"Yoga is like any other science or art: preparation and training are essential.”

-Swami Satyananda Saraswati  

 

In Integral Yoga guidance and instruction are crucial. An understanding of the musculoskeletal system and key anatomic structures in relation to Yoga are absolutely necessary to develop and advance practice, safely move past physical barriers and remain injury free.

 

In order to optimize your Yoga Practice, Sustain Life Fitness Instructors provide education and guidance on: the Concept of Integral Yoga, Natural Cleansing Techniques, Asana (pose) Foundation and Alignment, Pranyama (breathing/ breathing techniques) and Meditation.

 

In many styles of Yoga there is consideration of our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Yoga is the union or ultimate balance of both.

 

Sequencing of Asanas is strategic in that each pose activates your sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system or in some cases both. If done properly, Yoga practice should lead to a balance of the Nervous System, elongation of the spine and muscles, which, achieves balance and a higher awareness that is both mind and body.

 

Yoga is scientific and systematic. Practice safely through preparation of the mind and body based on building a strong foundation and with correct alignment and breath.  

 

Let us break it down for you…

 

The Central Nervous System, the Brain and Spinal Cord, is one of two major divisions of the Nervous System:

 

• Spinal Cord connects to our Brain through the Foramen Magnum

• From the Brain the Spinal Cord descends down the back

• The Spinal Cord is protected by a series of bones called the Vertebral Column: 7 Cervical, 12 Thoracic, 5 Lumbar, 1 Sacrum (5 segments)

 

4 Main Groups of Spinal Nerves:

• Cervical

• Thoracic

• Lumbar

• Sacral/ Brachial

 

One-on-one or small group Yoga Instruction is extremely beneficial to those looking to deepen their practice. Personalized guidance allows an Instructor to design a practice that targets areas and asanas of Yoga that serve as a challenge to you. This style of class also ensures Sustain Life Fitness Yoga Instructors the ability to hone in on alignment and breath throughout the practice translating to immediate progression.