November

I've been doing loads of cover teaching in recent weeks and am enjoying adding in the odd fun pose....of course, as I say in the classes, my idea of fun is not always the same as other peoples, but for those who  want to try new or more challenging poses there is always somewhere else to go in yoga.  In my lesson planning I realised that I use the same postures or sequences a lot and a refresh and rethink was required.

So, in my home practice I am trying to add in a few stronger poses, including some arm balances, which I love but haven't done for a while.  It's not easy as I have an ongoing issue with my right shoulder....it's been going on for years, a result of my theatre work.....and in working on solving that I discovered Reformer Pilates.  I now visit a wonderful teacher called Tanya Mason (who took the photo on the right).  She works me hard to strengthen core, glutes and rotator cuff muscles...it's all connected....but we have some fun too and I can't tell you how amazing it feels to do 'the splits' or Hanumanasana on a Reformer!  

Which brings me back to my orignal point:  having fun is so important, and we're much more likely to do something that is good for us if we enjoy it too.