This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Roots Workshop is a Healthy Balance

When thinking about getting in shape, most people would consider going for a run, joining an aerobics class, or participating in some form of cross-training. Before you start to train for your next half next marathon or sign up to trudge through miles of mud over rough terrain, consider adding balance poses to your exercise routine so that next time you're hiking that rocky mountain or even unloading groceries, you'll have the defense of balance on your side.

Why balance? Falls, sprains and strains may happen when we jump head first into an exercise regimen without having strengthened those muscle groups that support and protect us. No matter what your age, balance poses support your entire well being, including our reflexes, a defense toward fall prevention. As we age, we become at risk for developing bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. This, along with poor balance, makes a slippery sidewalk a hazard and can lead to falls and breaks in hips, shoulders or wrists. Along with restoring physical balance, you're supporting different organs and systems of the body. In a nutshell, balance poses restore the balance between mind, body, and spirit.

"I have been practicing Yoga for about 10 months.  I knew it would help improve my overall well being, however, other aspects of my health, often not addressed, changed as well. Particularly, women more often than men, face the dreaded possibility of Osteoporosis (or the initial stage, Osteopenia). Well, Since my last bone density screening to the most current, there has been interval improvement, one reaching normal range! My doctor agreed that Yoga was a contributing factor," said Roots student Cathy Jordan.

Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During a recent Roots Yoga workshop, instructor Andrea Schiavone explained the importance of incorporating balance poses into our exercise routines to strengthen both large and small muscles.

The workshop focused on three key components of balance:

Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1.   Alignment: helps with our center of gravity and joints.

2.   Strength: helps build strength in ankles, hips, pelvis, glutes and feet.

3.   Attention: helps with breath and focus.

Schiavone covered the following poses, explaining the benefits of each. She stressed that any and all balance poses contribute to:

  • Better state of mental health
  • Aids respiratory system
  • Aids digestive system
  • Calmness
  • Concentration
  • Strength

 The poses covered in the workshop not only helped with balanced, but with strengthening, focus, and even a massage of the internal organs.

  • Tree pose (Vrksasana) - strengthens your legs, helps with focus.
  • Big toe hold ( Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana) -  strengthens and stretches the legs and ankles; deeply stretches the hamstrings, gently opens the hips, shoulders, and arms.
  • Warrior 3 (Virabhadrasana III) - Energizing, helps with posture, strengthens the legs, ankles, shoulders and back and tones the entire body, improves memory and concentration.
  • Halfmoon (Ardha Chandrasana) - Firms and trims waistline, hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs, increases the flexibility of the spine, promotes proper kidney function.
  • Eagle  (Garudasana) - Generates great joint stability, increased focus requires you to focus equal attention on both your upper and lower body.
  • Bird of paradise  (varga Dvijasana) - Strengthens legs, stretches groin, opens hips.

One of yoga's many gifts is learning to become centered spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Before you know it, balance poses will be giving you a new foundation on which to stand. They'll have you more aligned and sitting up taller without even knowing it, silently fighting off bone degeneration. Isn't that worth a pose?

Roots Yoga 
220 Cambridge St.
Burlington, MA 01887
(781)272-YOGA
www.myrootsyoga.com 

www.facebook.com/rootsyogaburlington
rootsyogaburlington@gmail.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?