Jumping Back from Crow Broken Down in Stages

This is a short and simple video that shows what I feel are the stages for jumping back from Crow Pose, Bakasana. The central issue in the process is the upper bodies weight shifting forward as the legs move first up and then back. The reason you want the upper body to shift forward is so that the weight stays centered over the hands: as the legs move back the upper body moves forward to counterbalance the weight of the legs.

Side Plank: Vashistasana Variations Working the Core

This is a video that goes through a few variations for Side Plank Pose, Vashistasana. This is a great pose because it can be done in so many ways so there is bound to be a variation that works for you. And because you are holding your body at a lateral angle it causes the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine--what I would refer to as the core, the muscles that control posture and are closest to our center of gravity--to work at a unique angle.

New Titibhasana Photo

Somehow I always make some sort of intense face with this pose. I think that is me smiling. :) Nah, just kidding. But I like this photo. I should have another group of videos ready to post in the next few hours.

Eka Pada Koundinyasana II to Ashtavakrasana: Moving with Control: Floating

These hand balances are not really that hard but they are fun and they link together very nicely. Eka Pada Koundinyasana II opens the pelvic structure towards a split while you are balancing on your hands. Ashtavakrasana is a rotation where your spine and hips are turning while balancing on the hands. Each pose separately feels pretty good and when you link them together it adds an extra element of balance as you float from one pose to the next and then back through the vinyasa.

Moving Reclining Twist Releasing Tension from Neck, Shoulders, Hips and Lower Back

Jathara Parivrrti is the Sanskrit name for the pose. This video shows a moving or dynamic version of a reclining twist. It is interesting how much moving into and out of the pose does to release tension and get you ready before holding the pose. If you just go straight into the pose and hold, the body will not release anywhere near as much tension. This rotation really does great things, especially for the lower back and hips but also for the neck shoulders and the whole spine. I am always amazed at how useful and effective some of these simpler movements are for the health of our bodies.