Gomukhasana is one of the stretches I learned during my early practice days of Kripalu yoga that made a huge difference in my hips and low back, helping to release the tensions that my passion for sports and a career in carpentry created in these areas. At first, you may need to sit on a […]
Conquer bharadvajasana with this preparatory sequence
Bharadvajasana is one of those weird and wacky poses that I absolutely love. The first time I did this pose I thought, ‘What the heck—?! Who thought this one up?!’ Of course, no one actually THOUGHT bharadvajasana up, if you subscribe to the belief (and I do) that asana evolved from the lived experience of […]
7 Simple Steps to Intelligent Class Sequencing
Whenever a yoga teacher asks about class sequencing, the discussion usually starts off, “well, it depends.” What it depends on are common-sense things like: What time of day is it? (Morning? Start with a warm-the-joints flow. Evening? Start more vigorous and bring it down to calm the nervous system.) Is it cold outside? (Yes? Do […]
A ‘Vinyasa Short’ back-strengthening sequence for variety
We focus on back strengthening in this Vinyasa Short, but at first glance it may fool you. Even though back strengthening is the main focus, this sequence includes a wide range of movements: twisting, forward folding and of course, awareness and strength of the entire core. What this means is that the whole trunk gets […]
Freshen Up Your Class Sequencing with ‘Vinyasa Shorts’
When I was teaching a million yoga classes a week and tons of privates, I was always on the hunt for class sequencing inspiration. Not because my students were bored but because I personally needed to be growing as a teacher. I really wanted to be offering new class sequences that kept things fresh for […]