TT - Backbends with JB (May 12, 2012)

This is a partial recording of the teacher training session 5/12/2012. Original recording did not include entire session. Due to low quality of recording, much of the discussion (questions) had to be cut. The interactive portion of the session (teaching partners) is not recorded.

This session reviewed forward folds and introduced standing back bending postures.

00:00:09.031 parts of the spine

00:00:37.200 review of forward folds

00:03:15.344 qualities of a backbend

00:05:21.816 tips for beginners

00:09:47.164 deepening the postures (start with simple backbends, link movement with breath, etc)

00:11:58.000 standing backbends: examples

00:13:28.375 short physical practice led by jb

(warmup and standing backbends)

00:19:29.735 uttkatasana - breaking it down

00:23:33.700 virabhadrasana 1: breaking it down

00:24:22.456 optimal width between legs?

00:25:16.906 remember hips can't be perfectly square

00:26:06.715 "step as far as you can while you can still turn your torso to your front leg"

00:26:12.263 "sternum and navel line up with your inner right knee"

00:26:30.257 cues for virabhadrasana

00:26:56.962 inhale, bend front knee, engage your hamstring, heavy back heel..

00:29:40.810 lumbar curve

00:31:49.721 width between feet

00:32:59.219 other things to notice for virabhadrasana

Important points in this session:

Forward folding increases the curve in the thoracic curve and produces a decrease in cervical/lumbar curve. Monitor the increase of this curve as other curves decrease. The relationship between primary and secondary curves in spine are reciprocal; the more you increase or decrease one, the more the other will want to do the opposite. All the curves in spine should be affected in an equal ratio

Four possible spinal movements: flexion, extension, twisting, and side bending (lateral flexion)