If you are just starting to work with height under your shoulders in shoulderstand, Salamba Sarvangasana, get ready to re-experience the pose. Like all complex postures, it is best to work in stages and consult with an experienced yoga teacher, especially if you have a history of neck problems.
If you are comfortable using four Chip Foam Blocks and/or blankets for your set-up, consider these tips to improve your practice while keeping your body safe:
Meghan Goodman is a yoga instructor and professional dance artist who can sometimes be seen dancing on the side of tall buildings. She has been teaching yoga since 2006, and is currently completing a certification in Iyengar yoga. For more information on classes, performances, to book a workshop or private session, please visit www.meghangoodman.wordpress.com
Everyday activities like sitting at a desk, staring at a computer, hunching over a cell phone or even holding a bag consistently on one side can cause stagnancy, stiffness and fatigue in the body. As habits build, poor posture can easily become second nature, causing back and neck pain and even damaging spinal structures.
However, the main factors that affect posture are totally within our control, and aren’t difficult to change with consistent awareness. If you’re sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, the following tips will help support you in maintaining a better posture.