July 30, 2022 – Grounded in Balance and Stability

Join us for this balancing and centering Saturday morning yoga class!

When: July 30, 2022
Day:  Saturday 
Time: 9:00 am -10:30 am (Eastern Time Zone)
Price: $20.00 

Grounded in Balance and Stability

“Balance in the body begins with the feet for the basic work of the foot and ankle is to offer a reliable base by which the upper body can relate….” (Structural Alignment, (1973), Ida Rolf).

This class focuses on the alignment of the feet, shin bones, and leg so that the ankle joint and knee joint move with alignment and ease. Both the ankle and knee joint are considered hinge joints, providing forward and backward movement with very little side to side movement. When the lower core muscles (psoas and gluteus maximus) in the body are engaged, the legs easily propel the body forward. One experiences balance, power, and stability when walking.

Anatomically, each foot has 26 bones and 3 arches; the lateral, medial, and transverse arch. A competent foot is lively and active and integrates the actions of the arches, accepting the weight of the body while creating lift and balance in the feet.

“To carry the weight of the body, the foots arches must be stabilized by very strong muscles. These muscles are far too large to be contained in the foot itself. They are located in the lower leg (the calf muscles); their force travels to the arches along strong tendons.” (Structural Integration, (1973), Ida Rolf).

Additionally, the ankle and knee joints require alignment of foot, shin, and leg bones, so there is space in the joint thus creating freedom of movement at the joints. When misalignment occurs in the bones of the feet, shins, and legs restriction and tightness occur in the joints impeding circulation and freedom of movement.

In this class we will observe the alignment of the feet, arches, shin bones, and thigh and practice micromovements and actions in our yoga practice to create alignment. Yoga blocks and belts will help us to engage lateral and medial muscles in the legs. Sandbags will help us to practice in resistance training of muscles. 

Benefits include:

• Increase balance and stability when standing, sitting, walking, running, skiing, or snowshoeing
• Increase the competence of the feet and arches
• Increase upright posture and spinal alignment
• Activate muscles in the psoas and gluteus muscles (core muscles) to walk with power and a forward thrust
• Improve alignment in the foot bones, shin bones, and upper leg bones
• Improve freedom of movement at the ankle and knee joints

Pranayama: Alternate nostril breathing

Asanas: Standing postures, Standing Balance Poses,  Supported Inversions, Domes, and Forward Folds

Restoratives: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana and Savasana

Healing Injury? For those who have a history of injury or trauma and notice that the effects of the minor/major injuries are beginning to interfere with your everyday lives, please note that all of the yoga classes are naturally healing.

Each yoga class is designed to help release stored pain, anxiety, stress, or tension you may be experiencing so that vital, healing energy – prana – can move freely through the entire body. When vital energy is flowing freely (not obstructed), you experience positive emotions, revitalized energy, mental clarity, lightness, pain relief, and an overall sense of well-being.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Whether you have attended any of my yoga classes in the past or not, you are welcome to attend any or all of these classes.

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner – with at least 6 months of yoga experience
Intermediate
Advanced

PROPS

One yoga mat, necessary
One or two yoga blocks, necessary
Two firm bolsters or two firm blankets, if you have
One yoga belt, if you have
Two or three sandbags, if you have
Dharma wheel, if you have one

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