Posted by: CorePower Yoga on 10/16/2009 | 0 Comments

Revolved Crescent Lunge

Physical assists and adjustments are what set CorePower Yoga apart from other studios: we’re hands on! Assists are extremely beneficial; here’s why our instructors are connecting with you in the classroom:

Reach your full potential:
Adjustments often take you to a place you’ve never been before. For example, maybe you can’t quite get your right hip stacked over your left in Ardha Chandrasana (half moon) pose. A physical assist from your instructor will not only help you stack your hips, but it will help you feel what it’s like to be almost weightless in a posture.

They’re not fixing your posture:
A common misconception about physical assists is that your instructor is trying to fix or correct your posture. In fact, your instructor is encouraging your body to move into a different and more powerful place. There’s no such thing as the perfect posture, so let that idea go before you even step onto your yoga mat.

Move further:
Gravity, strength and flexibility can only do so much. Physical assists help move your body deeper, especially in poses like Child’s Pose, Downward Facing Dog or Seated Twist.

It feels good:
Remember the first time you received a Savasana adjustment? It was pure bliss, wasn’t it? It lured your body into complete relaxation and surrender, which is incredibly positive for overall well-being.

“Physical assists are an amazing transition of knowledge and energy between teacher and student. Both teacher and student are working together to explore the path of yoga, and the result in the body is unlocking the magic of the postures in unimaginable ways." – Heather Peterson, CPY Yoga Instructor & West Coast Director

Tips: when you’re being adjusted in class, continue to flow and move as you normally would – your instructor will move and adjust with you. Also, please tell your instructor if you’re recovering from an injury. Your instructor can help you modify and will avoid assisting you in a painful place.

Finally, when you’re being adjusted in savasana, simply lay still with your eyes closed. No need to help your instructor by lifting your head or arms away from the mat – simply let go and enjoy.