Crow Pose

I finally have my 47-minute Crow Flow video for you!! I take you through a flow and play with techniques and tips to help you fly in Crow pose. Remember you may want a yoga strap (or a scarf/tie) and 2 blocks, which are used for a short time in the class to play with sensation and muscle activation for an optimal Crow pose.

Click here or on the image below to go to my website for the video. You may want to also review Week 1 and Week 3 cues and tips before you take the class!

I usually like to start each month with a new theme, but since I still have a flow class for you with the focus on Crow pose, I’ll share that next week – even though it will be May (time flies!).

One inspiring cue:

Actively press your knees down on your triceps (back of arms) and triceps up into your knees.

Why?
This action creates a lock and resistance in the pose which many find extremely helpful. You may notice that your arms feel stronger and more stable when you do this. This is most likely because by pressing the backs of the arms up into the knees, you are further engaging the triceps, as well as the serratus, helping to create more strength in the arms, as well as a lift in the pose.

One inspiring tip:

If you regularly practice crow pose with your knees on your triceps, try placing your knees to the outsides of the triceps. Then squeeze, or “hug”, the inner knees into your arms, while pressing the arms into the knees. This requires a little more core strength but, because you don’t need to lift the hips quite as high, it’s less intimidating for some. It’s also challenging the muscles to work a little differently if you’re used to always placing your knees on your triceps.

One inspiring song:

“Mosaique” by Ash

One inspiring quote:

“We don’t use the body to get into a pose. We use the pose to get into the body.” – Bernie Clark

Good morning!

I am having some trouble uploading this week’s class, but will have it up on my website very soon. For now, read on about what to expect!!

Who wants to fly with me this month? There’s something about balancing in Crow pose that makes me feel strong, graceful, and balanced. Some days are easier than others to find that light, buoyant feeling, but the more you try and continue to learn, the more consistent your practice can be. There’s always something new to learn in every pose…it’s one of the things that keeps me coming back to the yoga practice! So, if you can already float into Crow easily or if you’ve never been able to do it, let’s explore the pose in a little more depth.

Grab the cue from Week 1 and add it to this week’s 47-minute practice (I’ll email the link to you as soon as it uploads)! I take you through a flow and play with techniques and tips to help you fly in Crow pose. You’ll want a yoga strap (or a scarf/tie) and 2 blocks…and now you have plenty of time to get them ready! Neither are necessary, but are used for a short time in the class to play with sensation and muscle activation for an optimal Crow. Take a look below for a little preview of what’s coming!!

Who wants to fly with me this month? There’s something about balancing in Crow pose that makes me feel strong, graceful, and balanced. Some days are easier than others to find that light, buoyant feeling, but the more you try and continue to learn, the more consistent your practice can be. There’s always something new to learn in every pose…it’s one of the things that keeps me coming back to the yoga practice! So, if you can already float into Crow easily or if you’ve never been able to do it, let’s explore the pose in a little more depth.

This month, I’ll also be sharing 2 videos to prep your body for floating into Crow pose – one 45-minute practice and one 30-minute class. Both of these are great to do on their own when you’re looking for a shorter practice or to add on to another workout. If you haven’t visited my Digital Class Library recently, you will notice that the videos are now organized by class length…and there are over 28 classes waiting for you! As I’ve mentioned, I am running a special right now where you can sign up to get unlimited access to these videos for 3 months for only $89. Click here to check out the “new” Digital Class Library on my website and/or sign up for this great offer!!

One inspiring cue:

As you shift into Crow pose, aim your sit bones down and your back ribs up, just as your feet are about to float off the ground.

Why?
The action of moving your back ribs away from your waist as you are shifting into Crow helps to create more space and comfort in the low back. When you combine this action with aiming your sit bones down, you’ll activate the rectus abdominis. This will help you find the rounding action we are looking for in Crow and give you more core strength in the pose.

One inspiring tip:

 

To prep for the action above in Crow, practice this Downdog variation with the same cue. Start by placing a block under each hand as you come into Downward Facing Dog. Then, as you shift forward, draw your right knee high up on the right tricep as you practice lengthening your back ribs away from your waist and sit bones towards the ground. Return to Downdog and repeat on the left side. Practice this a few times on each side to prep and build strength for Crow.

One inspiring song:

“Wildfires” by Sault

One inspiring quote:

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”
– Joseph Addison