Category:
Ushtrasana
This month’s pose was chosen by student, Tiffany Wimmer.
Ustrasana, also known as camel pose, is a really challenging position for me. I am very tight in the front line of my body, and very protective of my heart space. Considering how tight I am, this pose can easily create a tremendous amount of pressure, crunching, and pain in my low back. Because of this, I have to be extra mindful here! I try to ground through the tops of my feet, send my tailbone straight down, and lift as much as I can in my chest.
During practices when I can take a little extra time, I start by physically using my hands to lift my chest (think about digging your thumbs into your armpits and using your hands to pull your chest forward). I then transition into the asana by taking a few breaths with my hands to my low back, then a few breaths with my hands to my hamstrings, then finally into the state of the asana with my hands on my heels. This pose can easily stress me out, so I remind myself to relax my shoulders and breathe.
When I need to be more consistent with my pace and can’t take extra time getting into this posture, my state of asana is most likely either with my hands on my hamstrings, fingers barely touching my heels, or reaching for blocks.
More about Tiffany:
Tiffany is a E-RYT 200 Yoga Teacher, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, USAW Certified Weightlifting Coach, i99Fit Level 2 Coach, Ayurveda Educator, and currently studying for her NASM Personal Training Certificate. You can find her teaching 7am Mysore at the Body Electric on Sundays, and Ashtanga Led Half Primary on Mondays at 6pm; coaching at CrossFit Rebels daily, or online on Instagram @tiffanywimtastic and www.wimtasticwellness.com
