Gravity Yoga
“I really loved it. It was definitely challenging. I hated it a few times when my hamstrings wouldn’t cooperate, HA!” —Lindsay R.
Regain lost flexibility and reduce resulting pain/discomfort with Gravity Yoga. If you suffer from stiff hamstrings, tight or locked-up hips, and/or a painful lower back; if you’ve tried other stretching exercises but have not seen the results you had hoped for; this class is for you.
When your body is tight and imbalanced it creates workarounds that can lead to lower back, neck, and knee injuries, among other things. Tight bodies that lack a normal range of motion also cause a decline in our quality of life and often limits us from doing the things we would like to do. Flexibility training not only unlocks stuck areas but helps to naturally improve circulation in the entire body.
In this class we’ll hold each pose for 2-5 minutes, turning off your stretch reflex and gently lengthening your soft tissues while they are disengaged. Since as much as 50 percent of your flexibility gains come from your nervous system and not your muscles, we’ll practice 1:2 count nose-to-mouth breathing to down-regulate your nervous system and allow your body to soften. In each class you will either “meet or beat” your passive stretch hold times to incite real change.
Experience Level | Open to All Levels
Equipment Used | Mat, Blanket, Strap, Block(s)
Disclaimers. This practice will loosen joints and connective tissues. Gravity Yoga can be done on its own or after (not before) any other type of exercise. Do NOT practice Gravity Yoga while pregnant. This is NOT a traditional yin yoga practice.
Benefits
Increased Range of Motion. Through long, deep stretches, Gravity Yoga will help you increase your range of motion and regain flexibility lost to age, sedentary lifestyle, or sustained active exercise such as running.
Reduce Imbalances. As flexibility is lost, the body adapts in ways that can create imbalances that lead to back, neck, hip, and knee pain. With regular practice, Gravity Yoga can reduce these imbalances and resulting pain.
Intense Stillness. With hold times ranging from two to five minutes in both yin and yang asanas (poses), this practice will challenge you to remain still with an intensity unlike any other form of yoga. Through stillness, you will build strength in mind and body while gradually improving your overall mobility.
Deep Mind-Body Connection. With long hold times, Gravity Yoga fosters a stronger mind-body connection. This provides the opportunity to better listen to your body and address weaknesses, points of pain/discomfort, etc.
Tips for Beginners
*always let your instructor know you’re new when you arrive for class
Discomfort is Good, Pain is Bad. If you feel sharp, pinching, or shooting pain, come out of the pose and modify your body position to achieve a challenging, but pain-free stretch. Discomfort is normal; pain is not.
Break As Needed. Certain poses will be more challenging than others. If you need to come out of a pose for a moment or two, please do so and return to the pose when you are able.
Make It a Routine. The greatest payoff of this practice is achieved over a long period of consistent practice. Make Gravity part of your weekly routine by practicing two times or more each week.