Last week, we moved into a fresh focus in the classes taught at Katarina Yoga.
Let’s talk about what we’re up to. For the next few week’s we’ll be practicing well-rounded sequences that have an emphasis on strengthening the hamstrings and glutes AND lengthening the hip flexors and quads for happy, healthy hips.
Why is this awesome?
Because most bodies I work with have tight and weak hip flexors and also tight and weak glutes (buttocks) + hamstrings (backs of the thighs) due to our lifestyle and imbalanced yoga sequences/workout routines.
In Yogaland there tends to be a belief that my glutes and hamstrings are tight because either a) I haven’t stretched them enough, b) I’ve been sitting all day so my hamstrings are tight . None of these are outright wrong — all of those statements make up part of the truth around why our legs and hips feel so tight. But we over overlook the fact that these muscle groups tend to also be weak.
Here’s the thing… Yogis spend a loooot of time stretching their glutes and hamstrings in forward folds but not a ton of time strengthening them. This can cause a whole host of issues around mobility and pain in the lower back, SI joints, hips and knees. Sound familiar?
I’m so excited about this material because it changes the quality of peoples’ lives!
How so?
When these parts of the body move well and are strong, we’ll have an easier time getting down and up off the floor into our old age. We’ll be able to climb stairs easily and lift heavy things without fear of “throwing out your back.” Tying your shoes will be easy because your balancing will be better. You’ll be able to freely enjoy going for a long walk or run and not pay the price later with pain flares… the list goes on.
I profoundly believe that when we have an easier time living in the body we’re in because it’s both strong and mobile and we know how to work with pain, the quality of life improves also.
I look forward to seeing you in class!
Kat
PS: If you haven’t tried us out yet but want to, get a free week and give it a go! Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
