I signed up for my first Iyengar Yoga course in the 1990’s in the hope it would bring relief from the neck and shoulder discomfort I was experiencing from a whiplash injury. Well that was achieved but I also discovered that Yoga made me more aware of my posture, in other words, I noticed how bad mine was! That was the start of my love affair with Iyengar Yoga and part of the reason I went on to train as a teacher of the Iyengar method. 

As bipeds our natural motion is forwards, think driving, reading, working at the computer, doing housework, gardening and so on and so forth. This habitual action will eventually result in poor posture with rounded shoulders, collapsed chest and overly forward head position unless we do something to counteract it.  As you are reading this blog, chances are you are sitting in front of your computer or laptop and possibly displaying some of the poor postural habits described above. Now take a few moments out to really notice how you are feeling?

Now try this; stand up, feet hip distance apart and parallel, centre the weight evenly between the heels and toes. Tighten the knees, lift the abdomen and move the tailbone in. Then lift the chest, drawing the shoulders gently back and extending the arms down at the side of the body. Head up and gaze softly forward at your own eye level. Do you feel different? This is Tadasana (mountain pose/posture), a basic standing pose in Yoga that will improve posture if practised regularly. 

Some of the possible benefits of good posture.

• Improved digestion
• Improved breathing
• More energy
• Less general aches and pains
• Appear more confident
• Look taller & slimmer
• Fewer headaches

Did you know? Iyengar Yoga is also a great way to improve strength, flexibility and stamina. To sign up for the next Iyengar Yoga course in Falmouth, Cornwall, contact  Jane  Or to find your nearest certified Iyengar Yoga teacher in Devon or Cornwall visit www.swiyengar.org.uk  or  www.iyengaryoga.org.uk  for further afield.