Mobilizing the Vertebrae and Exploring the Yogic Locks

Please join us for this farewell workshop with Lance as he prepares to move to Houston to begin his new career as a physician.

We encourage you to register early as we expect this one to sell out!

As an old proverb says, we are as healthy as our spine is mobile. Spinal mobility is of tremendous importance energetically as the main yogic energy channel, the sushumna nadi passes along the axis of the spine and relates to all seven chakra points. When there’s disruption or blockage in the flow of energy through that major channel, it affects the flow of prana throughout the entire body. This class will focus heavily on mobilizing the spine in multiple ways – rolling, isolating, side bending, twisting, and inverting, all with the intention of getting each vertebra to move more freely with respect to all of the others.

The structure of the class will not involve a vinyasa or flow practice – we will focus on various spinal mobilization and strengthening movements linked fluidly with breath in a workshop format, including repetition, and potentially some isolated vinyasa sequences. We will then use the awareness and mobility cultivated to explore the bandhas or the three yogic locks. The class may also involve some partner work.

This class is open to students at all levels of practice. Adjustments and modifications will be offered as needed, even to those with prior injuries.

Cost:

• $65 through September 17,
• $80 after

About the Teacher: Lance Westendarp

What to expect in Lance’s classes: Lance’s classes at Capitol Hill are deeply focused, and involve a mixture of movement synchronized with breath and nuanced work with alignment, energetics, pranayama, and yoga philosophy. The flow of class changes depending on needs of students and centers on cultivating deeper self-awareness and strength. His teaching is well suited to students interested in exploring the deeper aspects of yoga practice. Expect to work deeply, laugh, and learn.

Main Influences/Styles/Traditions: Ashtanga/Krishnamacharya tradition/vinyasa karma/yoga therapy

Testimonial:  “Lance’s wisdom defies his youth in every aspect of teaching, from his knowledge of anatomy to the way he carefully crafts the sequences in his class. With the addition of Lance’s patience and sincerity to his instruction, I have the “space” to really understand my body/mind during his class. Listening to him, I get a sense of the art AND science of teaching yoga. What a gem!” Jessica B.