Core Strength Power Hour:
Week 3

Jun 19, 2008

IntroPoetsImage_3.jpg


This week’s workout is about reshaping the body, while pushing through your edge (feeling the burn, in other words). We intentionally increase the sequence’s level of difficulty so you can build your practice in the midst of a struggle. You’ll get stronger and more resilient on the mat. Off the mat, you'll cultivate an inner strength that makes you feel like you can walk on water.

WARNING: This is a vigorous (a yoga euphemism for really hard) sequence. To get through it with your best effort it requires intense focus on your breath and alignment. It’s okay if you’re not yet in the full expression of the poses (the video shows modifications.) Whenever you need to, rest in Child's Pose. If you pursue the poses with dedication, though, you will soon master them.

Hold each pose for at least 3 breaths or 5 if you can. After one or two run-throughs, begin to refine the sequence. This means smoothing out your flow using intention and breath until you have edited out any extraneous movements. That will make the vinyasa less choppy and, ultimately, easier.

Specifically, you'll learn:
Warrior Two
Waterfall Warrior
Side Angle Pose
Core Circles in Side Angle
Reverse Warrior
Triangle Pose to Reverse Warrior
Tree Pose
Warrior Three
Warrior Three Variation
Closed Hip Standing Splits
Half Moon Pose
Fierce Pose
Fierce Flow Variation
Poet's Pose into Open Hip Standing Splits
Bound Forward Bend
Side Angle Bind Preparation
Bound Side Angle
Bound Triangle
Low Lunge Hip Stretch
Malasana
Malasana Twist

Tack this sequence onto the end of Core Strength Power Hour: Week 1 and Core Strength Power Hour: Week 2. Or, start now by stepping into Down Dog.

I also whipped up a vinyasa variation for you to try if you are bored with the traditional sun salutation. Use this to link sequences and right and left sides. Here is it: Down Dog, Wave to Plank, lower into Chaturanga, curl into Upward Dog or Cobra, Down Dog. Tip: If you feel fatigued, skip the vinyasa and rest in Downward Facing Dog or Child’s pose.

Next Week: The Core Transformer: Arms and Abs, Revolutionize!

Go to this week's slideshow

Watch the video
Back to Part 1
Back to Part 2

Comments

Nina
20 Jun 2008, 18:02
Hi Sadie, I must tell you that I love a challenge and that is just what you have given me. I have been involved with Yoga now for about three years and really have enjoyed the healthy benefits that I have gained. I workout 4-5x a week and sometimes the yoga is my only cardio for the week and I take the asanas to the water on days that my knees and in disagreement with the rest of my body. lol. Weeks 1 & 2 workouts I am very used to doing with my group, but I will have to take week 3's workout a little slower. One of my favorite asanas is "standing half moon or open half moon". I am a truly enjoying your workouts.
thanks again,
Nina


Sadie Nardini
21 Jun 2008, 11:46
Hey Nina!

I'm so glad you're getting a lot out of the Power Hour. This section is pretty adventurous, and is meant to be built towards over time. I love half moon too--that Poet's Pose feels transcendent when you can make it happen.

If you have any questions at all as you work through it, I'm here! Tell your group hello and thanks for spreading the good word;)

Namaste,
Sadie


Melanie
28 Jun 2008, 22:53
Hi Sadie!

I've been religiously following your postings here. I can't wait for the next three videos. Keep it up! and keep the fire burning! You are really inspiring and amazing!

Warm hugs,

Melanie


Sadie Nardini
01 Jul 2008, 00:20
Hey, Melanie--you're the best.

Thanks for supporting the blogs. Let me know what you think of the next ones. I'm pretty happy with them.

The fire burns on!

Sadie


Haifeng
01 Jul 2008, 08:26
Hi, Sadie, I'm your faithful fan in China, and I'm so inspired by your videos during my everyday practice. Now, I'm desperately waiting for your week 4 demostration, and hope it could be updated ASAP. Moreover,could you please, if possible, make some videos about sequences for deep streching of the whole body,especially the back side of legs and hips,and show more tips about all types of arm balancing postures. Thank you very much for your brilliant contributions on yoga teaching!


Sadie Nardini
11 Jul 2008, 19:34
Hi Haifeng! Great to hear from you!

I hope you've seen that 4 is up [Crow Pose for you!] AND 5 is coming soon! That one will help you with handstanding inversions and stretches for the upper body. 6 coming up will focus on the deep stretches for the back body and hips.

We'll do more sequences after the Power Hour--something fresh and new coming every 2 weeks! Let me know what you think and what else you'd like to see.

Have a great day, and hi from NYC!
Namaste,
Sadie




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