MARIO AUSTIN IS THE MAN ON THE MAT
TORTOISE POSE (KURMASANA)
Benefits
- Strengthens the entire back.
- Gives hamstrings and adductors a stretch.
- Tones the abdominal region.
- Helps quiet the mind.
Tips
A folded blanket is a wonderful assist to prevent rounding the spine. If Kurmasana is a challenge for you, a great preparatory variation is practicing with both feet flat on the floor with knees bent. Once you have grounded down through your feet, place your shoulders under your knees.
Additionally, working on wide-angle seated forward bend (Upavistha Konasana) helps with working towards Kurmasana.
Common Mistakes
If there's too much rounding in the back, tightness in your hips can be a result and limit accessing the pose. Aggressively forcing into the pose and too much pressure on your elbows can contribute to misalignment.
Awareness
Kurmasana is one of the many unique folds of forward fold postures. This pose helps practitioners slowly prepare for deep meditation while gradually and quietly drawing inward.
Mario Austin is a yoga teacher from Washington D.C. and teaches at Equinox, VIDA Fitness, and throughout the Washington Metropolitan area. Find out more at: mariomyoga.com
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