Side Plank

Today on The Connected Yoga Teacher live show, Shannon Crow talks about side plank pose. This yoga pose helps to build strength and is great for the inner unit (core 4), but it can be very challenging for new students or students who are dealing with pelvic floor issues.

There is a video (to the left) that will guide you through how to modify side plank pose for the beginner / pelvic floor dysfunction student, showing how to progressively increase the pose intensity. This is helpful when you are teaching an all levels class or if you would like to slowly build to a peak pose.

Below are the benefits and modifications for side plank.

Shannon also answers a question she hears often in her consulting work with yoga teachers — What is the ideal yoga schedule? Today Shannon shares some of the tips that she uses when she works with yoga teachers.

Side Plank Pose Benefits:

• Builds strength (muscles and bones) and steadiness (balance)
• Uses core 4 / inner unit – great pose for pelvic health and core
• Can be modified to be a beginner to advanced pose (watch the video for options)
• Lengthening and opening pose
• Activates deep transversus abdominis muscles

Side Plank Pose Modifications:

Yoga Teacher Tool / Tip Links:

Question: How do I set my ideal yoga teaching schedule?

Remember the incentive to become a self-employed yoga entrepreneur? Usually one of the biggest reasons is being able to set your own schedule.

Maybe you have reached the point of being a full time yoga teacher. Maybe you are still dreaming of it. It is important to check in and set your ideal yoga teaching schedule and re-examine it when you are feeling overwhelmed, in need of time off or in a financial strain.

Action:

This week write down your ideal schedule including:

1. Hours for yoga (teaching and travel)
2. Time off (weekly, monthly and yearly)

Things to consider:

1. Financially – How much do you need to earn per week for living, spending, saving and giving?
2. Time – How much time are you giving to care for others in your family or community? Do you have another job that is also part of your ideal schedule?
3. Would you rather have your classes / work time spread out or batched together?