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TGIF Yoga

Friday, May 1, 2020, (Part I),
The weather in St. Louis continues to be lovely, and it's primetime to get outside, BBQ, lay in the sun, and enjoy warmer weather.  As I've mentioned throughout this week, I notice a marked improvement in flexibility, recovery, and general fluidity of movement, when it's warmer. 

Upavista Konasana- The Wide-Legged Bound Angle Pose (complete with sun-burned thighs #Irish)
Most of us are staying at home these days, and aren't able to get to a class anywhere. 

If you're feeling antsy, I would say that a yoga practice, is an excellent way to keep yourself in some degree of fitness.  This site is designed for a beginner, a novice, or an advanced Yogi.  This site is also designed to inspire someone who's never gone to a yoga mat before in their life.  

Like many people, I was initially drawn to the physical side of a yoga practice; "who are these cool looking people doing all of these cool looking things?!?!".  Like many, I would say I came for the physical benefits, but stayed for the mental/spiritual benefits, which far outweigh any physical gain achieved by a yoga practice. 

As always, I'll begin with Pranayama, prayers, and meditation (usually 10-20 minutes worth), before beginning my Asana/Physical Postures. 

Due to the beautiful weather, I grilled last night, and ate a fair amount of honey-bourbon chicken wings, so I'm feeling a bit stodgy this morning.....  #noshame

An extra strong practice may be in order to sweat it out.

Time to begin....

Baddha Parivrtta Parsvakonasana- Bound  Revolved Side Angle Pose. 
An excellent Asana to help with
digestion (like the aforementioned honey-bourbon chicken wings
 I enjoyed last night).
Friday, May 1, 2020 (Part II), 
This Part II update is being written post-practice. 

The warmer weather is prime for improving flexibility and sweating it out.  When Winter is here, I layer up, I crank the heat, but I almost never break a sweat.  Today, it was very easy to achieve this, and the sweat was pouring after my opening sequence of Surya Namaskar A (sequence of 4) and Surya Namaskar B (sequence of 2)

I've been following Dylan Werner Yoga and watching the man flow in and out of advanced transitions (hand-standing, shoulder-standing, in/out/up/down); he's a magician and is inspirational.  If you're looking to begin, or deepen, your yoga practice an excellent video can be found here.

Saturday is the traditionally observed day of rest in Yoga; I will almost never practice on a Saturday or Sunday.  Until Monday morning....

Namaste







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