Lauren Mones
Power yoga this is not! All poses are slow and deliberate. This makes them very safe and effective. The practice is great for increasing upper body flexibility and alleviating tension from everyday stress. (most individuals hold tension in the neck/shoulders and the emphasis in this area will help relax those kinks) Lauren's precise instruction and her emphasis on alignment will help you get the most benefit from the poses (and also help you develop better posture). She uses the 4 steps of proper alignment as the focus throughout (with the shoulders as the main focus point). The chapters are as follows:
Standing: In tadasana, Lauren begins by demonstrating the 4 steps she'll be using for every pose. (very detailed so you'll be sure to get it) Parsvakonasana (side angle) begins the standing poses. Prasarita Padottanasana (wide legged forward bend), trikonasana (triangle), virabhadrasana II & I follow and then child's pose to finish.
L-Shaped Hand Stand: Done against a wall, Lauren shows you how to position yourself properly to complete the pose.
Backbends: The poses include salabasana (updog), ustrasana (camel), bridge, urdhva dhanurasana (wheel). Lauren then rests in child's pose before moving onto the seated poses.
Sitting Poses: Hip opener/lunge sequence begins. Janu sirsasana (forward fold with one knee bent), ardha matsyendrasana (seated twist), paschimottanasana (forward bend) and then end in final relaxation.
The full practice is an hour in length. Lauren includes an instructional segment, a demonstration segment and an interview.
Instructor comments:
www.yogadharana.com
Music: the music was nice and flowed well with the practice.
Setting: Very serene/relaxing with white floors and white flowing curtains in the background.
Denise R
10-5-2006
