Lessons of the Student Teacher

Saturday, 1/16’s chair yoga class occurred in Christchuch, New Zealand with one student attending (as the tour with the University of North Carolina General Alumni Association had a very busy day already scheduled). She returned from yesterday’s class seeking more athletic applications of yoga. This 80 year old is an active hiker and tennis player.We replicated the lesson and focused on the elbows as a balance to the opposite leg movement. This also helps to lengthen one’s stride and generate more speed and power. We continued with isometric stretches (Leg Squeeze with arm resistance). We explored progressive widening of the extended arms to expand our shoulder’s range of motion to achieve a consistant tennis ball toss. The breath and foot awareness exercises helped to create a rhythm for the movements. The Golf Swing Stretch was to help the weight transfer from one leg to the other (while hiiting the ball) and the focus on the knee for most of the stretch was to help keep a keen focus on the ball. We finished feeling ready for the Australian Open (that is about to begin tomorrow). Right-O!