Yoga For Footballers

Hello Yogis!

I think about footballers often, not just because of the world cup! Footballers come to class, along with other types of athletes and bodies, and I’m struck at how the body responds to all kinds of decisions we make: the sports we take up, the accidents we have, the career we take up. Imbalance comes with those choices ‘as standard’! Of all the one-sided sports, football really takes the biscuit!

Look at all that stopping and starting, jumping and changing direction. The kicking leg needs a huge amount of power and engagement from quad, groin and glute while simultaneously needing stretching ability to reach the ball. What about the planted leg? How does the imbalance refer into the back?

Do you know what goes in to your imbalance? Mine is due to years of violin playing hence the difference in my shoulders. The car crashing into me is the reason for stiffness on my left side! A right fallen arch makes my left knee vulnerable. That’s enough of a project to take to yoga class. What’s yours?!

Classes

Eden Fitness: I’m covering the Sunday 10.15 class at Eden gym. It’s an hour long from 10.15 to 11.15. Come along if you’re a member. I can see that 17 out of the 18 places are still un-booked.

I really appreciate people braving the cold and coming to my lucky home studio. I can’t tell you how much I love teaching in person again. What great energy you always bring. You can book here for Monday and Tuesday stretchy classes at 7.00pm, Wednesday Ashtanga at 7.00pm and Friday morning Ashtanga at 8.30am.

Reminder: Friday morning, 8.30, Ashtanga yoga. The heating will be on!

Yoga In The News

WXHC.com has: Deadheads can now do yoga on Grateful Dead yoga mats. ‘The natural rubber Grateful Dead Harmony mats will feature the band’s signature dancing bears, with the bears in Tree, Downward Dog, Warrior, Crow and Dancer yoga poses.’

Canadian Running Magazine has: Yoga for feet, toes and ankles: give your neglected lower limbs some love. ‘Try these simple stretches when you’re watching TV, or while sitting at your desk. Get started by rolling your ankles in gentle circles. From a seated position, try lacing your fingers through your toes to clasp your foot, and gently guiding it in circles.’

If you need a stretch over Christmas, I’ve added some of my classes to my website. They are around 45-50 minutes.