warming up the spine including the neck seated in a chair. After attention on the neck try some reclining traction to lengthen and relax. We then explore shoulder and neck ranges of motion creatively sprinkled in with the standing poses. All this shoulder and upper back work just may make your handstand feel more accessible. This class was filmed live February 1, 2021.