Recent Articles in Hatha Yoga

Duration: 25 minutes

Emphasis:  Stretch and release this hip flexor with these long hold postures.

Props needed: A blanket to put under your knee, 2 blocks or a brick or a block to go under your sacrum.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  Learn how to do this kneeling backbend (Sanskrit name Ustrasana) with good alignment so you don't hurt your back or neck.

Props needed: A blanket to kneel on, a bolster (or a pillow rolled in a blanket or towel - I'll show you how to do this).

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 28 minutes

Emphasis:  A gentle flow sequence that will help to release tension in your neck.

Props needed: A block to sit on if you find it helps you sit more upright, and a blanket for Savasana.

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 23 minutes

Emphasis:  Strengthen and stretch your ankles for increased mobility and better balance.

Props needed: A blanket to kneel on if you are practising on a hard floor, possibly a block for under your heels in Malasana and/or under your sitting bones in Bharadvajrasana.

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  Step-by-step guide to come into this deep backbend with good alignment.

Props needed: Possibly a blanket beneath your hips if you are practicing on a hard floor.

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 45 minutes

Emphasis:  A standing pose sequence with triangle, wide-legged forward bend, reverse triangle, and other poses that will strengthen and stretch your legs, and stretch and twist your spine.

Props needed: Blocks or books to put your hands on in standing forward bend and possibly a belt to hold in your hands behing you when taking forward bend with the arms up behind you.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis:  This short sequence will help improve your balance. You'll strengthen your legs and your core and improve your concentration.

Props needed: Blocks to put your hands on if you need it for standing splits.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 33 minutes

Emphasis:  This class will stretch the inner thighs and open the hips.

Props needed: A block or book to put your hands on if you need it in the forward bends.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 33 minutes

Emphasis: This sequence uses a strap to help you forward bent and twist with better alignment.

Props needed: A strap/belt/scarf, a blanket and 2 blocks.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 14 minutes

Emphasis: A short tutorial for Bridge Pose (Setu Bhanda Sarvangasana) to help you practice it with good alignment.

Props needed: A block and a belt, plus a blanket for under your shoulders if your neck would prefer a little padding.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen but please keep the neck still once you are in the pose and avoid turning the head to look at the screen.

Duration: 40 minutes

Emphasis: A slow sequence of seated poses to stretch the legs, open the hips and stretch the sides of the body.

Props needed: 2 flat blocks, plus extra blocks or cushion if Virasana is difficult for your knees, a belt and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of mat facing screen

Duration: 27 minutes

Emphasis: Enjoy some quiet time in the restorative pose of Viparita Karani. We'll also explore some variations so you can stretch the inner thighs, outer hips and over the glutes too.

Props needed: Some wall space, a block, a blanket and an optional belt or tie.

Mat direction: n/a