Like so many of the postures and movements we practice at Detroit Yoga, Ardha Uttanasana is another one that is both simple and effective. Just by holding the weight of the torso and arms parallel to the ground, it strengthens the lower back and hamstrings.

A common error is to round the lower back. Don't do that.

From a standing position, reach the chest forward as you fold half way. Keep the curve in your lower back.

Some modifications are arms at your sides and/or the knees can have some bend in them.

Click here to watch an Ardha Uttanasana video tutorial.

To develop your practice further, come visit us in our brick and mortar yoga school, or in our virtual classes by clicking on the link below.

See you soon.

​Jason

Considered a basic/fundamental posture, Revolved Triangle Pose is in almost every single class at Detroit Yoga.  

It may look simple enough, but it will take a few years (300 to 500 hours) of consistent Ashtanga Vinyasa practice to have a polished version of it.

Someone who has polished their basics has transformed themselves in more ways than just gaining strength and flexibility.  They were, or became, someone who kept showing up.  

Polishing and refining the little details of one's practice, inevitably polishes one's character.  Leading to self mastery.

Keep going.

​Jason

To watch a video tutorial going over some details of Revolved Triangle Pose click here.

Once, about 15 years ago, someone came up to me after class and asked why I hadn’t put any back bends in class. She was referring to more intense backbends like Upward Bow, which at the time I did not put into an introductory/beginner class.

Anyway, I said to her, “what about the 50 plus up dogs that you just did?”  I received a look that seemed like she did not appreciate my "check mate".

Up Dog is a fantastic back bending posture, and is one of the most frequently practiced postures in Ashtanga Vinyasa class at Detroit Yoga.  Having a polished Upward Facing Dog Pose is a prerequisite for deeper back bend and it seems is ofter overlooked in the rush to get to the more "advanced" postures.

Let's be careful though, not to put the cart before the horse.  Practice patience, and make sure that we are bettering our basics first.

Even though this is a fundamental/basic posture there are quite a few details that are ofter overlooked.  Below are some.

• Make sure that your feet are not too far away from your hands beginning first in Plank.
• And then lowering from plank to Chaturanga the chest is out in front of the hands.
• Which then set up the hands to be directly under the shoulder in Up Dog.

For more details come on in to class!

See you soon.

​Jason

Side Angle Pose is in almost every Vinyasa class at Detroit Yoga, as well as a very similar variation practiced always in Ashtanga class. A fundamental asana, Parsvakonasana opens the hips and prepares the body for more challenging postures down the road. 

That said,  it's important to set goals, like after polishing up the basics/fundamentals, getting to a more challenging/advanced posture, but as students at DY know, I am a big fan of practicing the basics. If that's all we ever did we'd be in great shape, both physically and mentally. But don't worry, I'll definitely throw more challenges at you!  :)

A few details regarding this variation of  Side Angle Pose pictured here... 

1. Most beginners with tighter hips will not be able to lunge so low until they invested many hours of practice. Be patient.
2. If the lunge is higher, then the hand at the floor will also be higher. Perhaps on the finger tips or a yoga block.
3. Keep the back leg straight and strong. Don't let the knee buckle.

An advanced technique is a basic one that's been mastered.  Keep going.

See you in class!

Jason
​