A Mindful Yoga Journey Through Vinyasa

This past Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Woodcrest students gathered in the basement of the athletic center for a yoga session led by Coach Tracy Angel. The class, held every Thursday, offers a calming yet challenging start to the day through a series of dynamic Vinyasa flows and traditional yoga postures.

Coach Tracy guided the class through the Surya Namaskar sequence or sun salutation. The class began with natarajasana (Dancer Pose), a standing balance pose requiring concentration and strength. From there, participants moved into trikonasana (Triangle Pose), a stretch for the hamstrings and hips, followed by utkatasana (Chair Pose), which tested balance as thighs burned.

The sequence continued with dwikonasana (Double Angle Pose), an intense shoulder stretch, and pristhasana (Lizard Pose), a deep lunge that opened the hips. Coach Tracy repeated this cycle, allowing students to refine their poses and focus on breathwork as they flowed from one asana to the next. After completing the standing poses, the class moved to the floor. Marjariasana (Cat Pose) opened the floor sequence, followed by ustrasana (Camel Pose), which stretched the chest and back. Next came ardha kurmasana (Half Tortoise Pose) and sasangasana (Rabbit Pose), which helps correct spinal posture. The floor series also included the challenging adho mukha svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose) and the balancing mayurasana (Peacock Pose). As with the standing poses, Coach Tracy repeated this sequence for maximum benefit.

The back poses followed, beginning with halasana (Plow Pose), to stretch the neck and spine. Saral matsyasana (Simple Fish Pose) and supta baddha konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) brought relief after the intensity of earlier stretches. The class then transitioned to sitting poses, where students practiced ardha matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose), a spinal twist, and samakonasana (Side Splits Pose), testing flexibility in the inner thighs. Finally, the belly poses completed the class. Students practiced bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and sarpasana (Snake Pose), both excellent for spinal health, before finishing with dhanurasana (Bow Pose), a deep backbend that energizes the entire body.

While the flow was graceful, students found themselves challenged by the pace and complexity, with some struggling at various points. Yet, the overall mood was positive, and everyone left feeling deeply relaxed. The yoga class continues to offer a meditation break in the week to participants. With each session, students grow more familiar with the poses and improve their practice. Whether new to yoga or experienced, joining Coach Tracy’s class on Thursdays is a fantastic way to bring balance and mindfulness into your routine. Don’t miss the next session!