In this class, we'll define neutral shoulder blades in a position that helps keep both the joints of the shoulders and the upper spine more stable, and then we'll explore both how to strengthen that position of the scapula, and how to develop a better coordination of moving the arm utilizing more of the shoulder joint itself.

* Time around 30 min, Alignment Fundamentals, Arms, Shoulders, SpinePatrick HoganJune 28, 2021

The Torso Moves Your Breath - "Unkink your Tube"

This is a variation on another class in the library called "Move Your Tube". Developing awareness on how bends and "kinks" in our torso can affect our breathing. Moving our ribs and the parts that connect to our torso for better health overall and also for a freer breath.

Exercise in Your Sleep

This class is an exploration of instinctual resting postures as illustrated by a physiotherapist, Michael Tetley. The premise is that our modern life lacks the pressure deforming movements that would occur if we lived in nature without the modern conveniences of soft, cushy couches and beds. The movements caused by putting pressure on our bodies, which is the same reason we get massage, can help relieve tension, increase lymph movement, and even reset our spines. Here we'll explore some of those instinctual resting postures and add some stretch and restorative exercise to them in a sequence of movement flow

Restorative Exercise, Movement Explorations, Torso, Twist, Hips, Whole Body, Spine, Back, * Time: about 1 hrPatrick HoganMarch 26, 2020

Spine and Hips: Together and Separate

Immobility and tension in the hips can pull on the spine whenever you need to move on the legs thereby putting unnecessary wear and tear on the spine. AND not knowing how to keep the hips stable when the spine needs to move can keep the tissues of the trunk stiff and unmoved. So in this class we look at the difference of moving the spine and hips both together and separately. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Block (or book or blanket) and a strap.

Hips, Legs, Spine, Restorative Exercise, Torso, Twist, Core, * Time: over an hourPatrick HoganMarch 26, 2020

Prepare to Lay Down

The habitual positioning of our body (mainly chairs) and the shortening of the muscle lengths that result from it can lead to strain and tension in certain areas when we do the simplest action of laying down on the ground. It's why people often report neck and back pain while laying down. In this class we'll look at how to realign our posture and how to iron out all those kinks so that we can elongate to our fullest length while laying down.

Movement Explorations, Whole Body, Torso, Spine, Neck, Restorative Exercise, Hips, Legs, Arms, Back, * Time: about 1 hrPatrick HoganMarch 7, 2020

Move your Tube

Exploring breath mechanics and how our alignment and positioning of the body may be restricting the free flow of not only air but all the fluids through the torso. Then we'll look at how to align, stabilize, and mobilize the tissues of the trunk.

Restorative Exercise, Torso, Twist, Spine, Core, Neck, Back, * Time: about 1 hr, * Time: over an hourPatrick HoganJanuary 1, 2018

RE-shaping Downward Dog

A look at how alignment can help us move more of our body in our physical activities. This class will focus on the common yoga pose, downward dog. We'll see how limitations in our ranges of motion are causing us to avoid moving certain joints and how using alignment markers can help us get more movement and strength overall.

Movement Explorations, Restorative Exercise, Whole Body, Torso, Shoulders, Neck, Legs, Hips, Hands, Feet, Arms, Spine, Yoga, Back, * Time: about 1 hrPatrick HoganDecember 1, 2017