Movement Snacks: A simple tip to make Vasisthasana easier
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Hey Reader, Vasisthasana is one of my favorite yoga poses. In the fitness world and also within yoga communities that limit the use of Sanskrit, vasisthasana is more commonly known as side plank. The thing is, Vasistha (the namesake of the pose) was a sage, not a plank. Setting that important detail aside, folks frequently refer to vasisthasana as side plank for 2 main reasons: First, Sanskrit can be a tricky language and lots of western yogis are not invested in using the language of yoga to practice yoga, effectively whitewashing the South Asian and Hindu roots of the practice. Second, vasisthasana is frequently taught by transitioning from plank pose to balancing on one hand with the feet stacked, hence side plank. But what if this transition is what makes vasisthasana unnecessarily hard on your body? This leads me to my movement snack for the week. The plank to side plank transition is super common, but it also asks a lot more of your shoulder joint when it's in a more fixed position. Additionally, starting from plank means your hips start low instead of high which means you have to lift your hips way up after transitionining from 2 hands to balancing on one -- which is already a difficult shift. What if there was a better way of transitioning into vasisthasana? That's what I share in my latest mini-video on YouTube. It's less than 5 minutes long and you can watch it here: I'd love to know what you think of this shift in approach to vasisthasana and how it works for you in your body. And if you're looking to focus a little more on vasisthasana, I'm teaching it all month long in my online studio, MOVE with Naomi. If you want to join me in MOVE, there are 3 options for membership: MOVE15, which focuses on classes less than 20 minutes long, including 2 live classes each week that are quick movement breaks (just 15 minutes long). MOVE, which offers a monthly calendar to follow along with, as well as live 30 minutes classes and everything else you have access to in MOVE 15 (and an archive of 30 minute classes). MOVE Plus, which focuses on more individualized support. I create a personalized movement program every month for you, based on your needs. I also offer a higher level of accountability -- you can text me when you've completed a practice or do weekly check-ins. Read a little more about MOVE and get started here. What pose feels really challenging for you? Or maybe there's a common pose transition that feels difficult (like triangle pose to half moon, for example) that you'd like some insight into. Let me know and maybe I'll turn it into a video for my YouTube channel! Thanks for being a part of my community this year. I am so grateful for you. Warmly, Naomi Want to stay in touch during the week? Here are a 2 easy ways: Follow me on Instagram, where I share movement inspiration 3x a week as acts of resistance, connection, and strength. Follow me on substack, where I write about the intersection of movement, motherhood, and the culture that we are all moving through. Or better yet, subscribe so you have immediate access to regular essays, including my most recent substack. This week I wrote about the advice I gave to my daughter when she asked if she should join the track team. It's probably not what you'd expect and it's free to read here. There are many ways to support my writing on substack, which focuses on women's health and motherhood during perimenopause through an anti-diet and pro-science lens: 😍 Become a free subscriber |