Wih the clocks changing, nights lengthening and a chill in the air, autumn can be an unsettling time and the focus of my yoga practice changes a little to try and bring balance during this seasonal change. I also like to slow my practice a little, taking a slightly more "yin" approach, lengthening the time in posture and focusing on the breath. Below are some of the elements I like to focus on in my practice at this time of year, and what you can expect in class: 1. Twisting, and in particular, my favourite Half Lord of the Fishes, which rejuvenates and brings balance to the spine, as well as firing up the digestive system. 2. Forward folding, to reduce external sensory distractions, help
Having recently spent some time in class more deeply exploring the benefits of forward folding, I thought it time to turn attention to backbends......again, normally a section that you will find in most yoga classes, but here is why it's sometimes good to pay them a little more attention: 1. Backbends require the front of the body to be long and open, and so encourage length in the notoriously tight hip flexors, the bane of many a runner and cyclist. Backbends therefore aid recovery for and prevent injuries from running and cycling. 2.Increased spinal flexibility and reduced tension in soft tissues of the lower back can help to reduce impingement in the lower back and reduce and relieve sci
