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Heart Opening Education

by Trisha Curling | Jun 6, 2024 | Main Page Display

Heart-Opening Education

backbend

HEART-OPENING EDUCATION

There is a great deal to learn with regard to heart-opening postures. Of course, negotiating the execution and being aware of the anatomy involved in various heart-opening poses are some of the initial considerations. There is also, however, a psychological aspect that must be contemplated so that a solid foundation may be cultivated. The psychological aspect comes from how the nervous system contributes to the experience within our physical bodies when we are exploring heart openers. What’s important overall is to remain open to gathering a broad spectrum of information and continuing to be a student. Today we’ll dive into some of the physical techniques and psychological aspects of heart opening that Matt teaches in order to maximize our potential for greater expansion.

FREEDOM OF THE HEART

Learn how to access pain-free heart openers
Technique-infused 2-hour workshop
Step-by-step tutorials for each heart opener
Decrease low back discomfort
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Improve your standing and seated postures
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Injury Awareness: Avoiding spinal compression
Debunk popular alignment with anatomy knowledge
Skillfully guided sequence by the founder of Chromatic Yoga, Matt Giordano
LIVESTREAM DATE: June 9 at 10am Eastern Time (NYC Timezone)
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THE ROLE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

In the full class, Matt explains the balance we need for an expansive yet strong backbend. By “balance,” he means finding the “sweet spot” on the spectrum between the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous system. Why is this relevant?

First, we must understand the difference. The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with the ability to “rest and digest,” which implies an ability to surrender. In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system is associated with “fight or flight,” preparing the body for activity. Both systems are necessary, offering us what we need when it’s appropriate to soften and when it’s appropriate to gather energy. These two ends aptly describe heart-opening postures. There’s a strength required from the back body, while the opposite is true for the front body—length and flexibility are essential here.

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HEART OPENING EDUCATION: ESTABLISH A SOLID FOUNDATION

STRETCH VERSUS STRENGTH: THE ANATOMY

In regard to the skeletal system, one of the goals of heart-opening postures is to develop increased opening between each vertebra, or more specifically, opening at the front by moving the spinal column forward, allowing for the intervertebral discs to slide forward.

As for which muscles to strengthen, some of the primary ones we’re looking at are the rhomboids and the middle and upper fibers of the trapezius. Actively engaging these muscles will contribute to bringing the shoulder blades towards the spine (retraction).

In terms of stretching, in heart-opening postures we are generally stretching the pectoralis major and minor muscles, the rectus abdominis, and the anterior deltoid muscles.

Part of the appropriate patterning in our bodies throughout a heart-opening yoga practice is to intentionally train the activation of the muscles we’re strengthening so that the front body automatically responds with the stretch.

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STRETCH VERSUS STRENGTH: FOUNDATIONAL POSTURES

Locust Pose Variation

In the video, Matt delves right into an important action, shoulder elevation, that takes place before the retraction of the scapulae. This allows for more space and increased range in the retraction. The clasp of the hands and lift of the heart effectively strengthen the previously mentioned muscles in the back body. Matt also demonstrates how to use a strap to maximize the benefits of stretch and strength in this posture.

3-Part Cobra Pose Variations

If we’re really interested in learning how to isolate the various sensations we experience in a heart-opening posture, then this foundational pose is an absolute must! Matt offers 2 variations (1 without any props and 1 with a bolster).

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BE WILLING TO EXPAND

Both literally and figuratively, we need to be willing to expand. This means accepting new information, even if we think it contradicts what we’ve always done in our yoga practice. It also means exploring and applying the techniques that support our body’s unique capacity to transform and potentially go deeper in heart-opening postures.

When we consider the impact this can have on our nervous system, we can more fully understand the benefits to our physical and emotional body. Consider how empowering it will be to surrender not only to the vigor and strength of a heart opener but also to expansion in our breath because we are relaxed enough to find more stretch and length in the front body.

Building the confidence to execute strong, safe heart-opening postures takes time, through patience, practice, and education.

Register for Matt’s upcoming 2-hour online Freedom of the Heart workshop, where you’ll become a master of your own body in heart-opening postures.

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Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Anatomy of the Heart Immersion

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Shoulder Secrets

Shoulder SecretsbhujapidasanaSHOULDER SECRETS When approaching arm balances, it’s not unusual to go straight to a focus on the wrists. Having to bear our weight into the wrists while balancing our body weight can be an intimidating thought (especially if we don’t...

Twist Power

Twist Powerparsva bakasanaTWIST POWER It’s interesting what unfolds along our journey with our yoga practice. As we grow, learn, and begin to understand more about ourselves things change, we change. Not only do we learn so many things along the way, but in the yoga...

Lizard Like You’ve Never Seen It

Lizard Like You've Never Seen Itutthan pristhasanaLIZARD LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT Familiarity in a yoga posture can feel really good. There’s a comfort in knowing exactly what to do when we get on a mat. The thing is, we can get caught up in thinking that the more...

Internal Rotation: Strengthen From The Inside Out

Internal Rotation: Strengthen from the Inside OutShoulder MobilityINTERNAL ROTATION: STRENGTHENING FROM THE INSIDE OUT It’s not unusual for us to find ourselves spending too much time in a slouched position. It could be due to a job, our poor habits on our electronic...

Janu Sirsasana To Half Lotus

Janu Sirsasana to Half LotusKurmasanaJANU SIRSASANA TO HALF LOTUS There’s never one single route to a posture we’re exploring. There are individual specifics we always need to consider. When it comes to hip opening postures like Janu Sirsasana and Half Lotus, we may...

Turtle Pose To Titibhasana

Turtle Pose to TitibhasanaKurmasanaTURTLE POSE TO TITIBHASANA Turtle Pose is not tiny by any means! There is a great deal that goes into its preparation. It’s also an excellent preparatory posture for Titibhasana. The journey between these two poses is marked by a...

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Deep Dive Into Chaturanga

by Trisha Curling | Feb 8, 2024 | Main Page Display

Deep Dive Into Chaturanga

Shoulder Action Controversy

shoulder stability

DEEP DIVE INTO CHATURANGA

Earlier this week, Matt posted a video on his Instagram page highlighting the shoulder blade movement that takes place in Chaturanga—moving from protraction to retraction. This can be a tricky subject, and it was cause for some discussion in the comments on that video. He goes into more detail here.

When we’re taught to do something (such as the execution of a yoga posture) a certain way, it may be difficult to consider an alternative. The Chromatic yoga approach, however, is a nondogmatic one and requires that we create our own understanding through action and being open to new possibilities. There is always room for perspective. Now, Chaturanga can be a challenging posture due to the strength it requires, but in today’s video, we see a breakdown of the steps and gain insight into the anatomy in order to make informed choices in our yoga practice.

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SEQUENCING FOR THE SHOULDERS

The intelligent sequencing offered in a Chromatic yoga class helps us prepare our bodies for optimal positioning in a given posture.

In Chaturanga, there is a tendency for the scapulae to anterior tilt, causing the shoulders to punch forward into the anterior portion of the shoulder capsule. Over time, this can cause pain and/or increased wear and tear on the joint, not to mention the implications it may have for the neck, shoulders, back, and chest. What’s necessary is a healthy degree of external rotation. Matt demonstrates a few drills with a strap and blocks that help pattern the body in how to create the external rotation required for the pose. Why is this important? These drills teach us how to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, which will help stabilize the shoulder joint and recruit the serratus anterior for a stronger descent in Chaturanga.

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DEEP DIVE INTO CHATURANGA: SHOULDER ACTION CONTROVERSY

STRAP SETUP FOR THE SHOULDERS

These drills help us understand the foundations of the shoulder mechanics for Chaturanga.

Pull the Strap Apart

Here are the four key actions:

Take an underhand grip of the strap.
Pull the strap apart.
Move the shoulder heads back.
Bring the elbows in and forward.

This drill is not static; when watching the video, we see that there is actually movement back and forth, which will help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.

Block in the Palm & Between the Elbow and the Body

This drill can be done without a block; however, the block between the body and elbow adds that extra awareness of activation and reminds to keep our elbows more narrow.

Essentially what’s happening here are movements back and forth between the internal and external rotation of the humerus. Holding the additional block in the supinated palm of the same arm helps emphasize the required external rotation for Chaturanga.

STRAP SETUP FOR THE SHOULDERS

These drills help us understand the foundations of the shoulder mechanics for Chaturanga.

Pull the Strap Apart

Here are the four key actions:

Take an underhand grip of the strap.
Pull the strap apart.
Move the shoulder heads back.
Bring the elbows in and forward.

This drill is not static; when watching the video, we see that there is actually movement back and forth, which will help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.

Block in the Palm & Between the Elbow and the Body

This drill can be done without a block; however, the block between the body and elbow adds that extra awareness of activation and reminds to keep our elbows more narrow.

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CHATURANGA AT THE WALL

Transitioning to Chaturanga at the wall takes us to a closer setup of what position our bodies will be in. Of course, we are perpendicular to the floor in this variation, but we can negotiate hand and shoulder placement without the strength element. Matt has shown us variations at the wall before, and they are always helpful in navigating a posture.

One of the key points in this variation, however, is the push through the heel of the hands. This action both brings the bottom wing tip of the scapulae through the arm bone, which encourages the head of the humerus to pull back, and it helps recruit the muscles of the serratus anterior. We also gain a “band of stability” in the upper body once this is in place. Once we’ve explored here, it’s time to take Chaturanga to the mat.

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WHY PROTRACTION TO RETRACTION?

In the video, Matt demonstrates how the shoulder blades come in towards one another on the descent portion of Chaturanga. This is what might conjure up some controversy. Matt explains that we’re not just easily allowing them to come together; instead, we’re still trying to resist the retraction in the lowering phase until we’re almost at the ground level. It’s therefore a “fight” between the actions of protraction and retraction of the scapulae.

Remember the “push through the heel of the hand”? This ignites the protraction. The goal is to allow the shoulder blades to retract at a slow pace. Too often, we find that if there is no retraction, we can fall into the anterior tilt of the scapulae more easily. If there is no movement of the scapulae, it can affect the muscles in the front and the back of the neck by causing more strain.

ALLOW MOVEMENT TO TAKE PLACE

In this full workshop (The Shoulder Reset), Matt explains that going from protraction to retraction means that we are allowing the shoulder joint to move as it was designed. We are allowing gravity to do its job. When allowing the movement from protraction to retraction to take place, we are creating an eccentric contraction, which will offer a smooth descent. It will also translate into creating lightness and ease in a jump back.

The good news is that Matt’s offering a 3-part workshop series this month, Shoulder Mastery The education we can look forward to will have a profound effect on our yoga practice overall.

Part I is all about shoulder mobility and heart openers, and Part II delves into shoulder strength and arm balances. Part III tackles inversions, binds, and neck & shoulder releases.

Click Shoulder Mastery to register.

See you on the mat!

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

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Article by Trish Curling

Videos Extracted From: The Shoulder Reset

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ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
Appropriate for both teachers and students
Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
Demystify yoga poses and transitions
Release aches and pains
Learn how to avoid common injuries
Caters to all levels with modifications and props
20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
Lifetime access

TELL ME MORE!

Continue Learning

Shoulder Secrets

Twist Power

Lizard Like You’ve Never Seen It

Internal Rotation: Strengthen From The Inside Out

Janu Sirsasana To Half Lotus

Turtle Pose To Titibhasana

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Serratus Push Ups Tutorial

by Trisha Curling | Sep 15, 2022 | Main Page Display

Serratus Push-Ups Tutorial

Variations for Strength

strength

What Is The Importance of Serratus Anterior Push-Ups?

When you hear the term “boxer muscles,” you most likely know that it’s referring to the serratus anterior. However you refer to it, it’s an important part of creating both stability and strength for your shoulders. A great way to strengthen the serratus anterior is by doing “serratus push-ups.” There is a variety of different ways in which to approach them. In today’s serratus push-ups tutorial video, Matt demonstrates 4 variations that help you tap into the strength required for greater access to postures that require the use of these “push” muscles.

Why Are They Relevant To Your Yoga Practice?

Serratus push-ups are also commonly referred to as scapula push-ups. They are a wonderful and necessary part of your toolkit for both increased strength of your shoulders and mobility of the scapulae. The serratus anterior facilitates upward rotation of the scapulae whenever you take your arms into a position over your head. Upward rotation of the scapulae is necessary to take some of the work away from the trapezius. It also helps reduce the possibility of hypermobility in the glenohumeral joint.

In your physical yoga practice, this is relevant in postures like Downward-Facing Dog, Chair Pose, Crescent Lunge, and Handstand (just to name a few). Upward rotation of the scapulae is also helpful in your everyday life. Having the awareness to utilize the movement of the shoulder blades when reaching for objects overhead, for example, offers the same result. You maintain greater health and movement of the shoulder because you are recruiting the use of the serratus anterior muscles to create movement of the scapula.

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SERRATUS ANTERIOR MUSCLES

These muscles run underneath your scapulae, then around to the ribcage: “The serratus anterior is ‘multi-headed’ and forms the lateral part of the chest wall, giving it a ‘serrated’ appearance.” Contracting these muscles creates the movement of the scapulae around your ribs (protraction).

Long, Ray. The Key Muscles of Yoga. Bandha Yoga Publications, 2005. Pg. 162

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THE 2 MAIN ACTIONS

In a serratus push-up, the 2 main actions are retraction and protraction of the scapulae.

Retraction of the Scapulae

When you are performing one of the serratus push-up variations, it’s really your torso that moves towards the surface beneath you in order to create the retraction. In this case, the scapulae are not creating the movement. The focus here is the “push,” when you actually “push the floor away” in order to move into the next action in the movement (protraction).

Protraction of the Scapulae

Protraction creates a great deal of stability in your shoulder joint. When you take your arms overhead in your yoga practice, it’s likely that you will default into retraction (drawing your shoulder blades towards one another). If this is your intention, that’s fine, but let’s consider what that means in the context of Handstand. If the goal is to be straight up and down and stable in the posture, of course it requires a great deal of strength. It’s important then to be extremely intentional about creating protraction of the scapulae (pushing your shoulder blades away from one another). It’s in this “push” action that you recruit and rely on the serratus anterior muscles to support and align your body for the greatest amount of stability.

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SERRATUS PUSH-UPS: 4 VARIATIONS FOR STRENGTH

There are specific cues for each scapular push-up variation that help you to maximize your potential to create strength.

Variation (Level 1)

Place the forearms on the floor with your knees stacked under your hips
Let the chest sink into the retracted scapulae
Push the elbows into the ground until scapulae push apart (creating the 2nd phase of the push-up)

Variation (Level 2)

Take your knees further away (more into a plank-like position)
Execute the serratus push-ups

Variation (Level 3)

Plank on forearms with toes tucked
Execute serratus push-ups

Variation (Level 4)

Plank on forearms with toes pointed
Round your back
Bring ankle bones together
Execute serratus push-ups

A SIMPLE FORMULA FOR STRENGTH

Consistency and progression are the winners here. It’s important to explore all 4 of these serratus push-up variations to find out what is most suitable for you. Matt suggests a conservative number of repetitions while you maintain integrity in your form. Once you feel like you are able to increase the number of repetitions, you may progress to the next level or variation (doing only a conservative amount) in order to become aware of whether or not you wish to return to the previous level, possibly increasing the number of repetitions. Exploring in this way over time is a recipe for increased strength in the serratus anterior and increased stability of the scapulae.

There is still time to explore more of this in Matt’s current immersion, Handstand & Meditation.

See you on the mat!

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Handstand & Meditation Immersion

← See Previous Story See Next Story →

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

NEXT TRAINING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2024 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!

200 Hour Training

NEXT TRAINING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2024 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!

300 HOUR TRAINING

Continue Learning

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

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the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
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exclusive blogs and videos

Heart-Opening Education

HEART-OPENING EDUCATION

FREEDOM OF THE HEART

THE ROLE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEART OPENING EDUCATION: ESTABLISH A SOLID FOUNDATION

STRETCH VERSUS STRENGTH: THE ANATOMY

200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

STRETCH VERSUS STRENGTH: FOUNDATIONAL POSTURES

300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

BE WILLING TO EXPAND

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

Continue Learning

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

Deep Dive Into Chaturanga

Shoulder Action Controversy

DEEP DIVE INTO CHATURANGA

SHOULDER MASTERY

SEQUENCING FOR THE SHOULDERS

WATCH THE VIDEO

DEEP DIVE INTO CHATURANGA: SHOULDER ACTION CONTROVERSY

STRAP SETUP FOR THE SHOULDERS

STRAP SETUP FOR THE SHOULDERS

200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

CHATURANGA AT THE WALL

300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

WHY PROTRACTION TO RETRACTION?

ALLOW MOVEMENT TO TAKE PLACE

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

Continue Learning

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

Serratus Push-Ups Tutorial

Variations for Strength

What Is The Importance of Serratus Anterior Push-Ups?

Why Are They Relevant To Your Yoga Practice?

HANDSTAND & MEDITATION

SERRATUS ANTERIOR MUSCLES

WATCH THE VIDEO: SERRATUS PUSH-UPS TUTORIAL

NEXT TRAINING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2024 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!

NEXT TRAINING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2024 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!

THE 2 MAIN ACTIONS

STRENGTH

SERRATUS PUSH-UPS: 4 VARIATIONS FOR STRENGTH

A SIMPLE FORMULA FOR STRENGTH

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

NEXT TRAINING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2024 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!

NEXT TRAINING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2024 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!

Continue Learning

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

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