How many of you have been doing some form of Utkatasana since grade school? I remember an older cousin teaching us her volleyball workout when I was in 4th grade and it included Awkward, aka squats. So, here’s the thing about Utkatasana, if I’ve been doing it for such a long time why can’t I get my back against the wall? And, is back against the wall the goal in 1st part Utkatasana? I’m looking in the Bikram book and nobody has their back against the wall in the first part of Awkward. Not Bikram, not the gorgeous tatooed man, nobody. So, should I stop with the struggle and just sit down and know that I’m there? I’m reading the book now and clearly we are to continuously try to get our backs against the wall! ??
I did a little research and found a good article on the Yoga Journal website. The article clued me in on the right pronunciation, (I always thought the first t was silent) and brought my attention to the pelvis. It’s easy to focus on the thighs and miss the mid region. I learned that the pelvic region is the area from the belly button to the pelvic floor and isn’t the easiest to feel because of all the outer muscles surrounding the pelvic muscles. (I had to look in my anatomy book to see this pelvic floor and then locate it on me!)
I will try, as the article instructs, to feel my sit bones moving back while continuously dropping my tailbone down. Anyone else start to curl the tailbone away from the mirror once you start leaning back max-i-mum? Alright, they don’t call it Awkward for nothin’!
My mantra for today’s class, “enJOY”.
Tags: anatomy, Awkward, Bikram, pelvis, tailbone, Utkatasana
I think the “back against the wall” part is only for the second and third parts of Awkward. And the tattoo guy in the first book freaks me out.
Liston to the dialogue: back against the wall for second and third part only. First part, the back should arch from the lumbar spine. So the spine is like its in Cobra, even though you are standing up.
very helpful post, and comments, too!
thanks
-v
Yep, yep, yep.
Second and third parts of awkward are “hips and head touching the wall behind you.” Spine is straight, no tucking or duck-butt. They are both all about the TRACTION in the spine.
First part of awkward is: FIRST STEP, sit down all the way in the chair, spine straight position. (straight - but not vertical). SECOND STEP: bring your upper body back as much as you can, arch your upper body back, and suck in your stomach, ribcage visible in the mirror. It is a backbend.
Tattoo guy is Jim Kallet! He owns the big studio in San Diego. I’ve met him like once, but apparently he’s a cool guy.
thankyou, dancingJ! It IS a backbend. can’t wait to try again!
Thank you for sharing. Much appreciated! If you’re ever in the South Florida area and are looking for an awesome vinyasa yoga class near Plantation, FL. They are absolutely fabulous and I had a wonderful experience. The name of the studio is Temple Arts. Namaste!