About the Course
Level: Intermediate
This pose can be hand full :) Make sure you practice on both sides.
Also, as an intermediate pose, you must be familiar with basic poses and especially those that lead up to this pose before you attempt it. This posture has a bind, standing on one leg, and a hamstring stretch. To better understand it, is important to break it down step by step. You must be able to do a Bound Extended Side Angle Pose (Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana) before you can give Bird of Paradise a go. If you can bind with a strap, feel free to explore the transition to standing in Bird of Paradise. However, if you're still working on your shoulder flexibility (bind) do not feel rush, take your time. Focus on the practice. You will get there!
Benefits Of The Posture:
Bird of Paradise is a challenging balance posture. It strengthens the legs and core. It stretches the arms and opens the hips and hamstrings.
Practice Mindfully (mind, breath, body connection):
If the central axis of the body shifts you may compromise the knee and hip joints. Work on maintaining the standing foot facing forward, spread toes, with the knee over the ankle, and the supporting hip plugged into the midline. Keep the quadriceps on both legs engaged (contracted) this will allow the standing leg to support you more fully and the hamstrings on the extended leg to open further without strain. Your shoulders should be pulled back, never hunched. Keep your core muscles highly engaged.
Modifications:
S T O P whenever you find yourself needing to release the bind. Remember, you can use a strap instead of clasping your hands. Stay calm, patience. You can also practice near a wall to prevent a fall.
Precautions (Safety first):
Keep away from this pose if you have any injury to your shoulders, hips, back, knees. Because it is a balancing posture, it should be avoided during pregnancy and by those who have high blood pressure. If you experience any pain please S T O P and let go of the posture.
Disclaimer:
***As with all exercise programs, when using my videos (fitness, meditation, sound bath
and yoga) You will want to take some precautions as your health and safety is the most important. Check your health with your doctor prior to starting/beginning any fitness program. By performing any yoga and fitness exercises you are doing it at your own risk. Also use your common sense to reduce and avoid injury. Thank you for understanding. Practice safely, Namaste!
Your Instructor
Johanna Q.
Johanna Quintero has been a yoga and fitness instructor for over a decade in Los Angeles, Ca. A lifelong yogi, and the mother to a beautiful 5 year old girl. Johanna is beyond passionate about fitness, anatomy, meditation, and sound healing. Teaching is not just a career for her is has been a dream come true. Helping others achieve higher states of well being, strength and peace is something she takes very seriously. She often says - "I teach what I know, I teach from experience, I teach from my heart to yours... Now let's get moving!!!!