Guest teacher
Lauren Peterson is a well-respected yoga instructor living and teaching in Malibu California. She has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, and teaching since 1992. She had the privilege to study with, and assist, Chuck Miller for over 10 years. Chuck taught her through fourth series in the ashtanga yoga system. She is also playing with the first few poses of fifth series as shown to her by Richard Freeman.
Lauren has been featured in the television series Healing Quest, and in Yoga Journal Magazine, for the yoga program she started at the Monte Nido Eating Disorders Center for women struggling with eating disorders. As a model she is in magazines, calendars and in "Yoga", a Yoga Journal book by Linda Sparrowe.
Lauren is the creator of "The Yogi's Companion", a yoga practice CD, which was chosen "Editor's Choice" by "Yoga Journal Magazine". Along with her group and private classes, she teaches yoga workshops worldwide.
By Lauren Peterson on Sep 5, 2013
Tight hips and weak abs are two factors that can contribute to back pain. In this video, we start with gentle abdominal work, moving progressively stronger. Throughout we incorporate hip, hamstring and spinal stretches, to unlock the pelvis and back. This is a great practice for athletes, who need to supplement their workout, or anyone who wants to build core stability and strength. Enjoy.
By Lauren Peterson on Aug 22, 2013
This class starts seated with a few moments to quiet the mind and get centered...present. From sitting we move into a spinal sequence...flexion, extension and then spirals, juicing things up. Moving to the hands and knees and then to down dog, we address the quads, hip flexors, core, balance, shoulders and strength. This is a flow class, with sequences leading into standing and balance poses, some highlights include side arm balance, eagle pose, warrior III, warrior I & II. A balanced, challenging, fast, full practice, with music. Flow and Go! Enjoy!
By Lauren Peterson on Aug 1, 2013
This is a compact, well-rounded flow class. We start on our backs, taking a few moments to focus on the breath and get centered. What follows is some core to stretch, strengthen and build heat. On our feet, we move into sun salutation-based flows, that take us through standing poses, twists, side arm balance, standing balance poses and bring us back to the floor for one-legged pigeon pose. We finish with your choice of shoulder stand or a passive inversion, and savasana. Enjoy!
By Lauren Peterson on Jul 18, 2013
This is a strong, stretchy flow class, with rhythmic sequences that focus on twists and backbends. I toss in some sun salutations and standing poses to prepare the body for a side arm balance and backbend flow. In and out in about 35 minutes. Finish with savasana and you're cooked.
By Lauren Peterson on Jun 4, 2013
In this segment we practice going for handstand off the wall. I will show you a couple of "escape routes", or ways to come out safely, when the handstand doesn't quite stick. It's a big step moving off the wall. Go for it with me here.
By Lauren Peterson on Jun 4, 2013
In the first three segments we are primarily hopping and kicking up to handstand, both on and off the wall. In this segment we practice pressing up to handstand. I'll show you how to straddle and press up using the wall, and how to gain a few inches :0!..........using a block. I also show you some counter poses for the wrists.
By Lauren Peterson on Jun 4, 2013
I recommend you do this segment after any, or all, of the other handstand practices. We start with a few different counter stretches for the wrists and forearms. Then we cool down with either a restorative inversion at the wall, or shoulder stand, plow and fish. After practice take a long savasana. Namaste.
By Lauren Peterson on May 9, 2013
This is a short warm up to safely prepare the body for the handstand practices. You could also use this to start your day, or before playing a sport.
By Lauren Peterson on May 9, 2013
This practice will help you become comfortable supporting weight on your hands. We hop and play, jumping from down dog and forward bend onto the hands.
By Lauren Peterson on May 9, 2013
Here we use the wall to build strength and confidence on the hands, for handstand. I also show you tricks to balance independently, while still close to the wall. Happy handstands!
