Surfers Series: Balance & Strength Routine

Welcome, dear readers, to our Surf Series – though you needn't be a surfer to harness the power of these practices!

Before we dive in, understand that this isn’t just a routine; it’s an experience. Let it be an exploration into your inner landscape, a journey into the ebb and flow of your emotions, balance, and core strength. Are you ready to be completely present and discover more about yourself?

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Wave Rider Balance Routine: The Flow of Equanimity

Ever felt completely centered? Like you're the core of your universe? And then, there are days when your balance feels off. It’s the dance of life – sometimes in rhythm, sometimes out of step. That’s okay. Embrace it all.

During this routine, be the observer. Celebrate your successes, but also notice the moments you wobble. Is there frustration? Elation? No judgment, just observation. Let’s aim for equanimity - accepting every wave, every high and low, just as they come.

Let's Dive In!

1.The Calming Prelude: Start with the Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Shed the hustle of the day. Envision the ocean's waves gently touching your feet with every breath. Center yourself. When you’re ready (no rush!), we move.

2. The Dance of Balance: Elevate your right knee, open that hip, and step into the Tree Pose. Fancy a challenge? Shut those eyes. Float those arms. Feel the energy? Maybe allow yourself to feel like seaweed, anchor down through your feet and let your body sway gently as moving with the currents. Try both sides.

3. Warrior's Strength: Transition into Warrior 2. Embrace the power of your legs and arms. Reach out from your core, from your heart and feel you can achieve anything when you focus.

4.Core's Moonlight: Step into the Half Moon Pose. It's not just about balance; it's about the core strength. Your body is an interconnected web – feel every strand pulling and supporting the others. Shine from your centre, be the magnificent moon the shines. The moon is powerful and moves tides and is connected to the Yin energy, so be soft and graceful in your strength

5. Warrior’s Return: From Warrior 2, elevate into Warrior 3. Its balance, strength, and laser-sharp focus all in one. look down your outstretched arms.

6. The Dancer: Slowly, like the gentle waves, move into the Dancer's Pose. Remember, it's not about perfection, but the journey. Strength with balance and always a softness not rigidness. Be like water, notice the energy move through you.

7. Returning to the Sands: Realign with Tadasana. Breathe. Reset. Wipe the slate clean. Pause step into your consciousness of being. When you are ready switch legs.

8. Salutations & Strength: Dive into a salutation. From Down Dog to Plank, Cobra or Up Dog and back to Down Dog. Feel the strength in your arms and torso. Repeat several times then try add articulation into your spine and feel like a wave peaking and rolling onto the shores, letting the whole body be fluid.

9. Boat Ride: Transition to the floor. Ready for Boat Pose? Either hold the asana and notice what activates, what arises as you steady your breath or flow from knees to chest and back keeping a rhythm. Focus on the quality of every breath, every movement.

How to use this practice-

• Go slow, be present to everything, maintain a rhythm to the breath and do one side at a time,

• Once you have been through each posture and embodied the moves, the breath, the energy of each move then try creating a flow, from one to another seeing if you can keep the experience as you move more dynamically.

• Mix it up, slow, dynamic, holds… play !

Remember, this isn’t a mere routine – it’s a transformative experience aimed at enhancing your balance on the surfboard and boosting your core strength for those dynamic waves.

Life is a lot like surfing – sometimes you ride the waves, sometimes you fall. But with every fall, there’s a lesson, a new wave, and a new ride. This practice will not only prep your body but will also offer a new perspective. So, pick your pace, dive into the experience, and let the waves of self-awareness wash over you.

Until next time,

Sue x

I look forward to seeing you on the mat in person, online or book your personal training session with me direct.

Don’t forget to check out all the surf series !