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Showing posts from December, 2018

Activating the arms in Urdhva Hastasana

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The work we have to do with the body in Urdhva Hastasana is almost the same as in Tadasana, so the previous posts were I demonstrate exercises and variations for the feet, legs, pelvis and chest we can also apply to this asana. I am going to add other variations to help you understand the work and engagement of the arms and the correct alignment of the spine . As I previously said, if you have any cardiac condition or high blood pressure don't raise the arms up over than 30 seconds . Stand up with the feet parallel. Big toes joining together and hells slightly apart. Ground down through the four corners of each foot. Place a strap around the mid-forearms or on the elbows and tighten it to shoulder width (see how to find the shoulder distance on the post " Learn how to work the arms and chest in Tadasana "), and then place a block between the hands. Lift the shinbones and the kneecaps up, engaging the quadriceps/thighs muscles and drawing the 

Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Hands Pose)

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Like Tadasana, i n this asana, the practitioner stands tall, like a mountain with the hands raised over the head. Urdhva Hastasana is an uplifting pose that seems so easy and we take for granted so many times but in fact, is full of subtleties and manages to work our body  balance, height and extension  as well as our focus. With this asana, we find a sense of release by clearing the shoulders away from the ears. Stand up with the feet parallel. Big toes joining together and hells slightly apart. Ground down through the four corners of each foot. Lift the shinbones and the kneecaps up, engaging the quadriceps/thighs muscles and drawing the inner and outer knees (without straining them). Neutralize your pelvis by pulling the pubic bone toward the navel  lengthening the spine and the trunk . This action prevents an excessive curve on the lumbar spine and also keeps the lower rib cage in. Inhale and extend your arms to the side parallel to the floor with the palms facing