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  • Home
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Somatic Yoga for Shoulders Mobility exercises using a Block

March 25, 2022 //  by Di Hickman//  Leave a Comment

In yoga teacher training we’re taught to teach from a beginners perspective. However, that’s not always easy. Especially when you have an area of your body that is hypermobile, like my shoulders! But I’m hoping that this slow yoga class will be just that for beginners and advanced alike. This Somatic yoga for shoulders explores mobility exercises using a yoga block.

If you can’t view the embedded video above, you can view the video on YouTube. Maybe add it to a playlist? Above all, remember to subscribe to my channel. New videos are uploaded regularly. However, for exclusive longer format videos sign up for my Patreon community. Each month we explore poses, transitions, and trouble areas. Patrons also get early access to all my videos, along with lots of other benefits. You join today for as little as $1 a month.

Disclosure: Links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase a product, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

Somatic Yoga for Shoulders

For this practice, we use a yoga block. If you don’t have a block I’d suggest using a book or something else flat like a plate. The temptation is to use a weight, but if you’re using a weight I suggest something like a sandbell. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor. The yoga block is laid flat across the palm of your right hand. Slowly push the block towards the ceiling and then lower back towards the floor.

yoga teacher demonstrating somatic yoga exercises

The next two exercises in this somatic yoga for shoulders routine have names stolen straight out of Karate Kid. The first is wax on, and wax off. Reach the block up, then take small slow circles, gradually spiraling from the center outwards. This is your wax on. After we get out to a wide circle pause and reverse your direction. Waxing off.

yoga teacher demonstrating somatic yoga exercises

If you remember wax on and wax off, do you recall “paint the fence”? Reach the block up and then slowly lower behind you towards the floor. Hovering inches above the floor rather than touching. Then lift back up and towards the knees.

yoga teacher demonstrating somatic yoga exercises

Our somatic yoga for shoulders ends with a half snow angel, but the floor is lava! From paint the fence, reach the arm back and hold it there. Sweep the arm out to the side keeping the palm up. A half snow angel. But again, have the block lifted from the floor. It’s interesting to note if your motion is smooth and controlled. Or bobbing around in a wave-like fashion. Repeat everything on the other arm. Then as you go about your day notice your shoulders and any difference in their movement in daily activities. This routine is simple but effective, move slowly with mindful awareness!

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shoulder mobility with yoga block

Want more?

If you’re looking for real yoga for real bodies, consider joining my Patreon. Each month I release two yoga classes exclusively for my Patreon community. On the other hand, other ways to find more yoga with me are signing up for my 7-day yoga challenge, or subscribing to my YouTube channel. Remember you can get your reminder to practice more with my “do more yoga” t-shirt.

Questions

  • Do you have issues with shoulder mobility?
  • Which direction is more difficult for your shoulders?
  • Anyone wanting to rewatch Karate Kid?
Previous Post: « What is a yoga wall?
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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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