Week 5 Backbends

With the cold temperatures in the winter months there is a tendency to close down the front of the body, to help to protect it and to shelter it from the cold.  When the longer daylight days arrive and the temperature starts to warm up, it is a good time to work on opening up the front of the body, to create space for all the organs that sit at the front of the body.  Backbends  help to encourage the front of the body to become more open .  Backbends help to strengthen the spine and increase the range of movement in the spine.  Backbends rejuvenate.

Two poses that we did in class for you to work on.  The opposite arm and leg raise, working with the breath, lifting and holding for 3 to 4 breaths each side, then taking a rest. Then pulsing for 4 breaths each side and then taking another rest. The second pose to work on is the locust pose which can be held for 3 to 4 breaths, repeating 3 times with short rests inbetween.

Finish with 2 twists of your choice, choosing from a seated chair twist, a lying down twist, or any of the seated or standing twists of your choice.