The Spinal Column is one of the most vital parts of our body. It’s like the trunk of a tree, supporting the entire body structure and lodging the all-important nervous system. If your spine is unhealthy, it will impair your nervous system function. If your nervous system function is impaired, then your body’s ability to function is impaired. The good news is that yoga can help strengthen back muscles and lengthen the ligaments in the back, promoting flexibility and taking stress off of the facet joints, vertebrae and intervertebral discs, reducing the risk of incurring degenerative spinal disorders like sciatica, osteoporosis, herniated disks and scoliosis.
- Cultivate Extension in the Spine with Tiffany Cruikshank: In our forward oriented world the tendency to slouch puts a lot of pressure on the spine & the internal organs. This class focuses on cultivating extension in the spine in some simple ways and some more precarious positions. Take what you need and find some expansion through the front of the body to take some pressure off the spine and the internal organs in the process. Some arms balancing variations & transitions included.
- Yin Yoga for the Spine with Felicia Tomasko: Find sanctuary in the spine with this slow and languid Yin practice that focuses on forward folds and twists with a connection to the refuge of the Earth. We begin with a long seated forward fold to fully let go of tension in the neck, shoulders and back and then move into a supine series of twists to continue to wring out the spine and hips. Drop in and soften in into the sanctuary of the layers of the inner self.
- Strong Legs Healthy Spine Yoga with Elena Brower: Sequence of standing poses, including backbends and twists, to learn how to use our legs optimally to create both stability and receptivity. When we create lower back stability, we are able to receive our gifts, act from our highest potential, and offer ourselves to serve in the world, whatever the context.
- Open Upper Chest, Shoulders & Spine with Stephanie Snyder: This sequence is designed for the athlete (or anyone) who has tight upper chest, shoulders, and spine. Activities like swimming, weight lifting, and strength training can shorten, tighten, and dehydrate these muscles. This can cause upper back pain and poor posture that can inhibit breath function which will limit you in all ways. We will move through a vinyasa-based class that will open the shoulders, chest, and upper back to create freedom and space around your heart!
- Chair Yoga for the Spine and Legs with Kia Miller: Release tension from your spine, legs, and hips in this short sequence designed to help you to sit more comfortably. For absolute beginners who want to work the lower body with the help of a chair.
- The Five Moments of the Spine with Jason Crandell: This flow practice focuses on the five movements of the spine. It’s designed to keep the spine healthy, balanced and supple and clarify your understanding of these 5 essential spinal movements. The sequence includes a bit of everything including sun salutations, standing poses, side-bends, forward bends, backbends, and twists. Think of it as a back-care practice for students that are fortunate enough to not have any back-pain!
