The final pose within the Bikram warm up series, eagle pose works to open up and mobilize the major joints of the body to prepare them for the class ahead.⠀ ⠀ The simple twisting motion which is held in place by use of core stabilizing muscles. Also helps to increase circulation of blood through the lymphatic system & kidneys.⠀ ⠀ The key to making this posture work is to create opposing tension between your compressed legs and arms drawing down towards the ground while simultaneously lifting the upper body up and back.⠀ ⠀ The key to holding this posture is to engage your core and keep the upper body upright by lifting the chest- this will help redistribute the balance of weight.⠀

After a wake up & stimulation of the central nervous system (in Half Moon Pose), the awkward pose fires up the muscles by working and strengthening through the legs, abdominals and arms. ⠀ ⠀ As well as muscle toning, the awkward pose aims to compress and stimulate the joints of the hips, knees and ankles which helps encourage circulation and mobilization for the class ahead. ⠀ ⠀ By not moving the feet at all and by simply changing the focus point of where the body weight in our feet is held, we move the strengthening effects from the hamstrings & glutes to the quads, and then finally to the inner thighs.⠀ ⠀ During all 3 segments of this pose, we keep the abdominal muscles contracted, as well as the muscles in both arms... this can be tricky but possible with solid concentration & focus. ⠀ ⠀ Still considered a warm up pose, the awkward pose gives an added joint mobilization which makes a perfect prep for the next posture ...the eagle! ⠀ ⠀ Speaking of perfect prep- the mental strength required to hold the posture precisely and to your maximum physical capacity is a tremendous training that is useful not only for the class ahead, but especially the balancing series which follows the warm up!⠀

Where the 90minute journey to freedom begins✨⠀ ⠀ The Bikram series begins with the pranayama breathing to allow the lungs, neck and shoulders to open and stretch. ⠀ ⠀ On the inhalation, the elbows reach all the way up to the ceiling, physically opening the rib cage while stretching through the shoulders. On the exhalation, the elbows actively stretch forward continuing the wake up call to the shoulders, physically closing the rib cage while allowing the neck to relax back in preparation for the backward bending. ⠀ ⠀ At the same time, playing with the limits of lung capacity, we inject a big dose of oxygen into our bodies which fires us up, nourishes our cells, enabling the body to be ready & willing to power through the class! ⠀ ⠀ As you become more familiar with the breathing, you become more playful and find the connection between using your throat to moderate the speed at which you inhale and exhale to achieve one full breath in 12 seconds.⠀ ⠀ Fun Fact- Did you know, that the longest living animal the tortoise, breathes only three to four times every minute (15 sec per breath), whereas human beings breathe at least 15 times every minute (4 sec per breath)... ⠀ ⠀ The Bhagavad Gita uses the tortoise as a repeated example of self control. With incredible control that we exercise in the Pranayama breathing, we humble humans take steps to bring our bodies into peace while challenging one of the very core elements of being a human, our breath.⠀