Up Dog Down Dog

Up Dog, Down Dog

Up Dog, Down Dog and Sun Salutations both mean the same thing. A series of strenuous exercises designed to stretch sore muscles, improve balance and flexibility, and to build strength. At Casa Nora, we work out with Bryan Kest DVD’s. Bryan is a yogi from California, who has created three levels of Power Yoga. All of my female clients love Bryan! Maybe it is his sexy voice, maybe it is because he conducts his classes without his shirt on. Who knows, and who cares. We love him, and we love the workout! My male clients have issues with him – probably for exactly the same reasons……..

Having said that, I am very proud of my male yoga clients, especially the repeat ones – Francisco (from Spain), Daniel (from the USA), Dean (from Norway), and Big Al, among others.

Lower push-up position – only hands and toes can touch the floor

But, my yoga girls are the best! The classes this season have been full almost every morning, with my girls working hard, yielding great results.

Down Dog – one of the best shoulder stretches in all of yoga

Classes start at 7:00 am every morning, and are held in the ‘churuatta’ in my garden. A non-slip yoga mat is provided, along with a white towel (to wipe off the sweat), as well as a cool bottle of water.

Up Dog – great for the arms, lower back, buttocks and legs

Yoga ultimately, is a body sculpting program. Practised consistently (3 times a week), for one month, Power Yoga will visibly change one’s body, adding long, lean muscles, improving flexibility, and building strength. Guaranteed.

Tree pose – or Standing Balancing pose

My classes have been so full this season, that I am grateful that Kathy (my daily yoga partner – on the left) enjoys practicing on the deck of the pool. Thanks Kath!

Warrior Pose – great for the thighs, buttocks and balance

Look at Kathy go! Nice position, Kath! The beauty of yoga is that it is an individual practice. It is not a race, or a competition, as every body is unique, with differing strengths and weaknesses. The point is, by executing the poses in the combinations created by Bryan, to the best of each person’s abilities, each body benefits, becoming stronger and more flexible.

One arm balancing – only one hand and one foot touch the floor

For all of the windsurfers and kitesurfers here in El Yaque, yoga is a terrific way to stretch out those sore muscles in preparation for another windy day on the water.

To all of my yoga partners – thanks for a great season! Keep practicing, and see you all next year!

Namaste

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