Yoga wheel flexibility
Back pain, muscle tension, or simply the desire to understand your body better: many people seek ways to improve flexibility and strength. Selina Reichert experienced this first hand and made a remarkable discovery along the way: the yoga wheel
Selina Reichert first experienced back problems in her youth. To counteract them, she started strength training. Her personal trainer at the time also recommended specifically stretching her abdominal muscles, chest muscles and often-tight hip flexors. While searching for a tool to support these stretches, she came across the yoga wheel. The round shape of the wheel proved to be perfect for gently and passively stretching certain muscle groups.
At first, she mainly used the yoga wheel to stretch the front side of her body. Over time, she began to experiment more. She discovered that the wheel was not only useful for support but also for balance exercises. Standing on it, leaning against it, or balancing with her hands on it – the possibilities seemed endless.
Reichert now aims to show just how versatile the yoga wheel can be as a training tool. Whether for strength, balance, or flexibility, there are exercises for every level and ability. From gentle chest-opening stretches to advanced postures such as handstands, forearm stands and headstands, the yoga wheel supports practitioners at every stage of their journey.
She recently compiled all these valuable insights and exercises into the book, Yoga Wheel: 102 Poses to Improve Strength, Balance and Flexibility, which includes QR codes to videos demonstrating some of the more complex poses.
The banana on the yoga wheel
Ideal for opening up the chest, abdomen and hips. I always like to do this exercise after a long period of sitting to stretch out again.
Camel pose with a yoga wheel
A step up from the regular camel pose. The stretch is much more noticeable in the front of the thighs, hip flexors and abdominal muscles. In addition, the lower back is strengthened through a more intensive backbend.
Dancer with the yoga wheel
The yoga wheel supports the backbend and enables a stronger chest and shoulder opening. This variation is also suitable for advanced yogis and develops more strength in the lower back and buttocks, as well as a more intense stretch in the hip flexor and front of the thigh of the raised leg.
Handstand with yoga wheel
The yoga wheel has helped me incredibly with my handstand practice. Because the upper part of the forehead is pressed against the fixed wheel, it is possible to focus on the whole arm and core technique.
Flying split on the yoga wheel
Also an enhancement of the traditional pose with both hands on the floor. The buttocks and back muscles are activated much more intensively. The balance provided by the elevation of the yoga wheel also presents a new challenge.
YOGA WHEEL: 102 POSES TO IMPROVE STRENGTH, BALANCE AND FLEXIBILITY (Meyer & Meyer Sport) is out now and available through all good bookstores and online retailers.
Find out more about Selina Reichert at: yogaandpoleartbyselina.com or connect on Instagram @yogaandpoleartbyselina and @sundreamdancer
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
