This course helps intermediate students to integrate inversions into their yoga practice. Students still learning full inversions are initially guided through preparatory stages. These preparatory stages are beneficial poses in their own right. They help to build strength and confidence. Eventually techniques that assist the safe practice of full inversions are shared. The inversions are linked with standing poses, forward bends, backbends and restorative poses to form a balanced practice and help you gain confidence with these poses. If you have just finished the beginners courses and are starting to do the weekly classes, this course will help you to continue building confidence with your inversions.

 

Class 1

This class will help you to confidently integrate inversions with standing poses in your yoga practice. It combines a sequence of standing poses with sirsasana (headstand), adho mukha vrksasana (handstand) and sarvangasana (shoulderstand). Each of the inversions are initially presented in a preparatory form, and then developed with options that are closer to the final pose. The class will be ideally suited to people making the transition from the Beginners Section to the Weekly Intermediate Classes. The inverted poses supplement a full sequence of standing poses including most of the key asanas from the intermediate level.

Duration: 55 mins

Class 2

This class continues our focus on building inversions into your home practice. In this sequence inversions are added to forward bends and twists. Initially adho mukha vrksasana (handstand) and sirsasana (headstand) are practiced in their preparatory stages. Eventually the action of kicking up into the fully inverted final position is introduced. This starts as a simple hopping action and in time leads to being able to confidently kick upside down. The sequence then includes poses that reinforce the fundamental techniques of forward bends and twists. Both standing and seated poses are included in this section. Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) is the focus of the last section of the class. You are shown in detail how to use props to assist with this pose. Improve your inversions and consolidate your forward bends and twists with this class.

Duration: 55 mins

Class 3

Learn to integrate inversions with a backbend sequence. The early section of this class concentrates on handstand and headstand. Initially the preparatory versions of the poses are practiced, and then you are guided through ways of approaching the full poses. The strengthening effects of the preparatory inversions will continue to be beneficial beyond the point where you are able to confidently practice the final positions. The backbend component of the class will be ideal for intermediate students who are looking to expand their understanding of basic backbend techniques. The sequence includes most of the “baby backbends” and also an introductory look at chair backbends.

Duration: 55 mins

Class 4

This is the last in our series of classes combining inversions with the main groups of yoga poses. In this class inversions are built into a sequence that also contains some of the more commonly practiced restorative poses. Techniques from the preceding classes are developed to the point where all of the inversions are practiced in their final stage. The class guides you in how to practice sirsasana (headstand), adho mukha vrksasana (handstand) and sarvangasana (shoulderstand). In addition to these inversions, the sequence also includes chest opening restorative poses. These calming poses can help to combat stress. Their rejuvenating qualities can be beneficial when your energy levels are depleted. They are also helpful for improving awareness of how you breathe.

Duration: 55 mins