Side Bends and Windows

We had 7 yogis at last week's Pisgah Yoga! WOW!  We explored lateral bends, but I wanted to do a better job of explaining why stretching your side is beneficial.

Side bends bring balance to your entire body. They lengthen the abdominal muscles, hips, and thigh muscles, while improving flexibility in the spine.

Side bends also stretch the muscles between the ribs (the intercostal muscles). These muscles can get short and tight in daily life, due to time spent sitting and slouching. Tight intercostals can weaken your posture, resulting in neck and shoulder tension. They also prevent a full range of motion in the ribs, which can restrict your breathing. Stretching out the intercostals will open up the ribcage and lungs, which will improve your breathing capacity. It will also relieve respiratory conditions, such as asthma, allergies, and colds.

Additionally, side bends stretch the abdominal muscles and digestive organs. This aids and regulates digestion, elimination, and metabolism.
http://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/yoga-side-bending-poses-for-beginners

I'm enjoying yoga with Deni at Edisto Beach!  This week she shared a fun quote that went something like this:  You are not in charge of the people who come into your life, but you are in control of who to throw out the window .  .  . What a hoot?!  She described "a friend" that called and hinted about visiting with her at the beach, and this person does this often.  But wait there's more .  .  .  this guest brings 2 dogs that are not house trained .  .  .  Deni shared that you have to throw some folks, gently and lovingly "out the window!"  What kind of cleaning up do you need to do?

If you get to Edisto Island, Deni Ashby teaches at the Education/Civic Center 8:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9:15 on Fridays.  Her classes are $12 and she's worth every penny.  :-)

Looking forward to stretching and strengthening with you in July!  Namaste,
D'Etta