Dogs
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Are you tagging along on this Doga journey with us? Earlier we posted a series of short instructional doga videos, created especially for All Things Dog Blog Readers. Now we're circling back to share some variations on ways to make the poses a bit more easy. Sometimes we even share a tougher version, but it's all in fun. We want to inspire you to try including your dog in a home workout that will help you both bond more closely.
Today's pose is the Side Angle pose. You'll find the original video yoga instruction here. The classic version is a bit intimidating for some, but the images above show several ways that you can modify your angle to make it easier on your body. Take your time, working a single variations for as many practice sessions as you need, before moving down to a lower modifcation. Yoga should feel good, not hurt!
If you're already on top of the classic pose, try adding some weight or not using the floor to support yours. I've worked up to using my little 10-pound Oliver as shown at left. Believe me, that small dog feels quite a bit heavier when I hold him like this. It's a great workout for my oblique and ab muscles, especially after I hold him for a few extra breaths.
Since this photo session, I've been able to work my stance lower, continuing to improve my balance and stability, while still holding Oliver. #GottaLuvBonding
Just to be clear, there are still days when I do not feel up to this level of a workout. I often drop back to easier versions when I'm overstressed or tired. Floor poses and inverted ones seem to energize me.
Join me next week when I'll be sharing some ways to work on your balance with the
Airplane pose. If you don't have a larger dog like Tanner, you can use a chair, wall or dresser to aid your balance. Never fear, I'll also be offering some versions that don't have you lifitng your leg like Fido. ;)
Before I close, here's a list of our variations posts that you may find helpful in modifying your own home practice:
If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start this or any other workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.
- Fly With Fido: Doga Airplane Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB I think we've arrived at my favorite pose. This one challenges me to work on my balance, and also surprised me to find that Tanner enjoys participating in this one the most. He loves being a yoga balance aid. Sounds crazy; I...
- #doga Fun With Warrior I And Ii
by Carrie Boyko, CEB Warrior I and II are great poses that work many muscles, while also challenging your balance. As you get comfortable with the balance, adding your toy-sized dog to your front leg increases the challenge, helping you get more out...
- Doga Pose 14: Reclining Queen Relaxes With Rover
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferCooling Down with the DogsWorking my way into a deeper cool down, I find myself talking softly to the dogs as they come close. Tanner leaned in listening carefully, his ears not quite as astute as Oliver's. The dogs seemed...
- Doga Pose 12: Knees To The Chest
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferCooling Down with the BoysThe Knees to the Chest pose is a super relaxing pose that officially begins the cool down of our Doga workout series. There are 3 poses left in the cool down and we'll eventually have a whole video...
- Doga Pose 10: Airplane Balancing Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB Photo Update! Buffer The Professional Version: Not for Beginners!Don't worry; I don't intend to suggest that you try the photo above until you can comfortably call yourself a yogi like Jess. Even the version below would be...
Dogs
Doga Variations: Side Angle Yoga Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Are you tagging along on this Doga journey with us? Earlier we posted a series of short instructional doga videos, created especially for All Things Dog Blog Readers. Now we're circling back to share some variations on ways to make the poses a bit more easy. Sometimes we even share a tougher version, but it's all in fun. We want to inspire you to try including your dog in a home workout that will help you both bond more closely.
Today's pose is the Side Angle pose. You'll find the original video yoga instruction here. The classic version is a bit intimidating for some, but the images above show several ways that you can modify your angle to make it easier on your body. Take your time, working a single variations for as many practice sessions as you need, before moving down to a lower modifcation. Yoga should feel good, not hurt!
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| © AllThingsDogBlog.com Add Challenge in Small Increments |
Since this photo session, I've been able to work my stance lower, continuing to improve my balance and stability, while still holding Oliver. #GottaLuvBonding
Just to be clear, there are still days when I do not feel up to this level of a workout. I often drop back to easier versions when I'm overstressed or tired. Floor poses and inverted ones seem to energize me.
Join me next week when I'll be sharing some ways to work on your balance with the
Before I close, here's a list of our variations posts that you may find helpful in modifying your own home practice:
- Doga Easy Seated Pose with Pups--modifications
- Doga Modifications for Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold
- Doggedly Seeking Yoga Pushups
- Improving Your Cobra Pose with Fido's Help
- Doga Bonding with No Hands
- Fido Helps with Forward Fold
- Doga Fun with Warrior I and II
- Fly With Fido: Doga Airplane Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB I think we've arrived at my favorite pose. This one challenges me to work on my balance, and also surprised me to find that Tanner enjoys participating in this one the most. He loves being a yoga balance aid. Sounds crazy; I...
- #doga Fun With Warrior I And Ii
by Carrie Boyko, CEB Warrior I and II are great poses that work many muscles, while also challenging your balance. As you get comfortable with the balance, adding your toy-sized dog to your front leg increases the challenge, helping you get more out...
- Doga Pose 14: Reclining Queen Relaxes With Rover
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferCooling Down with the DogsWorking my way into a deeper cool down, I find myself talking softly to the dogs as they come close. Tanner leaned in listening carefully, his ears not quite as astute as Oliver's. The dogs seemed...
- Doga Pose 12: Knees To The Chest
by Carrie Boyko, CEB BufferCooling Down with the BoysThe Knees to the Chest pose is a super relaxing pose that officially begins the cool down of our Doga workout series. There are 3 poses left in the cool down and we'll eventually have a whole video...
- Doga Pose 10: Airplane Balancing Pose
by Carrie Boyko, CEB Photo Update! Buffer The Professional Version: Not for Beginners!Don't worry; I don't intend to suggest that you try the photo above until you can comfortably call yourself a yogi like Jess. Even the version below would be...