So Firstly, Where Did The Yoga Wheel Come From?
The Yoga Wheel was created by a Modern Yoga Master known as Shri Dharma Mittra. Hence it is sometimes known as a Dharma Yoga Wheel. It is a circular shaped prop which can be used to both support and challenge a yoga practitioner.
What Are The Benefits?
For beginners, the yoga wheel can offer a little more height, much like a block in standing postures such as Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle), Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold) etc. In Inversions and Backbends it takes on a more supportive role as it’s curved shape fits the spine perfectly massaging and loosening tension as you practice.
For the more advanced practitioner the wheel can add a little bit more challenge to your practice. The wheel can be used to achieve more challenging arm balances and inversions. It can also be used to increase strength, ability and balance in many of the normal mat based postures by firing up more of the mobilising and stabilising muscles in the body.
Why do I like the Yoga Wheel?
I love to challenge both my mind and my body. By varying my practice I ensure that both my physical and mental health get the opportunity to experience a combination of Yin & Yang, Challenging and Stabilising, Engaging and Relaxing, Energetic and Restful. Afterall, we need both, we need to be challenged, inspired and energised but we also need time to rest, restore and relax. Thus creating healthy balance. For me the Yoga Wheel is the perfect tool for strengthening and stretching. The Yoga Wheel helps me go that little bit deeper in my standing postures and I always feel so open and free of tension after a class. If I had to pick one benefit that I wouldn’t want to do without it would be the amazing feeling of rolling the wheel up and down my spine, this tension releasing massage can really help with spinal mobility and improved posture.
If you are interested in taking a class then go to the schedule for more information or contact Tania for any questions you might have.