This workshop will introduce The Principles of Alignment which serve as a foundation to classical asana practice on Jan 14 & 21 from 11:00a-4:00p!
Time tested, the principles of alignment are a gateway into a deeper understanding of how to move the body within the practice as a whole, as well as within individual poses. When applied, the alignment principles create sharp focus in the mind resulting in clarity, stability and freedom in the body. This workshop is open to all levels!
The workshop will be a total of 10 hours over 2 days.
Session 1 - January 14: 11:00a-4:00p
Session 2 - January 21: 11:00a-4:00p
Session 1- We discuss principle 1 + 2
We begin by asking the questions: what is alignment yoga? Why should we practice it? How can it help us? We look at The First Principle and second principle, and at the body as a whole, to reveal how despite the fact that we are all different, the alignment practice is universal. We look at the fundamentals of practice and how we can begin to pour poses from the ground up.
Session 2: We discuss principle 3, 4 + 5
We look more closely at the refined movements of the pelvis and lower back, resulting in more focus and greater body awareness.
We work creating balanced action of the pelvis to resolve low back pain, find better posture (both on and off the mat) and to find greater freedom in back bends.
Finally we put together all the alignment principles, adding the 5th principle as the final component to the other 4 creating a dynamic set of balanced actions within the body and throughout the practice.
About Jen Kentrup
I am student and teacher of alignment based yoga. My teaching is rooted within the traditions of Anusara and Iyengar yoga. It is also informed by my study of Yoga philosophy and the principles of Buddhism.
As a teacher, I want my students to feel safe, cared for and seen.
I teach all levels, beginners-advanced, honouring individual’s various abilities and capabilities.
My classes are fun, strong, focussed and thoughtfully sequenced. I teach with the goal to train both the body and the mind, and to cultivate mindful compassion towards oneself and others.
As a teacher it is my aim for my students to experience and explore the balance between the rigorous strength and precision of the alignment based practice and the expansive freedom found within it.
I believe wholeheartedly that yoga is a transformational healing modality with enormous potential for everyone, and it is my great joy to share my love, passion and understanding of this ancient practice with my students.