YF_NY_EastHampton_Warrior_1_1935

I have been teaching yoga since 1997 and I have been taking classes since 1987 when I was first introduced to it at my previous job at PARAMOUNT PICTURES. So, I was around before Yoga was everywhere. Now that it is, I must say that if you have aches and pains after class you might be doing yoga dangerously.

First thing, pay attention to your body alignment. If you are are in a fast moving class, sometimes it is easy to get your toes out of alignment with your knee. For example in Warrior 2 Position, you need to get your calf straight over your ankle and open your knee so that it points over your baby toe. Your front heal should draw a straight line into your back mid arch. (See photo above) This opens your hip and gets you into proper body alignment.

Secondly, always support your neck! This is important, never look up to see what everyone else is doing unless your hands are on your legs or on the floor. EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING ELSE! Your hands support your neck.

Third thing, do not do a pose if your body or your mind does not feel like it. I always ask my students if they have any injuries before I teach class. One time a few years ago I taught a class and a beautiful 20+ year old girl came into class late. When we started to do hand stands, I asked her if she had any injuries… She said, “Well I just had brain surgery three weeks ago, but I am fine.” I said, “Wow, you are doing great, but NO inversions for you in my class.” Take note that some teachers will not ask this question, so you need to be responsible for YOU!

Number four, keep in mind that there are several things you need to be conscious about in class. Have fun, pay attention and make the most of YOUR time. You might not have the best teacher, but you can make the best of your class if you concentrate on your breath and your body alignment.

If you need more information and you have the time, you might want to check out this Bone Safe class I taught at GOOGLE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1k1Zwtz-a4 There will be other much shorter tips on our youtube channel @ https://www.youtube.com/user/YogaForce/videos  @Webucator offers all kinds of on-line classes as well.  www.webucator.com

#SimpleAlignment use the YogaForce A-Line Mat  #TeachYourTalent
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