The quadratus lumborum (QL for short) is an important muscle to maintain in relationship to spinal health. Inherent in the name is its shape and location – square-like and in the lumbar (low back) region. It is a large flat muscle…
If we want to smartly “bend like a reed in the wind,” be it physically in our yoga practice or athletic pursuits, or figuratively as we mentally flow with the winds of life, how happy we are in our bodies will…
“To bend like a reed in the wind — that is real strength.” – Lao Tzu All athletes and movement artists know the importance of the spine as the central axis for human movement. And even if we’re not athletes by…
Given that the erector spinae run the length of the back and play such a vital role in supporting the spine let’s talk Yoga Tune Up® poses to stretch and awaken these upper and lower back muscles. Stretch the erectors in…
The erector spinae (EE-rec-tor SPEE-neh) muscles are primary movers and shakers (okay, not shakers) in backbends. Why? Because it’s a set of back muscles that runs the entire length of the spine connecting the hips, spine, ribs and noggin (that’s the…
1.Switch bags often. This way your body isn’t maintaining a bad structural habit day after day. 2.Stabilize your core and bend your knees when lifting anything, even your bag. 3.Carry two smaller bags instead of one large one. 4.Practice Yoga Tune…
After long hours of spent in a chair (where most us tend to stick for 8-10 hours each day), the psoas appreciates stretching, stimulation, proper alignment, massage and constructive rest. Constructive Rest: (Also known as Ardha Savasana) offers a passive release…
A few weeks ago, I taught a Yoga Tune Up® class that focused on the psoas. I started by educating my students on the very basic anatomy of this deep gut muscle. All across the room I begin to witness complete…
Last September I was in a car crash that resulted in my vehicle being ‘written off’ – and I felt sort of the same way. Luckily I left the car wreck – with bumps, bruises, and only whiplash. This term whiplash…
Yoga Tune Up®’s Revolved Abdominal Pose is all encompassing. I could recommend this pose to almost anyone for so many reasons. I practice this pose almost daily. A few words come to mind to describe it: Unwind, strength, up regulating, down…
