I love a good spinal twist to release tension in the back. Seated twists have the benefit of making it easier to keep your hips from moving while your upper torso turns. This only works if can you keep your
Marichyasana III seated twist pose 101
In a standing twist, what part of your body is twisting?
So we’ve covered tipping your pelvis up/down and side-to-side. But you can also twist your pelvis, or more accurately rotate your hips forward or back. We often don’t notice that our hips or pelvis can twist or rotate. However, it’s
Options for reclined spinal twists
Twists can help relieve back tension and stretch the sides of the body, as well as the chest and shoulders. But have you ever noticed that when we do certain twists when lying on the floor we start by moving
Yoga when you need calm
Last week I talked about the physiological impact of chronic stress – how it can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system and trigger a persistent state of fight or flight. And how some yoga poses can help counteract this reaction in the body.
Challenge your one leg balance skills with twisting
Balancing on one leg is a good way to work on balance and it strengthens the muscles in your feet (especially when barefoot), ankles and legs. To keep it interesting, add variations or try closing your eyes. This pose is
Gentle seated twist
A key factor in finding a healthy and relieving spinal twist is keeping the twist in your spine, versus twisting your hips. Sometimes this can be easier to do while seated because your hips stay in a fixed position. A
Strong spinal twist lying down
This version of a spinal twist lying down is quite intense. It’s not appropriate if you have a history of spinal injuries. Instead try the basic spinal twist. Start on your back. Bend your knees and bring your feet to
Open hip spinal twist
Following from last week’s basic spinal twist, here’s another variation. With any spinal twist, be careful as you twist – being gentle on your hips and back. Never push or force your body. . Start on your back. Bend your
Basic spinal twist
I love a good spinal twist. So I was bit shocked when I went on my last photoshoot with Tony Gazley and realised we hadn’t taken any photos of spinal twists. Here’s a basic version. Start on your back. Bend
Child’s pose variation – add a twist to stretch hip and shoulders
Ok, just one more child’s pose variation, but this one REALLY is my favourite – it’s a hip and shoulder stretch with a twist. What could be better? Start on hands and knees. Point your toes behind you and