YOGA FOR FLEXIBLE HIPS

High steps. Wide bridging. Toe jamming in cracks. Awkward moves under bulges and overhangs. All these movements are more accessible to you if can move your hips freely. In my experience teaching yoga to climbers, lack of hip flexibility is one of the most common reasons climbers want to give yoga a try. We can’t […]

YOGA BASICS: EFFECTIVE STRETCHING

You know that yoga is supposed to improve flexibility, but what’s the best way to gain the improvements you want to see? This article is particularly aimed at climbers who are new to yoga, or who are struggling with flexibility. However, even experienced yogis can benefit from learning more about the physiology of stretching. And […]

YOGA, SCAPULAR STABILITY AND CLIMBERS’ ELBOW

When I mention that I teach yoga for climbers I’m often asked, “So do you teach that weird yoga pose for Climbers’ Elbow?” They’re usually referring to a variation of locust pose advocated by by Tom Randall. (Although this pose clearly works for some, it’s never worked for me, so I tend not to teach […]

BONE HEALTH, CLIMBING AND YOGA

NEW! YOGA FOR OSTEOPOROSIS FUNDRAISER FOR THE ROYAL OSTEOPOROSIS SOCIETY. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS. For many of us, climbing is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life, and it defines who we are. And we hope we can continue climbing or enjoying the mountains throughout our lives. I know many climbers […]

YOGA FOR KNEE HEALTH

Climbing and other outdoor activities keep us healthy in many ways. One exception is the wear and tear our activities inflict on our knees! Crag approaches are often arduous: steep; on rough ground; and usually carrying a heavy mat or sack of gear. Climbing moves such as rock-overs and drop-knees also put unusual strains on […]

OPENING THE HIP FLEXORS

Desk work, driving and (unfortunately) climbing can all cause the hip flexors (muscles at the front of the hip) to become shortened and tight. Tight hip flexors can affect the alignment of pelvis and femur, ultimately leading to back and knee pain. Poses which release and lengthen the hip flexors not only reduce back and […]