DETAIL + DEPTH | My sequences often start with addressing the upper body first because of the direct impact of the chest, shoulders and spine on the breath. Mobilizing and building awareness on this area of the body can both help the mind tune into the feeling of the breath in the body as well as free up space in the body for a fuller, richer breath. These next poses are both accessible and challenging. Similar to our prep in the last D+D with the arms for Parivrtta Parsvakonasana, this pose uses two blocks with the arms in a "T" at the wall. The only difference is that with the palms pointing back, the arms are internally rather than externally rotated. From this position, we add isometric conditioning by holding the block against the wall in place. Even though the muscle length does not change in this exercise, notice how the inhalations and exhalations affect the side chest, front shoulders and shoulderblades in the pose. Stay and breathe. (Slide 1) Next, increase the demands of internal rotation by bringing the arms into upside down cactus arms. Allow the elbows to be farther back in space than the arms and wrists to encourage opening at the upper side chest. Press the inner hands into the block, and widen the chest. Stay and breathe. (Slide 2) © 2018 Ellen Huang Saltarelli #detailanddepth#alignmentyoga#yogaalignment #Yoga #yogaprops #propyourpose#yogapractice#iyengaryoga#parsvottanasana #pyramidpose #intensesidestretchpose #yogaforeverybody #internalrotation (at Eagle Rock, Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpQRcnmBN-M/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vo90klala22h
