Back Bending Yoga Workshop
with Rich Logan

Backbends help us open the front body as the perfect counterpose to a life that can sometimes silence our hearts to the back row. Most of us guard our hearts as we amble through the day-to-day. Our rib cages collapse as we commute in our cars or sit in front of our computer screens. Suffice it to say, our heads drop forward, our lower backs round, the breathing mechanism shuts down, and our glandular systems work ineffectively — the postural equivalent of depression.

Our spines fixate in a compromised manner, restricting movement in all directions and at all joints. Backbending gives us the chance to meet life full-on. It allows for expansive breath in the rib cage. When done appropriately, energy levels increase, blood flow improves within the endocrine system, the spinal cord receives a gentle massage, and the internal organs stretch — allowing for better blood and lymphatic flow when the backbend is released.

In this workshop, we’ll discuss some of the anatomical implications of backbending and explore safe ways to move into these shapes — learning to bring the bend out of the lower back and into the thoracic spine. We’ll do both supported work with props, safe partner work, and invigorating solo “flights” in a variety of poses.

So come get blissed with a unique blend of mindful vinyasa and static poses.