Happy Halloween!

     This is one of my favorite holidays because I love any excuse to dress up in a costume!

     This year I did think about being a volunteer scare cast member at a local Halloween event.  My plan was to walk in wheel pose toward people to scare them.  It would have been quite physically challenging, but a lot of fun too.  Ultimately I didn't do it.  I was stuck with other obligations, oh well.

     Here's a living room photo of my idea:

     Of course, had I done the event, my clothing would have been different.  October is chilly in Minnesota (it has been in the 20's (F) for the last few nights).  Which brings me to another thought.  It is not safe to engage in stretches cold, which is why I always warm up before any kind of stretching.  But right now, my workout room is very cold.  The heater broke and I am waiting for a replacement (it was really old and started pumping out CO).  That means I have to do a long and careful warm up before my workout, and then complete my stretches before my body finishes cooling down after my workout.

     Here is another picture of me trying to pose in a creepy way, from the same photo session (before my daughter recommended that I remove my boots):

 
 These pictures bring me to the topic of back bends. I have always enjoyed back bends.  I do have mild scoliosis, so my spine is certainly not perfect, but back bends have always felt good and a bit fun.  Because I enjoy them, I never stopped doing them.  I would use wheel pose for silly photos now and then, or try them in yoga now and then.  But after a couple of decades of only doing them a few times per year, they were not as good as they had once been.

     Practicing and stretching for back bends has since become a regular part of my routine.  It also helps me to take photos of my wheel pose, so I can see where I need improvement.  I found that my upper back and shoulders had been getting stiffer with the years, so I needed to work on that.

     Here is an old photo (2017) that shows how stiff my upper back and shoulders were:

 
 Sorry about the poor lighting and quality of this photo!  Anyway, back then I could only do a short and plain wheel pose with poor form.  I could not straighten my arms or shift my weight at all.  I could not even try to lift an arm or a leg like in my Halloween photo above.  My form has improved, but most notably, I am more comfortable in the position such that I can now lift an arm or a leg!

     Since then I have worked on my spinal flexibility through Easy Flexibility's "Back Bending Beginner" program, plus adding the counter stretch, arm circles holding a strap, and sometimes handstand shoulder stretches, after workouts.  These have allowed me to feel much more stable and comfortable in wheel pose, and to improve my form.  I still have room for improvement, but it is so much better than it was!  How my wheel pose looks now:

   

     Disclaimer: As an affiliate of Easy Flexibility I will receive commission if anyone clicks on the link in the text and makes a purchase.   




Disclaimer: You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Jennifer of Jenn's Fitness Journey from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Jenn's Fitness Journey.