WATER YOGA
Come explore a new environment for practicing
yoga - one that assists, resists, and supports your own movements. This is the wondrous world
of water. Because of the unique properties of water people of all
fitness levels can safely enjoy water yoga. Conditions such as arthritis,
MS, obesity, and others can make traditional yoga practice on land
extremely difficult. The force of gravity during standing poses
(“asanas’) may also be too great for deconditioned individuals
just beginning physical activity after illness or injury. But the
buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water support the body
in all directions making most standing yoga poses easier. Over time
practicing these poses in the water will lead to greater strength
and stability. Often people move on to broaden their yoga practice
on land after training in the water.
I
first began to practice yoga in the water after a two year struggle
with chronic fatigue and fibromyalsia.
Having been very extremely active for years in group exercise, running,
cycling, dance and yoga made me quite frustrated at the start. But
practicing yoga in the water was like nothing else I had ever felt.
It is a one on one experience with nature. The water’s energy
suddenly becomes your own when you have none. You become excepting
of this as you feel yourself slowly being restored. It is not a
miracle. You have to “let go” relax and learn to be
passive and receive a little at a time. Patience is the key to any
successful recovery. Yoga teaches you to be kind to yourself and
the water helps by making movements easier.
As there are many ways to practice yoga
movements on land so are
there in the water. Vinyasas (connecting movements) help keep the
body warm by sending oxygen more quickly to many muscles as
the body flows from one yoga pose to the next. These vinyasas
can be performed standing in the middle of a pool, on the side
, or in a floating position.
Partner and group poses are very valuable
for many people who benefit greatly from fellowship.
Water temperature and the time spent in the water is very important.
If vinyasa work is practiced one will not feel the cold as much.
Water temperature can be suitable between 82 and 86 degrees for
no more than 45 minutes. If mostly floating and flexibility poses,
breathing and meditation are practiced the water should be betwwen
86 and 90 degrees. The duration of the session sould be between
30 and 45 minutes.
Floatation equipment may be used if a knowlegeable instructor is
present. I have designed a program called Yoga
Afloat and have certified a few hundred people in the
program to date. If you are interested in learning more about the
program or on how to become certified in Yoga Afloat click
here.
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