Core Stability

This week’s lesson was on core strength.  There is a lot of talk these days about building “core strength”. Some see it as the literal center of our balance and strength, others look at the way in which our physical center is linked to emotional and spiritual elements of life. Desiree Rumbagh says “it is what supports us spiritually in our lives and physically in our yoga practice. If our core is weak, the ups and dows of life are much harder to take. A strong core makes us more resilient”.

In relation to asana practice, core abdominal strength improves nearly every pose, offering a sense of balance and ease. If we are weak in the core, our digestive fire is generally weak. This can cause constipation which then brings on chronic exhaustion, because we are not absorbing nutrients. This can polute the blood stream and make the mind muddy, leading to unclear thinking and gloomy moods. Working on the core quickens the blood and gets oxygen moving through the body.

We worked on Shalabasaba this week and Birkram’s website has an impressive picture of it which you’ll see below.

There will only be one session next week at 7.30 on Thursday in the Dance Studio, Wilmslow High School, Holly Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire.  The lesson will be looking into the benefits of backbends.  Classes will resume in Alderley Edge in September