Tip of the Week: Look Backwards in the Backbend

Today's tip is a simple one to work on while doing the backbend in Half Moon.

*Look backward. The tendency for people who have issues with this pose is to look at the ceiling or the hands, or worst of all – and because of fear – forward. This strains the neck.

*While you’re going into the pose you will visualize tracing a line backward across the ceiling with your fingers. Where many get caught is by following the fingers with their eyes. Look beyond those fingers tracing that arc as you look backward (not up).

"Where your eyes go, your body will follow"...

For more detailed information on doing the backbend, click "here" and "here". 

Learn to see the back-wall behind you, but instead of dropping back, continue lifting up through the sternum. Then, straighten out the elbows and squeeze you palms together flat. - See more at: http://theyogaoasis.com/instructions-for-standing-half-moon-backbend-from-our-friend-tomasz-goetel-owner-of-hot-yoga-evolution-instructions-for-standing-half-moon-backbend#sthash.ccIASszU.dpuf

Learn to see the back-wall behind you, but instead of dropping back, continue lifting up through the sternum. Then, straighten out the elbows and squeeze you palms together flat. - See more at: http://theyogaoasis.com/instructions-for-standing-half-moon-backbend-from-our-friend-tomasz-goetel-owner-of-hot-yoga-evolution-instructions-for-standing-half-moon-backbend#sthash.ccIASszU.dpuf

Learn to see the back-wall behind you, but instead of dropping back, continue lifting up through the sternum. Then, straighten out the elbows and squeeze you palms together flat. - See more at: http://theyogaoasis.com/instructions-for-standing-half-moon-backbend-from-our-friend-tomasz-goetel-owner-of-hot-yoga-evolution-instructions-for-standing-half-moon-backbend#sthash.ccIASszU.dpuf