My Online Yoga Sessions with Rodney Yee
SO I’ve moved on to the next session of Gaiam’s Online Yoga Club: Standing Poses. While I’m not that excited about watching it on my computer, the content is outstanding. I’ve learned so much about basic poses that I should have known all along; this new knowledge has dramatically improved my practice. (My summary of the Club can be found here.)
During this session, Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman spend approximately 3 to 6 minutes covering the following poses:
- Mountain Pose
- Downward Facing Dog
- Standing Forward Bend
- Triangle Pose
- Warrior Two
- Extended Side Angle Pose
- Tree Pose
- Warrior One Pose
- Half Moon Pose
- Pyramid Pose
- Legs up the Wall Pose
- Relaxation Pose
- Hero Pose
Rodney and Colleen first explain the benefits of each pose, then proceed to demonstrate 3 different versions: first, the easiest, shown with the use of props (if appropriate); the second goes a bit deeper into the stretch with props lowered; the third version takes the pose even deeper with props completely removed.
Here is a video sample of Tree Pose explained:
Another valuable tip I picked up: When you do Mountain Pose, several things should be happening: Your feet should be properly positioned. Picture them as having 4 corners (toe mound, pinky toe, left and right sides of the heel). Focus on making sure each of these points is connected to the ground. This “plugging in” really helps you to feel more grounded. Don’t just stand there: focus on perfecting your alignment. Move your pubic bone and tailbone; wiggle your waist; spread the toes; lift the chest. The point is to keep reaching up while aligning your body.
And if you have time for 1 more: Take your thumbs, hook the tips under your armpits, and lift. Try it now, and note how much more supported you feel, and how your shoulders and head feel lighter. It’s okay to do this on days when you need a literal “lift” (and who on occasion doesn’t?)
Understanding the physiology of each pose somehow makes you concentrate even harder on what you’re doing. Obviously, this delivers bigger benefits both physically and mentally.
