Monday 2 May 2016

Where Did All The Backbends Go?

This'll be quick. Strap in. Hang on.

So, if your studio includes back-bends in its classes regularly, then consider yourself fortunate. Cause.

A lot of places are skipping them. And no, Bhujangasna during a flow doesn't count. Look.

You simply can't advance your practice with a gaping hole, where back-bends used to be.

So, if your sole yoga objective is to get to a couple of classes per week. Fine, knock yourself out.

It's so important to have a well rounded practice in order to advance in yoga.

Forward bends, side bends and back bends all work together, to support each other, in advanced asana.

Are back-bends missing because they are too hard to do for the modern office body?

Are yoga studios pandering to the commercial masses?

Probably both. But it doesn't matter. What matters is your practice. Where do you want to go with it?

You've heard this before, but it bears repeating:

To become an advanced practitioner you simply must take responsibility for your own practice.

This means rounding out your practice where class practice falls short.

No need to go find another studio if yours doesn't back-bend.

At some stage all studios fail at something (inversions, balances, back-bends). And then you need to take over, in order to take it to the next level.

Happy practicing, J.

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