Tolasana or scale pose, requires core, arm and upper body strength. This gentle version is accessible to most people.
Tolasana 101
Lolasana or pendant pose 101 (a new option for core strength)
Lolasana requires core strength including your hip flexors, as well as arm strength. Plus it’s fun!
Restorative yoga backbend to stretch shoulders, chest and neck [video]
I recently featured a deep active stretch for the shoulders that also stretches the muscles of the chest and sides of the body. However, my favourite way to stretch these muscles is through a restorative yoga backbend. Restorative yoga is
Activating core muscles to stretch the neck and improve body awareness
I’ve talked before about using the shoulders to intensify a neck stretch. This is an action you can do in standing poses as well. When you do this in standing poses you get a gentle release of one of the