The CPY Team Shares: Poses We're Working On

In our yoga practice, we challenge ourselves in order to grow. After all, if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. So whether you're trying to find your balance in an inversion or refining your Trikanasana, nothing feels quite like nailing the pose you've been working on. 

We asked our CPY team of managers and instructors what poses they're working on. Here's what they said:

Catrina R. - Park Road Studio (North Carolina) 

The pose I'm working on: "Handstand"

What's challenging about it: “It takes a lot of shoulder strength and flexibility as well as immense fearlessness in doing over and over again with discipline!”

How I persevere through the challenge: “I remember what it felt in the past when I thought a posture was "impossible" but then all of a sudden my body was able to do it. I remember the quote "Practice yoga and all is coming" from Pattabhi Jois and I remember that it's all about practice and everything else that comes with it, the struggle, the falling as well as the successes and joy.”

Skylor P. - SE Portland Studio (Oregon) 

The pose I'm working on: "Halfway Lift"

What's challenging about it: “Feeling the external glute engagement!”

How I persevere through the challenge: “By remembering that there's no way to perfect a posture. Every time I'm in it, it's an opportunity!”

Lindsey S. - Wilshire Studio (California) 

The pose I'm working on: "Forearm Scorpion"

What's challenging about it: “The back body strength and balance work takes tremendous focus and dedication to practice, practice, practice.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “There's no deadline to getting your yoga practice to be or look like anything. I'm in the pose and I'm having an experience with that pose and that's my yoga for the day.”

Kada O. - Grant Studio (Colorado)​

The pose I'm working on: "Revolved Birds of Paradise"

What's challenging about it: “It's challenging to find the balance within the bind itself. To grasp and hold on yet find a sense of ease and softness. The space of expansion with in the contraction.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “Return to the mantra and breath! I also like to giggle when I fall out of a pose rather then beat myself up.”

Aqueelah S. - Gold Coast Studio (Illinois) ​

The pose I'm working on: "Forearm Stand"

What's challenging about it: “Hang time.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “[I remember,]You are exactly where you should be in your life and in your practice. Just breath and focus on this present moment.”

Katie D. - Fort Collins Studio (Colorado)​

The pose I'm working on: "Handstand"

What's challenging about it: “Getting over the fear of going upside down. Finding trust within yourself to say YES to trying something scary or new.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “I try to remind myself that challenges are part of the journey and anything that comes super easy we don't always appreciate as much.”

Audrey C. - North Druid Hills Studio (Georgia)​

The pose I'm working on: "Handstand"

What's challenging about it: “Mostly engaging my core, but I also struggle with trusting myself and knowing that I can hold it longer. It's a great reminder for me to never give up.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “I remind myself that even though I am a teacher, I am also still a student. I have my entire life to hit these poses. Be patient. There is no rush.”

Natalie F. - Encino Studio (California)​

The pose I'm working on: "Floor Bow"

What's challenging about it: “I struggle with keeping my low ribs in to protect my lumbar spine. I love the opening it provides in the front line of my body. It's literally the opposite of sitting in a chair which most of us need daily.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “Breath and I think 'ease.'”

Andie G. - Triangle Studio (Texas)​

The pose I'm working on: "Mountain"

What's challenging about it: “This particular posture draws my focus to my injuries. Since it doesn't required advanced balancing or muscle engagement, I'm not distracted by the challenge and am more acutely aware of my body overall.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “My breath is my closest ally to help keep me calm and mindful. When I detach myself from the outcome and stay focused on the present, I allow myself to be my natural positive self. I stop competing with me and everyone around me.”

Inanna J. - Los Angeles Studios (California)​

The pose I'm working on: "Birds of Paradise"

What's challenging about it: “In order to FEEL good, it requires a perfect balance of strength and flexibility. If I don't warm and work all of the right things leading up to it, it doesn't happen. I HAVE to be curious and plan in order to enjoy it.”

How I persevere through the challenge: “I breathe! And if my body isn't saying yes that day, I let it say no and get curious about that too.”