We learn through repetition, but sometimes we get stuck repeating the very thing that hampers our progress, or we end up focusing so much on the achievement of a single posture, that we lose sight of our wider practice and an approach that might serve us better.
This workshop will focus on building strength and improving mobility in the upper body, with a view to working towards a sustainable physical practice that will ultimately be free of wrist pain, shoulder strain, and patterns of over-achievement.
We will explore a number of progressions and alternatives to Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), the yoga 'push-up' (Chaturanga), and twisting poses that bind the hands. Our aim will be to move the spotlight away from 'doing' postures, to a whole-body experience that is focused on 'finding', 'being' and 'moving' in ways that are most helpful to us.
Schedule
10:00-11:00 Exploring the fundamentals of preparation and progressive load
Break for refreshments (lots of yummy things are included)
11:30-12:30 Rethinking Chaturanga and binding poses
This workshop is suitable for:
physically fit beginners and improvers
curious yoga practitioners of any discipline
Ashtanga, or Vinyasa practitioners interested in slowing things down and focusing on technique
You will learn to:
adapt your yoga practice to incorporate more strengthening elements
improve upper body strength outside of a gym environment and with inexpensive equipment
address issues of hypermobility and yoga exacerbated upper-body injuries
Equipment
It's always nice to use your own mat, so if you already have one, please bring it with you. I will have a limited number of spare mats available on the day. If you have a yoga block, or are in possession of any hand-held weights (from 1-3kg), please bring them along. NB: these are nice-to-have, rather than an essential requirement.
Prices, booking and refunds
Price: £30/£24*
*Concessions: Students and members of the Cowley Road Condors cycling club. If you would struggle to attend for financial reasons, please get in touch, we will make it work.
This workshop is limited to 15 people; attendance must be confirmed in advance. To book, please either contact me for my bank details, or you can pay online. Your place will only be guaranteed once payment has been received in full.
Full refunds will be made if a cancellation is received by 23rd February (2 weeks in advance). If a cancellation is made after this time, I will issue you with a full refund as soon as someone has filled your space. If your space remains vacant, and your cancellation is received by 2nd March (1 week in advance), I will refund you half of the price paid. No refunds will be made if a cancellation is received less than a week in advance, and your place on the workshop remains empty.