Friday asana aid: Urdvha Dhanurasana aka backbends

On Saturday, Bobbie and I will be attending a workshop on Urdbha Dhanurasana taught by our friend, oftentimes teacher and fellow Tim Miller student Maria Zavala. If you’re in/around Los Angeles tomorrow, I’m sure she could squeeze you in still. Link to it (on the Facebook) is here.

Here’s a bit from her description:

Explore the energizing, invigorating world of backbends in this powerful flow class based on Ashtanga Principles. After warming up the body with a strong standing sequence, students will be led through a series of advanced backbends from the Ashtanga 2nd and 3rd Series Practice, linking the asanas together with the dynamic Urdvha Dhanurasana (upward bow). For the Intermediate/Advanced student, this will be a great introduction to asanas (poses) not normally taught in regular classes. Focus will also be placed on the key principles to eventually stand up and drop back into a full backbend.

I don’t have to say, do I, that I go into this under protest?

Despite my reticence, or perhaps because of it, this week’s asana aid is devoted to this very pose.

First up, Tim Miller:

Next, David Svensen (he should so change the spelling, right?):

Then, Maty Ezraty:

Next, Kino:

Finally, this one is among the most viewed. Is that good? You decide:

Posted by Steve