So You’re Hitting The Road

Here’s the deal. Second Circle isn’t exactly a global franchise. We like it that way, but it means students don’t have a Foundations practice available to them when they leave the bustling megalopolis that is Burlington, VT. That’s sad, but we’re learning our students are tenacious and will often make time for a hot yoga practice even when they travel. Which is awesome! You guys are the best.

If you should find yourself at another studio that, say, teaches 90 minute hot yoga classes at around 105 degrees please remember there are a few things that don’t translate between an “original” hot yoga and Second Circle. We want you to take care of your body no matter where you practice, so here are a couple tips.

on knee locking

At Second Circle we frown on knee locking, obviously. This is for long-term health and stability purposes; we want your practice to be safe and productive over the course of years. A couple classes of locking the knee is probably not a huge deal, most issues it presents arrive through repetition and regularity. As long as you aren’t doing it over and over for weeks at a time, it should be alright. We’re not fans of it over here, but we’re not going to set off the fire alarm or anything.

However, should you choose to keep your “healthy bend” in the standing leg while doing another form, PLEASE DO NOT DO STANDING HEAD TO KNEE. Bending your knee in this pose is potentially hazardous for your low back. (Which is a big reason why it’s not in Foundations.) Instead, do “marching position” with one knee lifted and the chest upright.

Stay safe around the edges

Keep your practice within a healthy range of motion and don’t “push and push” anything. The temptation to dive into your flexibility can be powerful in some environments. Remember, over-lengthening your tissue can happen pretty quickly and sometimes takes a while to correct.

Keep your basic commands in mind

Many key Second Circle commands are universal, they will work in any practice. A list that will work for you in any room;

• Unlock your neck

• Notice your neck, jaw, teeth, tongue, roof of the mouth, base of the skull (even better, get yourself a Body Awareness Reminder Bracelet at the front desk)

• Ungrip your toes from the floor

• Notice if you are collapsing into your low back

• Ramp the neck (gently move the jawline back toward the ears)

• Keep the heels grounded strongly while balancing

• Breathe

And always remember, practice is fundamentally work towards the full, vibrant, joyful experience of being alive. Keep it light-hearted, we can’t wait to have you back with us.