@lauralouiseyoga

Backbends really aren’t just about how far you can bend! This month in my classes out theme is OPENING - creating more space through the front of the body, but also building the strength and support to actually make those backbends feel a bit better. So for Day 3 of #AloTurningLeaves, which happens to be OPEN, I’ve put together a little guide with some of the things I like to use when working on backbends. There are some simple ways to warm up, a few poses to have a play with, and some of my favourite ways to work on both strength and front body opening. And you definitely don’t need to be working towards a full wheel to get something from these. They’re useful whether you’re new to backbends, already practise them, or just fancy feeling a bit more open through your shoulders, chest, hips and spine. Have a play and see what feels good for you. And remember, opening doesn’t have to mean forcing yourself into a bigger shape… sometimes it’s about creating a bit more space and strength first. 🤎✨ DAY 3: OPEN - Backbending pose. 🍂 Hosted by: @handstandidaho @lauralouiseyoga @olya_manika @gorana.6 @arwenrising Sponsored by: @AloYoga 🍂 #yogatutorial #YogaChallenge #Backbends #YogaPractice

A little balance flow for you today (p.s how dreamy was this spot to film yesterday? How is it October!?!) 🌞🍂 I love sequences like this where one balance just leads into the next… rather than stopping, holding it and then starting again. We move from Malasana ➡️ One Legged Mountain ➡️ Warrior 3 ➡️ step back & lift ➡️ Figure 4 Chair ➡️ Half Moon… before eventually finding our way back to where we started. There’s definitely some wobbling involved 😂 but that’s kind of the point. It’s less about finding the perfect balance and more about staying grounded while everything else is moving…breathing, adjusting, trusting your feet and seeing what happens. So slow it down, have a play and don’t worry if yours looks nothing like mine. And this happens to be Day 1 of the #AloTurningLeaves challenge I’m cohosting this week 🌿 Over the next 8 days, we’ll move through the rhythm of autumn.. Root, Reach, Open, Turn, Lift, Release, Settle & Become. 🍂 Join us each day from 5–12 October and share your practice using the hashtag AloTurningLeaves. How to join: • Follow all hosts + @AloYoga • Post your daily practice using the hashtag AloTurningLeaves • Tag all hosts + @AloYoga • Share the challenge & bring your yoga buddies along • Get involved with the other participants • Keep your profile public so we can see your entries and cheer you on! And because a little extra motivation never hurts… 🧡 @AloYoga are giving one winner a $100 e-gift card! Hosted by: @handstandidaho @lauralouiseyoga @olya_manika @gorana.6 @arwenrising Sponsored by: @AloYoga 🍂 #AloYogaChallenge #igyogachallenges #yogachallenge #creativeyogaflow