Make the Connection: Strengthened Back Body = Elongated Front Body

≤30 min. Quadriceps feel tight? Perhaps too much time on the bike? Posterior muscles feeling like they could be stronger? Here are some yoga poses that will address both the anterior and posterior muscle chains. When we learn to make the connection we feel more power and that gives us a sense of freedom. Lunges, Eka Pada Bhekasana, Salabhasana, and Natarajasana are the focus of this practice. Use of the wall allows for a thigh stretch, and longer hold which makes Natarajasana so much more accessible -- try it out! Variations in your arm and head positions enable greater strength in the superior trapezius and latissimus dorsi in Salabhasana. If Eka Pada Bhekasana has been on your list of “least favorite yoga poses” don’t fret – we don’t hold it for long. This 20 minute sequence was part of a longer Zoom class which included sun salutations and lunge variations at the beginning of the sequence, and Viparita Karani and supported shoulder stand after the backbends mentioned above. Thanks to Blandine Calais-Germain and Ray Long for your patience and perseverance in teaching anatomy – you are an inspiration!