By Evan Midford, Website & Social Media Coordinator
Yoga can be described as a combined blend of physical exercise, breath work, relaxation, and overall harmony of the body, mind, and environment. With all these things working at once it can take some practice to get comfortable with and can be quite intimidating to get started.
After ten years of participation, practice, and now teaching, Yoga Instructor Philip Rosario shares three poses he has relied on to create a strong body-to-mind connection.
Philip’s Favs
Downward Facing Dog
This grounding and uplifting posture creates a good, balanced stretch throughout the whole body. Remember to keep your upper body flat and push your hips outward. Philip describes this posture as a good balance of upper and lower body stretching and strengthening.
Bridge Pose
This posture is intended to stretch your core and strengthen your back. Press down on the ground with your feet and shoulders and raise your hips towards the ceiling. It’s important not to press your neck or lower back on the ground. There are also more complicated variations to the bridge pose. If you have the flexibility, try pushing up onto your palms for an extra challenge.
Standing Triangle Twist
The Triangle Twist can also be executed seated or on your back. Philip prefers the standing twist because he likes the hamstring stretch it comes with and the building of foundation through his legs. This posture can be good for digestion and overall balance as well. Philip cautions not to twist with your lower back but rather with your upper back and shoulders.
Get to Know Philip Rosario
“How long have you been a Yoga Instructor?”
I started five years ago. I wanted to take a step back from a fast paced environment that I worked in before. I have taught almost everyday since becoming an instructor!
“How did you first get into yoga?”
I started in 2004 after hearing about it from some friends and wanted to give it a try. I couldn’t even touch my toes at first! After I did it once, I couldn’t stop.
“What would you say to someone interested in trying yoga?”
Come try it and give it a few chances if the first session doesn’t go well. It’s a process, so you need to give yourself time. It can be intimidating trying a class for the first time, that can be the hardest step.
“How would you describe yourself as a Yoga Instructor?”
I love teaching beginners! I try to help everyone at their own skill levels, I don’t want anyone to feel left out. I try to incorporate a lot of fundamental strengthening poses in my classes.
“What is yoga to you?”
Fun and a good daily routine. It can be a low impact workout, cross training and it’s great for creating a healthy relationship with yourself. I like to challenge myself with different poses and receive the health benefits from it.
