Welcome to week 2 of our second cycle of the year. This is a much shorter cycle, taking us through to the end of June, with July and August being a long recovery cycle with a much lighter load to take advantage of the better weather in the summer months.

If you find any given pose beyond you, start to think about ways to break the pose down into manageable variations. Perhaps practice the arms and legs separately. Use a simpler modification or use a prop to give you a taste of the pose. However you decide to approach a pose, NEVER PUSH YOURSELF BEYOND YOUR LIMITS. ALWAYS BE SAFE.

Adjust your practices according to your needs and the time available. The Friday and Monday practices are still restorative. If for any reason you feel unable to do the active practice on a given day, substitute one of these two, or rest completely. Because of the intensity and increased length of practices, you may find it harder to fit in the quiet practice at other times of the day. It may make more sense for you to do a longer Shavasana (Corpse Pose) and take your seated meditation at the end of the asana practice. Please consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine and do not attempt poses that you have not been taught in class by a competent instructor.

Tuesday, May 13

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose)
* Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
• Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
• Parshvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Wednesday, May 14

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose)
• Ardha Navasana (Half Boat Pose)
• Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Upward Extended Feet Pose)
• Jathara Parivartanasana (Belly Turning Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Viparita Dandasana (Inverted Staff Pose)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Janu Shirshasana (Head of the Knee Pose) (90 sec each side)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Thursday, May 15

Quiet Practice:

• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose)
• Bharadwajasana 2 (Bharadwaja's Pose 2)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Marichyasana 3 (Marichi's Pose 3)
• Marichyasana 6 or F (Marichi's Pose 6 or F)
• Ardha Matsyendrasana 1 (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose 1)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Friday, May 17

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) with feet apart and head supported (2-3 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) with head supported (2-3 min)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose) with head supported (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) over chair (5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster (5 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Viloma 2 (Interrupted Inhalation 2) in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)

Saturday, May 17

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2 min)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand) (5-10 min)
• Viparita Dandasana (Inverted Staff Pose) on chair (3 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (3 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand) (3 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (3 min)
• Adho Mukha Virasana (Downward Facing Hero Pose) (3 min)
• Triang Mukhaikapada Pashchimottanasana (Three Limbs Facing Single Leg Intense West Stretch Pose) (90 sec each side)
• Janu Shirshasana (Head of the Knee Pose) (90 sec each side)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Sunday, May 18

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutatation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Bharadwajasana 1 (Bharadwaja's Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2 min)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand) (5-10 min)
• Viparita Dandasana (Inverted Staff Pose) over chair (5 min)
• Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose) over chair
• Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose) feet on chair
• Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (Two Leg Inverted Staff Pose) feet on chair
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Paschchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Monday, May 19

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (3-5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 1 (Interrupted Breath 1) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 4 (Interrupted Breath 4) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Here we are at the beginning of our second cycle of the year. This is a much shorter cycle, taking us through to the end of June, with July and August being a long recovery cycle with a much lighter load to take advantage of the better weather in the summer months.

If you find any given pose beyond you, start to think about ways to break the pose down into manageable variations. Perhaps practice the arms and legs separately. Use a simpler modification or use a prop to give you a taste of the pose. However you decide to approach a pose, NEVER PUSH YOURSELF BEYOND YOUR LIMITS. ALWAYS BE SAFE.

Adjust your practices according to your needs and the time available. The Friday and Monday practices are still restorative. If for any reason you feel unable to do the active practice on a given day, substitute one of these two, or rest completely. Because of the intensity and increased length of practices, you may find it harder to fit in the quiet practice at other times of the day. It may make more sense for you to do a longer Shavasana (Corpse Pose) and take your seated meditation at the end of the asana practice. Please consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine and do not attempt poses that you have not been taught in class by a competent instructor.

Tuesday, May 6

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Vrkshasana (Tree Pose) with bent knee at wall
• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 2 (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose 2) with foot resting on ledge or chair
• Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior Pose 2)
• Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
• Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Wednesday, May 7

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Vrkshasana (Tree Pose) with bent knee at wall
• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 2 (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose 2) with foot resting on ledge or chair
• Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
• Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
• Virabhadrasana 1 (Warrior Pose 1)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Thursday, May 8

Quiet Practice:

• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 2 (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose 2) with foot resting on ledge or chair
• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 1 (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose 1) with foot resting on ledge or chair
• Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior Pose 2)
• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) with feet apart
• Parshvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Viparita Dandasana (Inverted Staff Pose) over chair
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Friday, May 9

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) with feet apart and head supported (2-3 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) with head supported (2-3 min)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose) with head supported (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) over chair (5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster (5 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Viloma 1 (Interrupted Inhalation) in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)

Saturday, May 10

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 2 (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose 2) with foot resting on ledge or chair
• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 1 (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose 1) with foot resting on ledge or chair
• Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior Pose 2)
• Virabhadrasana 1 (Warrior pose 1)
• Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Sunday, May 11

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Active Practice:

• Half Dog at wall - making a right angle with the hands at hip height on the wall and the hips directly over the heel
• Half Virabhadrasana 3 at wall - from Half Dog pick one leg up
• Parshvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose)
• Virabhadrasana 1 (Warrior Pose 1)
• Virabhadrasana 3 (Warrior Pose 3)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Monday, May 12

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (3-5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 1 (Interrupted Breath 1) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 4 (Interrupted Breath 4) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (5-10 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Here is week two of our two-week recovery phase. You will notice that the practices are considerably softer and there is more pranayama. When doing pranayama NEVER PUSH THE BREATH. If the breath becomes forced at any point, release and return to normal breathing. Pranayama is a subtle and powerful practice that should be approached with respect. Do not attempt pranayamas that you have not been taught in class by a competent instructor.

On days when non-yoga related activity is called for, consider going for a power walk, a run, a swim or anything else that is physically active. Using the body differently will help to challenge the muscles and nervous system and act as cross-training to help keep the body and mind fresh.

Tuesday, April 29

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Wednesday, April 30

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (3-5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 1 (Interrupted Breath 2) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 4 (Interrupted Breath 4) (5 min)
• Nadi Shodana 1b (Alternate Nostril Breathing 1b) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) (3-5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (3-5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)

Thursday, May 1

Quiet Practice:

• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Friday, May 2

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (3-5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 2 (Interrupted Breath 2) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 5 (Interrupted Breath 5) (5 min)
• Nadi Shodana 1b (Alternate Nostril Breathing 1b) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) (3-5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (3-5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)

Saturday, May 3

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Sunday, May 4

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (3-5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 1 (Interrupted Breath 1) (5 min)
• Viloma 2 (Interrupted Breath 2) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 4 (Interrupted Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 5 (Interrupted Breath 5) (5 min)
• Nadi Shodana 1b (Alternate Nostril Breathing 1b) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) on chair (5 min)
• Ardha Halasana (Plough Pose) over chair (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)

Monday, May 5

Quiet Practice:

• Meditation Practice (20-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Here we begin the first week in our two-week recovery phase. You will notice that the practices are considerably softer and there is more pranayama. When doing pranayama NEVER PUSH THE BREATH. If the breath becomes forced at any point, release and return to normal breathing. Pranayama is a subtle and powerful practice that should be approached with respect. Do not attempt pranayamas that you have not been taught in class by a competent instructor.

On days when non-yoga related activity is called for, consider going for a power walk, a run, a swim or anything else that is physically active. Using the body differently will help to challenge the muscles and nervous system and act as cross-training to help keep the body and mind fresh.

Tuesday, April 22

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) (2-3 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose 1) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) (3-5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) over bolster (3-5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster (3-5 min)
• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) (3-5 min)
• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja’s Pose) over bolster (3-5 min each side)
• Child’s Pose over bolster (3-5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5-10 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 1 (Interrupted Breath 1) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 4 (Interrupted Breath 4) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5-10 min)

Wednesday, April 23

Quiet Practice:

• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Thursday, April 24

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) (2-3 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose 1) (2-3 min)
• Janu Shirshasana (Head of the Knee Pose) (60-90 sec each side)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (2-3 min)
• Child’s Pose (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Child’s Pose (2-3 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (2-3 min)
• Janu Shirshasana (Head of the Knee Pose) (60-90 sec each side)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose 1) (2-3 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) (2-3 min)
• Sarvangasana (Shoudler Stand) on chair (5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Friday, April 25

Quiet Practice:

• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Saturday, April 26

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose) (2-3 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose 1) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) (3-5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) over bolster (3-5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster (3-5 min)
• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) (3-5 min)
• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja’s Pose) over bolster (3-5 min each side)
• Child’s Pose over bolster (3-5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5-10 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 2 (Interrupted Breath 2) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 5 (Interrupted Breath 5) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5-10 min)

Sunday, April 27

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (20-30 min)

OR

• Any non-yoga related activity

Monday, April 28

Quiet Practice:

• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15-30 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (3-5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 (Victorious Breath 4) (5 min)
• Viloma 2 (Interrupted Breath 2) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 (Victorious Breath 8) (5 min)
• Viloma 5 (Interrupted Breath 5) (5 min)
• Nadi Shodana 1b (Alternate Nostril Breathing 1b) (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2-3 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) (3-5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10 min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (3-5 min)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)

I'll be out of town for the next couple of weeks, so I'll be posting weeks 17 and 18, the two-week recovery phase, later today. Also, the store will be closed until my return at the beginning of May.

Witold

Check out this great demonstration of poses. (Although, at round the 1:55 mark I suspect there's a little camera trickery involved.) Love those rope walls.


Yogaduke ( music by Krishna Das ) from Yogaduke on Vimeo.

Welcome to the final week of our first progression phase! Next week will begin a two-week recovery phase of softer practices to give you a break before we begin the next cycle in the middle of May.

If you find any given pose beyond you, start to think about ways to break the pose down into manageable variations. Perhaps practice the arms and legs separately. Use a simpler modification or use a prop to give you a taste of the pose. However you decide to approach a pose, NEVER PUSH YOURSELF BEYOND YOUR LIMITS. ALWAYS BE SAFE.

As always, adjust your practices according to your needs and the time available. The Friday and Monday practices are still restorative. If for any reason you feel unable to do the active practice on a given day, substitute one of these two, or rest completely. Because of the intensity and increased length of practices, you may find it harder to fit in the quiet practice at other times of the day. It may make more sense for you to do a longer Shavasana (Corpse Pose) and take your seated meditation at the end of the asana practice. Please consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine and do not attempt poses that you have not been taught in class by a competent instructor.

Tuesday, April 15

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 challenging set, 3-5 rounds)
• Utthita Tikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
• Uttanasana (Intense Stretch Pose)
• Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extend Side Angle Pose)
• Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose 1)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Pincha Mayurasana (Peacock Feather Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand) (5-8 min)
• Baddha Konasana Shirshasana (Bound Angle Pose in Head Stand)
• Upavistha Konasana Shirshasana (Seated Angle Pose in Head Stand)
• Urdhva Dandasana (Upward Staff Pose)
• Malasana (Garland Pose)
• Bakasana (Crow Pose)
• Tittibhasana (Firefly Pose)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5-8 min)
• Baddha Konasana Sarvangasana (Bound Angle Shoulder Stand)
• Upavistha Konasana Sarvanagsana (Seated Angle in Shoulder Stand)
• Supta Konasana (Reclined Angle Pose)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (3-5 min)
• Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
• Janu Shirshasana (Head of the Knee Pose)
• Upavishtha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose)
• Parivrtta Janu Shirshasana (Revolved Head of the Knee Pose)
• Kurmasana (Turtle Pose)
• Supta Kurmasana (Sleeping Turtle Pose)
• Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Wednesday, April 16

Quiet Practice:

• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja's Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min each side)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 challenging set, 3-5 rounds)
• Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
• Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
• Virabhadrasana 1 (Warrior Pose 1)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Pincha Mayurasana (Peacock Feather Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 2 (Head Stand) (1 min)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand) (5-8 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose)
• Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana 2 (Single Leg King Pigeon Pose 2) lunge only
• Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana 2 (Single Leg King Pigeon Pose 2)
• Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana 1 (Single Leg King Pigeon Pose 1)
• Padangustha Dhanurasana (Big Toe Bow Pose)
• Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose) (3 repetitions)
• Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (Two Leg Upward Bow Pose)
• Natarajasana (Nataraja’s Pose)
• Ardha Halasana (Half Plough Pose) over chair (5 min)
• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja’s Pose) (90 sec each side)
• Pashchimottanasana (1-3 min)
• Shavasana (10 min)

Thursday, April 17

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 challenging set, 3-5 rounds)
• Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
• Parshvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (Widespread Feet Pose 1)
• Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose)
• Padahastasana (Hand Under Foot Pose)
• Prasarita Padottanasana 2 (Widespread Feet Pose 2)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand) (8-10 min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Adho Mukha Virasana (Downward Facing Hero Pose)
• Triang Mukhaikapada Pashchimottanasana (Three Limbs Facing Single Leg Intense West Stretch Pose)
• Krounchasana (Heron Pose)
• Janu Shirshasana (Head of the Knee Pose)
• Upavishtha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose)
• Ardha Baddha Pada Pashchimottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Intense West Stretch Pose)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (1-3 min)
• Shavasana (Corspe Pose) (10 min)

Friday, April 18

Quiet Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) with breath awareness (10 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) (2 min)
• Jathara Parivartanasana (Belly Turning Pose) (1.5 min each side)
• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja's Pose) over bolster (1.5 min each side)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) in chair (5 min)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) (5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Viparita Karani (Upside Down Pose) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 in seated position (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Saturday, April 19

Quiet Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Child’s Pose over bolster with breath awareness (5 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 challenging set, 3-5 rounds)
• Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Upward Extended Feet Pose)
• Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose)
• Ardha Navasana (Half Boat Pose)
• Jathara Parivartanasana (Belly Turning Pose)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Eka Pada Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Single Leg Hand Stand)
• Parshvaikapada Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Single Leg to the Side Hand Stand)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand) (5-8 min)
• Eka Pada Shirshasana (Single Leg Head Stand)
• Parshvaikapada Shirshasana (Single Leg to the Side Head Stand)
• Parshva Shirshasana (Side Head Stand)
• Parivrttaikapada Shirshasana (Revolved Single Leg Head Stand)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (5-8 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 2 (Shoulder Stand 2)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (5 min)
• Eka Pada Sarvangasana (Single Leg Shoulder Stand)
• Parshvaikapada Sarvangasana (Single Leg to the Side Head Stand)
• Eka Pada Parshva Sarvangasana (Single Leg Side Head Stand)
• Parshva Sarvangasana (Side Shoulder Stand)
• Pashchimottanasana (Intense West Stretch Pose) (1-3 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Sunday, April 20

Quiet Practice:

• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja's Pose) over bolster with breath awareness (5 min each side)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Active Practice:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 simple set, 3-5 rounds)
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) (1 challenging set, 3-5 rounds)
• Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
• Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
• Parivrtta Arhda Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose)
• Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)
• Bharadwajasana 2 (Bharadwaja’s Pose 2)
• Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Hand Stand)
• Pincha Mayurasana (Peacock Feather Pose)
• Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1) (8-10min)
• Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Marichyasana 3 (Marichi’s Pose 3)
• Marichyasana 6 (Marichi’s Pose 6)
• Ardha Matsyendrasana 1 (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose 1)
• Pashasana (Noose Pose)
• Parivrtta Parshvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose)
• Parshva Bakasana (Side Crow Pose)
• Eka Pada Koundinyasana 1 (Single Leg Koundinya’s Pose 1)
• Setu Bandha (5 min)
• Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1) (8-10min)
• Halasana (Plough Pose) (1-3 min)
• Parshva Halasana (Side Plough Pose)
• Parshva Karnapidasana (Side Pressure on the Ear Pose)
• Supta Konasana (Reclined Angle Pose)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (3 min)
• Shavasana (10 min)

Monday, April 21

Quiet Practice:

• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) with breath awareness (10 min)
• Meditation Practice (15 min)

Restorative Practice:

• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) (5 min)
• Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) (5 min)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) on chair (5 min)
• Parshva Bharadwajasana (Side Bharadwaja's Pose) over bolster (3 min each side)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) with breath awareness (5 min)
• Ujjayi 4 in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Viloma 2 in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (5 min)
• Ujjayi 8 in seated position (5 min)
• Viloma 5 in seated position (5 min)
• Nadhi Shodhana 1b (5 min)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose) (10 min)

Check out this trailer for the upcoming doc "Enlighten Up!" produced and directed by Kate Churchill from Nama Productions.



Can't wait. It looks excellent.

[Thanks to Souljerky.]