How To Teach Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)
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Step 1
Learn The Sanskrit
Marjaryasana = cat pose
Marjari = cat
I've learned how to remember Sanskrit names of poses by using a fun, easy to use memory trick. The trick is to create a bizarre story. The more bizarre the easier it is for the brain to remember.
For example, here's the bizarre story I whipped up...
I imagine myself knocking at the door of my Mum's house (she has a cat). When she opens the door, instead of giving her a hug, I go straight to her fridge and get a tub of MARJArine (sounds like MARYAryasana), a knife, and spread it all over her very fluffy Norweigian CAT. When my mum rightly asks me when I just put MARJArine all over her CAT, I tell her it's the latest way of preventing hair loss for CATs.
Step 2
Teach The Benefits
Cat Pose develops concentration and awareness when you mentally visit the spaces between each of the vertebral joints to mobilize them.
Other benefits...
- Lower back
- Menopause disorder
- Menstrual disorder
- Sexual debility
Step 3
Teach The Steps
1) Start in neutral position with wrists under shoulders and arms shoulder width.
2) Pull navel into small of back & arch back.
3) Tuck chin to chest & move slowing back/forth.
4) Repeat several times.
Step 4
Spice It Up
Spice it up with some variations of Cat Pose.
Variation 1
Do Cat Pose with Cow Pose for a flowing vinyasa.
Variation 2
Raise the left leg and right arm, then raise the right leg and left arm.
Variation 3
Bring head to knee.
Variation 4
Tuck toes under (so you're on your tiptoes) and hover 2 or 3 inches above the floor. Now do Cat Pose (students will need to activate their core more to do this pose).
Step 5
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