General tips for Yoga:
In doing Yoga with hubby, I’ve noticed that men, especially tall men, are generally very stiff and inflexible in the back of the legs. You need to adapt and take it slower into the stretch. Trying to get the total stretch might just hurt you so work into it and adapt with a strap or block.
Yoga is not a contest. Just do what you can and take note of how you are personally improving. There are ways to adapt with straps and blocks so check out some books or classes for assistance.
Note which side of your body is stiffer then the other. This will effect your riding (i.e. most commonly the horse has a problem taking a circle on your stiffer side – which is the stronger side with contracted muscles that don’t fully release).
Try to hold a pose for 3 full minutes. Holding into the stretch gives you the most power of the stretch. Breathing into the deepened stretch is the beginning of meditation and mindfulness.
Breath while holding the stretch. This also translates into riding where we forget to breath while concentrating.
Once you are familiar with Yoga and the poses you feel most comfortable doing, you can do a couple before riding as opposed to a full routine. Although, of course, doing a full routine a few times a week can continue your improvement
Riders have some general problems that are common:
1.) Stiff and locking hips
Yoga Jason Crandell – Hip Openers toward Lotus
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2.) Stiff and rigid back
3.) Crumpled upper body position
Yoga Jason Crandell – Jason Crandell: Shoulder Sequence
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Find more at Yoga Journal or Yoga Downloads.
