Thursday, September 24, 2009

Sun Salutation: Surya Namaskar; How to Salute the Sun

by Leila Easa
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1040

Surya Namaskar: The sequence of 8 postures can be a complete practice in itself, or can prepare you for a longer asana routine. Sun Salutes are often performed in sets of 5, but if you are new to the practice it's wise to begin with 2 or 3. Each time you flow through this sequence, synchronize your breath with the movements of your body.

1.
To begin, stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Distribute your weight evenly over both feet. Establish a slow, steady rhythm for your breath. Find your center.


2. Next, inhale and stretch your arms out to the side and overhead into Reach your heart and arms to the heavens, sending your greeting to the sun.

3. As you exhale, hollow out your belly and fold into Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), connecting down into the earth. Keep your legs firmly engaged.




4. Inhale and lengthen your spine forward into Ardha Uttanasana (Half Standing Forward Bend). In this pose, the gaze is lifted, the spine is extended, and the fingertips can stay on the floor or rise to the shins.

5. Exhale and step or lightly hop your feet back behind you into Plank Pose. Your wrists should be flat on the floor, shoulder-distance apart, and your feet should be at hip distance. Take a full breath in as you lengthen through your spine.

6. Exhale and lower into Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), keeping your legs straight and pushing back into your heels or bringing your knees to the floor. Build heat in the center of your body as you hold this challenging posture.







7. Inhale and carve your chest forward into Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog), directing that energy out from your heart. Pull your shoulders back and open your collarbones. Engage your legs but relax your gluteal muscles.

8. Exhale and roll over the toes, coming into Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose). Ground down through your hands and feet as you lengthen your spine. Remain here for five breaths.

9. On your fifth exhale, bend your knees and look between your hands. Then inhale and step or lightly hop your feet between your hands, returning to Ardha Uttanasana (Half Standing Forward Bend).






10. Exhale back to Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), surrendering into the fold.

11. Inhale, reaching your arms out wide to your sides and coming to stand through a flat back. Feel a renewed sense of energy as you draw your arms overhead into Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Hand Pose).

12. Exhale and return to Tadasana (Mountain Pose), your home base. Remain here for a few breaths, feeling the movement of energy through your body, or continue on to your next salute.

(taken from http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1040)

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Summer is over. Time for classes again!







Fall Minneapolis Community Ed classes are posted and it is time to sign up!


I am teaching four classes this session as long as they all fill up.
Pilates Beginning; Mon and Tuesday eve. 6pm-7pm
Pilates Yoga Power Sculpt; Mon eve. 7:15-8:15pm
Pilates Intermediate; Tuesday eve. 7:15-815pm


All classes are being held at Washburn H.S. for the fall session.




This is a link to the exercise page on the Minneapolis Community Ed web page, you will have to scroll down to my classes or click search for classes on the right of the page and then under instructor search for Quarstad, Susie

Search for a Class
Hope to see some familiar faces in my classes this fall!!!