yoga

After 8 years in roller derby, Laurel suffered the injury every derby girl dreads: a broken ankle. Despite a looming fear that nothing would ever be the same again, Laurel, a determined Bikram-style instructor, embarked on a yoga journey back to skating.

A low ankle break is an injury that lingers and delays. The moment I heard the snap in my ankle, I knew it was all over. I saw my mediocre derby career pass before my eyes, abruptly destroyed. My life was at an end.

Just imagine: a style of yoga that can enable you to meditate with less joint pain while increasing your flexibility and deepening your connective tissue elasticity. I’m referring to the ancient Chinese Taoist origins of yin yoga and it can help you bring balance to your body and your yoga practice.

When the Gods are in celestial sleep and the Dakshinayana begins, it's a good time to begin a metabolism-boosting yoga regimen—especially since June 21st is also International Yoga Day.

So how young a kid is too young for yoga? Well if your little one can follow basic instructions, and loves to groove with you, then you should start yesterday already!

Wellness Wednesday Week 107: Crocodile Pose

Benefits:

Great beginning backbend.

Opens chest.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start lying on stomach, bring hands up in fist position and put them underneath chin.

Chin is inline with ground, not bent upwards or downwards.

There is a natural curve in neck, not craning one way or another.

Shoulders are pushing back and down.

Wellness Wednesday Week 106: Supported Headstand

Benefits:

Improves balance.

Strengthens arms.

Is a great beginner pose for handstands.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start on hands and knees. Bring head to ground and start to bring knees up off ground.

Hands are pressing evenly into ground for support.

Arms are both evenly bent.