Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching

Classical asana meets current scientific research on stretching methods in this 5 day yoga therapy seminar led by Jules Mitchell MS ERYT500. This workshop, inclusive of the Science of Stretching 3-part series, approaches yoga therapy from an orthopedic perspective where postures are compared and contrasted with common range of motion tests. Theories and practices in somatic education and restorative yoga balance the course curriculum, unifying the “ha” and “tha” of yoga.

Learn introductory and continuing concepts in biomechanics and how they apply to both active and passive postures. Develop a sense of how postures can be used as both assessments and as yoga therapy. Discuss the physiology and behavior of biological tissues and how they adapt to repeated mechanical stresses both acutely (short term) and chronically (long term). Potential neurological and chemical adaptations are included as stretching affects more than just flexibility, but also cellular biology and proprioception.

Experience how to best achieve desired outcomes in asana through manual adjustments, deliberate placement of props, and varying lengths of time in the poses. Analyze common cues and popular buzzwords in yoga and stretching to improve accuracy and clarify ambiguous instructions. Evaluate the benefits and dispel the myths of stretching to ultimately redefine what stretching means and what role it plays in yoga. Please bring a journal.

Topics include:

• Active and passive (restorative) yoga postures
• Stretch tolerance
• Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
• Exploring isometric and eccentric loading in asana
• Increasing end range performance
• Alignment and variability
• Stress, strain, and time dependent outcomes
• Adjustments and prop placement for a biomechanical purpose
• Somatics (moving from within)
• Neural adaptations
• Proprioception and interoception
• Breathing (pranayama)

Bio:

Jules Mitchell, MS, yoga educator, combines the tradition of yoga with her education in biomechanics to help people move better, age well, and feel supple. Her approach to asana is multi-modal and skill based, balancing the somatic (moving from within) aspects of yoga with exercise science. Active postures encourage strength at end range of motion while promoting joint health and tissue resilience. More gentle postures are rooted in restorative yoga, somatic education, and tai chi. Jules’ education programs apply scientific inquiry to the ancient teachings of yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation. She believes yoga therapy is an expansive practice, able to promote positive change in all human physiological systems.

Jules is currently writing her book, Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching, which is expected to become available in 2017.  In the meantime, she educates the public about science, yoga, and stretching through her blog.  Jules is a popular contributor to yoga teacher training programs nationwide, providing yoga schools with the most current research in her field. You can find her leading workshops at your favourite local studio or check out her classes online.

Schedule

8:00am-6:00pm

A deposit is required to hold your spot. Deposits are not refundable. Cancelations up to 30 days prior to the event may be issued a credit with Empowered Yoga to be used towards a different program. Unfortunately we are unable to issue a credit or refund the deposit within 30 days of the event. Certificates of completion may be issued upon the successful completion of the requirements above. Once a certificate is issued students may be eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance as an RYT. For more info, contact us at info@empoweredyoga.ca