A strong back and a soft front — courage and compassion working together.” — Pema Chödrön

Welcome to this week’s Yoga Strong Minute 💜

Today’s tip is about one of the most common poses we practice in class: Chair Pose.

I was recently working with a private client on this pose where her knees kept going forward and my cues weren't clicking. Then all of a sudden the analogy hit me.

I told her, "imagine you're squatting down for a group photo". Instantly she did it.

You know that moment when you're in the front row, and you squat down so everyone behind you can be seen? Your hips go back, your chest stays lifted, and your weight is a little more in your heels.

That’s essentially what we’re looking for in Chair Pose except our arms will reach up.

A helpful checkpoint:

• Hips move back
• Chest lifts tall
• Weight stays in the heels
• Knees don’t go forward past the toes

When we organize the pose this way, Chair Pose becomes stronger, more stable, and much better for your knees.

Once you start thinking “group photo squat” instead of “sit in a chair,” the pose usually clicks immediately.

Try it next time you're in class and see how it changes the way the pose feels.

🎥 Watch this week’s video here

See you in class soon,

Samantha

P.S. Our next 8-week Beginner Yoga Series starts this Sunday, March 15th at 6:30 PM. Go here to get the details and sign-up.