Desiree Jones Yoga

Yoga dogs for the win!

Slowly finding my way back to a practice, with a little help from a furry friend :)

For my yogi friends - Such a lovely illustration of good vs poor shoulder alignment

Let's have the all important Chaturanga Chat!

Chaturanga is a staple of any vinyasa class but it seems that it is rarely broken down or demoed! However, since it is such a weight bearing pose on the shoulders that is repeated multiple times during practice, it's important to ensure that you and your students are in proper alignment to prevent injury.
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Some things to note:
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Doing more chaturangas will not necessarily give you the strength to be able to align well or hold this posture with ease.
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So what will?
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Hit the gym. Use weights or resistance bands to help strengthen the muscles of your upper back, specifically those which retract your scapula. These include your trapezius and rhomboids.
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Upper photo: In Alignment
- Scapula are retracted on the back
- Heads of the arm bones are back and no lower than elbows
- Upper arms are parallel to the mat
- Waistline is full, buttocks are drawn under
- Back of neck is long and gaze is forward
- Index knuckles and finger pads pressed firmly into floor
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Lower Photo: Misaligned
- Scapula are protracting
- Heads of the arm bones are rounding forward below the elbows
- Upper arms are at an angle to the floor
- Waistline is collapsing/lacking core
- Neck isn't in line with the rest of the spine
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Chaturanga in great alignment is not only necessary for a safe, sustainable practice but it’s the gateway to more advanced arm balances, too!

Hello Friends, I know it's been ages since I've posted here last. Here is a long overdue update!I have been battling a shoulder injury for a little while now and as such, I haven't been teaching. I've had an MRI and now know why my poor shoulder has been struggling - I have a labrum tear that needs a surgeon's touch. In the meantime - sorry for the radio silence. I'll post my yoga sequence for sore shoulder soon. Lots of love D

Happy Wednesday awesome yogis. Tomorrow is Youth Day here in South Africa. I am psyched to celebrate with a yoga class Yoga Warrior here in Jhb - Mandisa's youth day flow! Come along if you are around tomorrow # # #

The tobydog loves to do yoga with despite his comfy bed in the background!

I'm busy with my second 200 hour teacher training. I have to do a LOT of classes. And until recently, my shoulder has been sore. Now its getting better and I am racking up the classes. Its great! Except five classes a week when you aren't fit is hard! Like super hard! Like yoga boot camp hard! Which is why this quote is so great... Getting going = getting stronger + moving + meeting lovely people!

For my anatomy nerd friends
Di - this is 😄

Anatomy with Tiffany Cruikshank: Muscles + Actions of Shoulder Girdle Get to know the anatomy and better understand the actions of your body's most vulnerable joint to prevent injury intelligently.

Some Side Bend Love!
After a fantastic yoga anatomy weekend, this article was incredibly well timed. Yoga teacher friends - this is awesome to remember and Yogi friends - even if you are very stiff in your side bends (like me!), keep bending!

http://www.yogajournal.com/article/teach/side-stretch-satisfaction/

The Anatomy of a Satisfying Side Stretch | Yoga Sidebends Help even your stiffest students get the most from sidebends.

I ❤️ badyogi!

The struggle is very, very real.