exercise mat
8 entries · oldest first
2009
Anyone wanna see my practicing?
I've been working on the flexibility in my thoracic spine as part of my 2009 goal of getting my foot to the back of my head whenever I want it there.
We're getting there. Also, apparently my ass is getting too big for my shorts. Thats nice.
I've been working on the flexibility in my thoracic spine as part of my 2009 goal of getting my foot to the back of my head whenever I want it there.
We're getting there. Also, apparently my ass is getting too big for my shorts. Thats nice.
2020
20!
2023
in imageInternal rotation PAILs RAILs
Passive range lift offs
Passive range lift offs
2024
in imageTHE HASHTANGA YOGA CHALLENGE IS UP AND RUNNING. 30 Day Core Fitness Challenge 6% COMPLETE Last activity on December 29, 2023 5:25 pm IN PROGRESS
Abs Workout 1
YOU'LL ALTERNATE LEFT AND RIGHT.
30 Day Core Fitness Challenge > Abs Workout 1
COMPLETE
Post your times in the comments!
5 ROUNDS
15/15 Mountain Climbers
15 Sit Ups
Setting Intentions
UH YOU CAN CHECK OUT SOME VARIATIONS AND EVEN
Abs Workout 1
YOU'LL ALTERNATE LEFT AND RIGHT.
30 Day Core Fitness Challenge > Abs Workout 1
COMPLETE
Post your times in the comments!
5 ROUNDS
15/15 Mountain Climbers
15 Sit Ups
Setting Intentions
UH YOU CAN CHECK OUT SOME VARIATIONS AND EVEN
word
in imageexercises are helpful.
2025
o hai weirdo
Resistance bands are great for end-range strength training, and this can be especially beneficial for Ashtanga Yoga asana practice—here’s the “why” in both anatomy and Ashtanga terms:
1. Why resistance bands work for end-range strength
Resistance bands provide what’s called variable resistance: the further you stretch them, the more resistance they provide. This makes them perfect for training end-range strength—that’s the strength required when your muscles are either fully lengthened or fully shortened. Think of the top of a backbend, the deepest point in Supta Kurmasana, or holding your leg behind your head: these are all end-range positions.
Unlike free weights, bands make it harder as you move deeper into the range, which is the opposite of most real-life strength patterns (where you tend to be weakest at the extremes). So by training at those extremes with resistance bands, you’re preparing your muscles and joints to be strong, stable, and supported in yoga’s most demanding positions.
2. Why that’s good for Ashtanga yoga
In Ashtanga, especially the Intermediate Series and beyond, we are constantly exploring the limits of flexibility and control. But:
• Flexibility without strength is like stretching a rubber band with no tension—it’ll snap or sag.
• End-range strength helps prevent injury by supporting joints in vulnerable positions—like Kapotasana or Karandavasana.
• It also helps balance the nervous system’s stretch reflex. If your nervous system doesn’t trust you to be strong at end-range, it will limit your flexibility. But when it feels you’re strong and stable, it lets you go deeper—safely.
3. Systems Thinking
From a systems view, resistance bands act as an elegant feedback mechanism. They amplify the demand precisely when the system (your body) is most vulnerable—end-range. By strengthening the feedback loop between mobility, control, and proprioception, bands help shift the whole system (your practice) toward resilient adaptability—aka fewer injuries and deeper poses with less drama.
1. Why resistance bands work for end-range strength
Resistance bands provide what’s called variable resistance: the further you stretch them, the more resistance they provide. This makes them perfect for training end-range strength—that’s the strength required when your muscles are either fully lengthened or fully shortened. Think of the top of a backbend, the deepest point in Supta Kurmasana, or holding your leg behind your head: these are all end-range positions.
Unlike free weights, bands make it harder as you move deeper into the range, which is the opposite of most real-life strength patterns (where you tend to be weakest at the extremes). So by training at those extremes with resistance bands, you’re preparing your muscles and joints to be strong, stable, and supported in yoga’s most demanding positions.
2. Why that’s good for Ashtanga yoga
In Ashtanga, especially the Intermediate Series and beyond, we are constantly exploring the limits of flexibility and control. But:
• Flexibility without strength is like stretching a rubber band with no tension—it’ll snap or sag.
• End-range strength helps prevent injury by supporting joints in vulnerable positions—like Kapotasana or Karandavasana.
• It also helps balance the nervous system’s stretch reflex. If your nervous system doesn’t trust you to be strong at end-range, it will limit your flexibility. But when it feels you’re strong and stable, it lets you go deeper—safely.
3. Systems Thinking
From a systems view, resistance bands act as an elegant feedback mechanism. They amplify the demand precisely when the system (your body) is most vulnerable—end-range. By strengthening the feedback loop between mobility, control, and proprioception, bands help shift the whole system (your practice) toward resilient adaptability—aka fewer injuries and deeper poses with less drama.
in imagethey provide adaptive resistance, allowing an individual to move safely tgrough a full range of motion
They are really great for proprioception and intrinsic stability.
They are really great for proprioception and intrinsic stability.
Full Body Workout for Rotational Stability.
A really fun circuit using the @vitruvian — with the isokinentic (echo) mode. The apparatus dynamically adjusts resistance so as to maintain a specific time duration at maximjm intensity over the travel distance defined in the firat 3 reps — theyre the ones that look easy. Watch the weight kick in and its no wonder it allows you to achieve incredible strength and mass gains quickly.
Repeat 4 Times, 45 seconds 45 seconds off.
Single Arm Reverse Lunges
Single Arm Reverse Lunges
Seated Shoulder Press
Kneeling Reverse Woodchop
Kneeling Reverse Woodchop
Single Arm Lawnmower Rows
Single Arm Lawnmower Rows
A really fun circuit using the @vitruvian — with the isokinentic (echo) mode. The apparatus dynamically adjusts resistance so as to maintain a specific time duration at maximjm intensity over the travel distance defined in the firat 3 reps — theyre the ones that look easy. Watch the weight kick in and its no wonder it allows you to achieve incredible strength and mass gains quickly.
Repeat 4 Times, 45 seconds 45 seconds off.
Single Arm Reverse Lunges
Single Arm Reverse Lunges
Seated Shoulder Press
Kneeling Reverse Woodchop
Kneeling Reverse Woodchop
Single Arm Lawnmower Rows
Single Arm Lawnmower Rows
Get MichaelFilter
Enter your email. We'll send you a one-tap link to read every issue — PDFs and carousel cards. The link works for 24 hours.
Already a member of theyoga.club or ashtanga.tech? You're already on file — no re-registration. We won't add you to any list.