In Rhythms Yoga: Monday Morning SUP Yoga

Try some Stand-Up-Paddle Yoga to invigorate your practice. Move into Ardha Purvottanasana while balancing on the board. Build strength in the arms, wrists, legs, and core, while creating flexibility in the shoulders, hips and thighs. Practicing yoga on a rocking SUP board, brings more challenges than traditional yoga. Move slowly and mindfully. Slowly come down when you have had enough.

To move into Ardha Purvottanasana, Half-Reverse Table Top Pose: start in a seat in the middle of the board. Bend the knees and bring the soles of the feet to hip-width distance apart. Bring the palms behind you, stacked under the shoulders and fingertips facing the feet.

On an inhale breath, press the hips up towards the sky, and in-alignment with the knees and shoulders. Make sure the toes are facing straight forward rather than splayed out. Option to keep the neck neutral, gazing up towards the sky, for support or gently drop the head back if that is comfortable.


Relax the glute muscles and breathe into any tension in the body and mind. Draw the shoulder-blades flush to the back and away from the ears. Notice the opening in the shoulders and chest. Stay for 3-5 full-rounds of breath. Create smooth and even inhales and exhales.

To come out of the pose: slowly lower the hips back down to the board. Bring the soles of the feet to touch and butterfly the knees open wide, Supta Baddha Konasana, Reclining Bound Angle Pose. Allow the breath to calm and the arms, legs, hips and core to relax and soften. Notice the breath and the rocking of the board on the water. Take-in the surroundings of practicing outdoors. Acknowledge your efforts. No efforts in yoga are ever wasted.

Check with your doctor before performing any form of exercise including yoga and breathing techniques. Always honor your body. If a posture gives you pain, gently come out.

Namaste,
Christi Iacono, 500 hr. cert. yoga instructor and owner of In Rhythms Yoga

Christi Iacono is a 500 hour certified yoga instructor, kids yoga instructor, and owner of In Rhythms Yoga. IRY is a small neighborhood studio in Clairemont, S.D., located in the Mount Streets. She guides adults, kids and families in the ancient tradition of yoga. Christi has experienced many positive physical and mental transformations from her daily personal practice. She is passionate about sharing her experience, inspiration, and dedication with her students. She is committed to being a life-long student and teacher of the practice. Christi carefully works with each student in order to find the variation that best serves their body. Work to find the balance of effort and ease in every posture, “sthira sukham asanam.” Yoga is accessible to all.

*IRY offers regularly scheduled vinyasa and yin-based classes on, Sat., Sun. (Yin-Yoga) and Wed. mornings as well as Tues. and Thurs. evening classes.

*Christi teaches adult, family, kids yoga and private lessons. Contact her for more info. on how to share the benefits of yoga to your kids and family  www.inrhythmsyoga.com/

*Join us for a Special Full, Restorative Blue Moon class on Friday, July 31st, 5:30-6:45 pm.