Category: Mental Health

This workshop is aptly named because backbends invoke mixed emotions from yoga students. Some love them, some fear them and many avoid them. Done safely and mindfully they have numerous benefits, from keeping a healthy spine, to developing self awareness and building self confidence.

I know this from personal experience because I’ve been through every emotion possible. I’ve been frightened of hurting myself, over cautious, over zealous and even high from the after buzz release… endorphine rush is the absolute best drug.

I’m not the bendiest of yoga teachers, I’ve had to work for every ounce of flexibility and to me, back bending was my nemesis for many years. I still find certain postures like Urdva Danurasana (Full Bridge) really hard work and I haven’t done a drop-back in years, that said, I love the way my spine and I feel after my back bending practice.

What to expect

Let’s start by changing our attitude. I no longer think backbends but more about the opening of the front of my body. Most of the day I’m sitting forward and this as we know is not the ideal posture for humans.

In this workshop we will take a quick look at the muscle groups involved in lengthening and expanding the space in the front of our bodies. We’ll look at the role of connective tissue, fascia and the compensatory patterns that our bodies adopt when the pressure is on. This information will give you a better understanding of how your body moves and why some postures are more challenging than others.

We’ll take a look at how breath supports you during your asana (yoga postures). We’ll then change into a slow moving vinyasa sequence to prepare your muscles and your nervous system. We will target the quads, hips, abs and shoulders and begin with gentle supported postures, building into stronger, more energetic asana for those students who wish to keep going. There will be some partner work and you’re guaranteed fun during this workshop.