"Your inner strength is your outer foundation." ~Alan Rufus
Many people consider their “core” to be their abdominal muscles. And oftentimes, the term "core" is even more narrowly associated with the superficial musculature system which runs vertical along the anterior (front) portion of the abdomen. While this is not incorrect, it is only partially accurate. The physical make-up of your core is comprised of a sophisticated system of stabilizing and adaptable muscles that span the length, width, depth, and circumference of your entire torso.
Some key players in this expansive collaboration of muscles which make up what we call "the core" include:
the pelvic floor
transverse abdominis
multifidus
erector spinae
rectus abdominis
internal and external obliques
quadratus lumborum
diaphragm
psoas
WHY IS STRENGTHENING MY CORE IMPORTANT?
Core strengthening is a process of strengthening the body from the inside out and then applying the structural integrity, strength, and flexibility of the core to move our body in a postural alignment that supports and fosters the highest experience of our physical, energetic, and emotional health. Creating stability and strength in the core helps to generate stability, balance, an elevated sense of lightness in the extremities and a deeper self-awareness. All of these attributes work in concert to improve the way our body moves and functions and supports us in our day-to-day life.
HOW DOES A YOGA PRACTICE IMPROVE CORE AWARENESS AND FUNCTION?
An intelligently designed yoga practice will focus on building a relationship and establishing a familiarity with all of your core muscles, including the deepest layers at the very center of your body, by using a variety of asanas (physical postures) in unison with the breath to explore and integrate the musculature system in the body to create a supportive container for the centermost aspect of your anatomy: your spine. When the spine is supported by a strong and stable core, its energy radiates to our extremities and permeates our thoughts. We experience the totality of who we are rather than experiencing ourselves as separate body parts. Core integration fosters a deeper and more intentional breathing pattern by creating supported space, resulting in an overall greater sense of well-being and balance, a more profound level of awareness and connection and oneness, and an elevated state of consciousness.
Here at Black Cat Yoga Jacksonville, we are committed to offering a consistent yoga experience to all of our practitioners which not only brings greater awareness and strength to the physical body as a whole, but simultaneously honors the meditative inward quality of the practice. Mind. Body. Spirit.
Black Cat Yoga is Jacksonville Florida's preeminent yoga studio located in the heart of the Historic Riverside, Avondale, and Five Points Districts. We offer a variety of yoga classes designed to benefit both beginners and long-time practitioners and support all of our students while they are on the path to becoming stronger, healthier, and more balanced. Black Cat Yoga Studio is honored to serve the beautiful City of Jacksonville, Florida, and surrounding areas with group and private yoga classes taught by experienced yoga instructors who offer individualized attention so that you can explore and experience your practice at your pace and in a way that feels good and right to you each and every time you step on your mat.
Namaste,
Lisa and Kevin McCormack
Owners of Black Cat Yoga
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