We sometimes avoid the poses that we think we just can't do, the poses that maybe our bodies weren't "built" for.  Hanumanasana is just one of those poses. Full splits are something we feel we either can or can't do.  But even the naturally unflexible have hope in this pose.

Warming up the body and the key muscles is important as is the consistency of practicing.  The way to get better at hanumanasana is to do hanumanasana.  Sounds simple, right?  But then why do so many of us just avoid the pose altogether? Check out the following video for full split prep poses...

http://youtu.be/BgPTT6tQz20

Take inspiration from Hanuman, the monkey god for whom the pose is named before you take this leap of faith.  Hanuman leaped across an ocean in order to help a friend he loved.  And so this massive leap represents the expansion of his heart, the love that allowed him to take this step. In the full version of the pose we add in the expression of the heart opening. Take a look...and give hanumanasana another chance.

http://youtu.be/zUkMuJdOyZ4

Does your jump back still elude you? Find your lift first and the legs will follow.  Howard demonstrates a technique and exercise to practice in order to gain the tools for a successful jump back. Jump backs are a staple of ashtanga and can be incorporated into your flow practice as well. Don't forget, yoga is...

"99% Practice - 1% Theory"

- Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

http://youtu.be/PnQ34thI4II

In our restorative video series with Beverley, we take a look at 'legs up the wall pose'.  If you only had time for one pose in a day this might be the one.  Experience all the benefits of a gentle inversion and restore health to your body and mind.

Benefits include:

• improves circulation
• calms the mind
• boosts immunity
• regulates hormones
• relieves mild backache
• reduces travel fatigue

This pose can be practiced with or without props.  Enjoy legs up the wall with all the fixings in restorative yoga with Beverley every Friday from 11:30 to 12:45.

http://youtu.be/qNgfuU56vTg

Beverley has been working as a yoga teacher and somatic movement therapist for years in the Cambridge area.  Her deep understanding of anatomy and the human body creates a very healing and informative environment in her Hatha and restorative classes.

Restorative poses are all about letting go of the need to be doing something so the body can feel renewed with energy rather than drained.  In today's world our nervous systems are always on "go" mode with our compulsive need to be accomplishing or acquiring.  What happens when the muscles don'y have to work, the mind lets go, and even the cells of the body are allowed to release? Take a look at the video below to see what supta baddha konasana can be like. Then, experience for yourself in a restorative class.

Beverley is one of our teachers' teachers. She is a part of the Camyoga teacher training program. Come learn from the best.  Try restorative, Hatha, and meditation with Beverley.

http://youtu.be/QCVOy7dopBk

Yogitoes has designed a strap that offers some stretch and an adjustable band.  It is slightly wider than the classic yoga belt and no longer has the fiddly buckle.

It has loads of different uses as it offers gentle support with its giving nature.  In bridge and wheel it keeps the legs from splaying out.

Try it around the arms for support in forearm balance or handstand.  I used it to learn the transition bakasana (crow) to handstand.  It encourages proper alignment to support the shoulder girdle, making more challenging postures possible.

http://youtu.be/bzZRaFy8lsU

It even comes in handy for restorative poses, such as supta baddha konasana.  No need to think of props as training wheels, they are useful tools that can really aid a yoga practice. Check the uStrap out in the cafe. Or feel free to try mine.