Yoga Liberation and Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana)

I went to yoga class last night expecting Rachel (who I have had before a couple of times) as the instructor but Joetta Maue was subbing for her and I ended up loving her class! Joetta really helped me to get in the correct posture by coming over and physically helping position me. I could feel the difference when I did the posture correctly and really liked that she came over and helped me.

I enjoyed the handstand work, many hip openers and the many vinyasa flows which I started to feel like I was really getting the form down for. At the end of the class for shavasana, Joetta applied pressure to your forehead like a mini massage and pulled your neck and applied pressure on your shoulders to release tension. I have to admit, this was my favorite part! I hope to attend more of Joetta’s class and advance more in my practice. I left the class very liberated and relaxed.

One of the poses I could really feel was Lizard Pose, Utthan Pristhasana.

What it works:

Hip opener, stretches the hamstrings and thighs

How to do it:

1. Start in downward facing dog and step your right foot to the outside of the hand
2. Turn the right toes out slightly.
3. Go down to your elbows (Use a block underneath your elbows if you need to)
4. Keep your neck aligned with your spine to keep length and press your left heel away. Try to keep your hips square! [Beginners, drop your left knee to the mat if having it raised is too difficult]
5. Stay for 8 breaths
6. Return to your hands and transition to downward dog
7. Repeat with the left foot to the outside of the hand

[Source: YogaJournal.com]

What workout do you do to relax for the weekend?