The posture we’re looking at this week is called Parsvottanasana. The translation from Sanskrit is intense side stretch.  An idea is to give the posture particular attention as you practice this week, allowing deeper acquaintance. Feel the body and use your breath.

Step out and square the hips for this  yoga asana and engage the quads to protect the hamstrings. Hinging from the hips and drawing the inner thighs towards each other, aim the chin towards the shin and keep both sides of the waist long. Ground the heel at the back and use the action between that heel and the toe ball of the front leg to steer the hips to square. Broaden the collarbones as the shoulders stay down and open.
This yoga posture lengthens the spine and legs and helps to correct rounded shoulders as well as improving balance.  Keep your heart open!

Please do join the Ashtanga Yoga led class in the YMCA and notice the benefits for yourself.  Beginners are welcome.