Trinity Yoga

According to Light on Yoga you do use the strength of your buttocks muscles in order to lift your legs.  This is also recommended in a few other books as well.  However with this said yoga has changed and been adapted for our Western culture that does not have the same lifestyle habits as those in India where yoga originated. If your buttocks contracts slightly as you lift your legs and there is no compression on your lower back… More..

Light on Yoga by Iyengar has some great tips for this posture in his book that may be helpful.  Also you could explore drawing your legs in toward the mid line of your body thus balancing out your pelvis.  Once your pelvis is balance there will be more space for your shoulder to move as it will not be pulled back as far.  This should give you more space to level your clavicles and open your upper chest.  Practice… More..

One great aspect of a consecutive week program is that you can build from class to class and develop a relationship with your students.  This will help as 24 students is a large class for most teachers and you will need to stay very present in order to meet all their needs.  I would suggest having an assistant with you to offer enhancements and specific tips while you teach to individual students.  I have found this to be a… More..

Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries to the knee are usually caused by a traumatic event/force upon the knee at an angle. They are considered a very serious injury as the ligaments are integral to the proper structural foundation for the knee. They can be surgically addressed with generally good results. I know that yoga offers a good opportunity to re-enter a physical routine however some of the more extreme positions of the knee need to be avoided initially. One can… More..

What do we do if asked to teach a style of yoga that is not our preferred practice? I recently moved to a small town and, despite concern that I would not find work, was offered a teaching position at a beautiful studio. I was offered All-Levels Ashtanga classes and it is expected that I will guide the traditional Primary Series. Although I respect the tradition of Ashtanga Vinyasa, it is not my regular practice, which is better… More..

The simplest and easiest to employ around eating is a slow, mindful, equal breath pattern called Sama Vritti as it balances the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system preparing the systems for digestion. It has many profound effects physiologically and will enhance your experience, health and enjoyment. More..

This is a very interesting question. One that I too have wondered about. After taking a hiatus from practising, as in anything, it’s important to ease in wisely.  For yoga you might consider starting with some free form dance to loosen up, reduce any tension and warm up the joints and tissues. Vigorous, free form movement can be much less hard on the muscles than jumping into a somewhat “linear” practise. When you are in the asanas, you might… More..

I made a switch to yoga and tai chi a few years ago and here are my results - I’ve lost a bit of my bulk yet I’ve stayed quite toned - leaner muscle, stronger in some ways - I feel like I’m in better shape than ever.  A couple key points to consider… if you still want a toned, physically fit body you’ll probably have to select more physically demanding versions of yoga and tai chi - such… More..