Feature Posture

Garurasana

What does Garurasana mean?
In Sanskrit, it means Eagle Pose.

When is it done?
It's done after the Awkward Pose.

What is it good for?

• It is a compression posture~ you're squeezing your body.
• It opens up all major joints in the body: hip, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists; improving flexibility- relieves arthritis
• Increases synovial fluid to joints~ fluid which helps to lubricate and nourish joint tissues.
• Stimulates sexual and reproductive organs by supplying fresh blood to organs.
• Good for the arteries and veins in the legs- preventing varicose veins and cellulite.
• The reproductive organs are supplied fresh blood which increases sexual vitality and helps clear up reproductive problems.
• The kidneys are also supplied fresh blood which detoxifies the body and balances blood pressure.
• It tones the calves, thighs and hips, it strengthens the latissimus dorsi, trapezius and deltoid muscles.
• When at home, try sitting on a chair and twisting legs together- foot behind calve.

Bikram's Tips (quoted from Bikram's new book - Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows the Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment):

"You might not be able to wrap your arms properly at first, but that's okay. In any case, your work is still the same: Pulling down continuously with the arms will develop the flexibility you need in the shoulders and slowly stretching out all those tight places in your neck and shoulders, where so many of us hold our tension."

• When did you attend Teacher Training?
  Summer, 2004.

• What are your hobbies and do you have any related education?
  My life outside of yoga is all about performance; acting, singing, developing original material… there was even a brief stint at the circus.

• What is your favorite posture and why? Least favorite posture?
  Most favorite: Wind Removing Pose. You know why when you do it on a regular basis.
  
  Least favorite: Janushirasana (Head to Knee Pose) on the floor. So close to the end… and yet, so far.

• What was your most memorable class and teacher?
  The class I will always remember… oh there are so many. I think one that tops the list would have to be the very first class of my teacher training: the first time I got to take class from the man himself. It was super hot and Bikram was in fine form. And yes, he killed us all, but made us laugh and kept us entertained throughout the whole class. I was sweating more and working harder than ever and I loved every minute of it.

• What is the key to your practice?
  Practice!!

• When did you attend Teacher Training?
  I went to teacher training in Los Angeles Winter 2004 (January-March).

• What are your hobbies?
  If I'm not in the yoga room you can find me hiking or going to the beach with my dog - because it's all about her. Now that the Soprano's has ended, I will have more time for the other things like going to the movies or going out for dinner with my family and friends which is one of my favorite things to do.

• What is your favorite posture and why? Least favorite posture?
  My favorite posture is Standing Back Bend - it use to be my least favorite/most feared posture because it made me feel so weird and it scared me. Then I just started to let go and the entire posture changed for me. Now I love the feeling of back bending, opening the front side of my body and strengthening my spine.
  
  Least favorite posture is Toe Stand - mostly because it frustrates me so much. I can't get this posture, but I try every class and I try not to get frustrated but it's hard. It's a challenge for me every time to focus on that moment and not set myself up with negative thoughts about the posture and why I can't get this one.

• What was your most memorable class and teacher?
  I would have to say my most memorable class is the first class at my teacher training when Bikram taught - the room was hot, hot, hot and the energy was like nothing I have ever felt before. Everyone was excited, working so hard, pushing themselves. To me when a teacher pushes you to your maximum that is the sweet spot.
  
  My most memorable class in Vancouver was when I had just moved back after living in Toronto for a year and a half - I took Danny's class. He was pushing me really hard, holding the postures for what seemed like an eternity, the room felt extra hot and I was suffering. Then Danny says to me "Nikki what's happened to you? Since you've become a teacher your yoga sucks". I couldn't do anything but laugh and try harder - he knew I needed that extra push.
  
  I think that's when things start to change!

• What is the key to your practice?
  Consistency - getting myself to class no matter how I feel (good or bad) - just go and see what happens

• What is your home studio?
  West End.

• When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga? How often do you attend class?
  I started practicing 2 yrs ago, and I attend class every day except when I am out of town.

• What benefits have you noticed in yourself that you believe are a result of your practicing yoga?
  When I tried my first class a couple of years ago it was because I was crippled with sciatica. I had my first experience with sciatica about 15 years ago. The next one showed up a few years later and after that it seemed to re-appear every year or so and each time it was worse. It was so bad when I came to my first Bikram class that I couldn't even bend down to tie up my shoes, lying down to sleep was excruciating and it was hard to do simple daily tasks like getting in and out of the car, putting on my clothes or sitting at the computer. I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years and have always enjoyed a very active lifestyle, so for me this was unacceptable. I tried every form of therapy I could find and Bikram yoga was a sort of a last ditch effort to try and do something to address it because nothing else was working! Well, turns out it was the only thing that worked. I have had one incident of sciatica since, but I kept doing yoga and it disappeared much faster than ever before.
  
  I am also a business owner and although I love what I do and my work is very rewarding, it can be extremely demanding and stressful. Yoga allows me a mental break every day and an opportunity to relax, take time for myself and focus within. It gives me the mental strength and discipline to tackle life's challenges.

• What would you tell someone who is feeling hesitant about trying Bikram Yoga?
  I would tell them that they are "ready" because the excuses I hear are mostly related to people thinking it is too difficult or they can't do it for one reason or another. It is the best gift you can give yourself. There is a reason it is called beginner yoga. Each participant works at his or her own pace and the instructors are extremely supportive, encouraging and knowledgeable. If you start slowly and continue to challenge yourself every day, the rewards are extraordinary. You will not believe the life and body transformations that will take place. The only regret you will have is that you didn't start sooner!

Leave unnecessary items in a locker or in the change room. If you absolutely need to bring in a pager or cell phone, turn the ringer to vibrate or to silent mode.