Yoga for Beginners: How to Strengthen Shoulders with a Yoga Block
Channel: Rogue Yogi
Date: 2020-09-12

If you're new to yoga or if you've been practicing for awhile, chances are you've heard of a pose called "Downward Facing Dog" (or downdog for short). With the palms pressed down into the ground and the hips in the air, there's a bit of your weight that can collapse into the shoulders if they're not awake and active. 

Julie the Rogue Yogi demonstrates several ways to strengthen the shoulders, rhomboids and serratus anterior muscles with and without a yoga block. The yoga block provides nice feedback that sends energy from the palms all the way up to the shoulder and upper back region. 

Prefacing your downdog with these pre-pose movements can encourage your nervous system and blood flow to be more aware of the complex shoulder region. This way, getting into the pose can feel more involved whether it's your first time or not! 

As a bonus, you can learn about the shoulder's natural movements (known as protraction and retraction). It's great food for thought as you nourish your mind-body with new and different varieties of getting into the pose. 

To understand better yoga anatomy and biomechanics with Julie, visit her site and take live classes at https://rogueyogi.life, instagram @rogueyogi.life and Pinterest @rogueyogi. Pin this video, practice along later!