Are you ready to feel your best from head to toe not just on the outside but also on the inside? Physically, a consistent yoga practice will improve your posture, prevent injury, alleviate pain, and benefit your nervous and digestive systems. Opening the body creates corresponding openings in the heart and emotions, as well as helping develop a clear, calm mind.
This week’s classes offer synergistic effects of a well-rounded yoga practice for your entire being. When you step onto the mat, an integral element of the practice is learning to stay present through the challenging and the simpler parts of class. When you utilize the breath to filter out distractions and shift your awareness inward, you can tune into what you’re feeling and release what no longer serves you.
Beyond the observable physical benefits of stronger and more supple muscles, healthier bones and joints, yoga impacts the subtle body, or the blueprint of your physical body. The seven main Chakras or energy channels run along the Sushumna Nadi, which mirrors the spine. Yoga for your entire body will correct imbalances in your subtle body from the Muladhara or Root Chakra all the way up to the Sahasrara Chakra on the crown of your head.
When you focus on your lower body, you’re creating a healthy foundation from the ground up. Standing poses are excellent for creating the balance of stability and mobility in the hips and pelvis and developing strong, flexible legs. You’ll also fortify the emotions associated with the three lower Chakras: Muladhara (Root), Svadhistana (Sacral), and Manipura (Navel). These Chakras are associated with basic needs, relationship issues, and the ego, respectively.
As you move along the spine and focus on the upper body, you’ll boost upper body strength and posture. The other four main Chakras, Anahata (Heart), Visshuda (Throat), Ajna (Third Eye), and Sahasrara (Crown) are positively impacted through physical postures for the upper and full body, too. Think heart opening poses and balancing poses to create space and power!
Various poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) benefit your full body, mind, and heart. Each time you step onto the mat, no matter what the style of class, you have the chance to become the best version of yourself. Enjoy this week’s variety of classes for all of you!
Full Body Loosen Up - Lila Whiting
Fusion Flow: Upper Body - Annie Coyle
Lower Body - Denelle Numis
Full Body Mash Up - Jessica Oldfield