Plank is one of those poses that appears in just about every yoga class. A lot. Sometimes, we just see it as a transition pose – just getting from down dog to the floor for a rest. But plank requires
Plank variations for core and strength work
Forearm side plank for core and shoulder strength
I’m still on the theme of strengthening shoulders, but now with a little core strength added in. Start by lying on your side. Bring your right elbow directly under your shoulder. Let your right hand go directly out from your
Side plank variations
A number of yoga poses can help build core strength and arm strength. When I say core, I mean all of the muscles surrounding your mid section that help stabilise your back. Side plank offers these benefits and it’s a
Options for leg alignment in eagle pose (garuda)
I have a regular column in Wilderness Magazine. They ran a series on garuda or eagle pose. This is a great balance pose that stretches your arms and strengthens legs and challenges you to balance all at the same time!
Build upper body strength to step from down dog to lunge
Most yoga classes will at some point ask you to step from down dog to a lunge. It seems like a simple request, but it requires a combination of flexibility, strength and coordination that takes time to practice. In addition
Shoulder strength through dolpin pose (modified down dog)
Last week we looked at ways to strengthen the shoulders. This week I feature another pose strengthening pose that also incorporates active stretching for the shoulders. To get in to dolphin pose, start on your hands and knees. Bring your
Variations in down dog for upper body strength
There are many ways to build upper body strength that put less strain on your shoulders than press ups. We’ll look at two in this week’s tip. The first option is simply to stay in down dog for 30 seconds,
The muscles of plank and press-up
There are several muscles you can and should be using in plank and a press-up. This example from Daily Bandha focuses on just the rectus abdominis (some of the muscles that make up your ‘abs’) and gluteus maximus (your bum) in
Muscles of the shoulders in plank pose
Last week we focused on your hands, but what about those shoulders? The strength you gain from pressing firmly into your hands on the floor should carry up to your shoulders. In plank, you should be lifting up through your
Finger strength when putting weight in your hands
Have you noticed in class I keep saying to press in to your index finger and thumb when your hands our on the floor? In fact, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to your hands, whether you’re