How Gravity Affects Your Yoga Practice
Gravity constantly exerts pressure on our bodies whether we're walking down the street or practicing yoga. If you struggle to hold certain poses, making a few subtle alignment changes can help you maintain your center of gravity.
Finding Your Center of Gravity
When you're standing, your center of gravity (COG) is located in the mid-section of your body around your navel. In this position, your weight is equally distributed on both sides of your body.
The location of your standing COG varies depending on your gender, muscle distribution, and height. If you're tall, your COG will be a little higher than your friend who's six inches shorter.
Why Your Center of Gravity Is Important in Yoga
Your COG constantly changes as you move. When you lean forward, the center shifts toward your upper body. Raising your arms above your head causes your COG to move upward, while your forearms become your COG when you perform a headstand. The lower your COG, the easier it is to keep your balance.
Understanding how your COG changes as you perform various yoga poses will help you master challenging positions and poses. These tips can help you improve your balance and control your COG:
Sources:
Yoga Journal: Plumb Perfect: The Physics + Power of Balancing Poses, 4/12/17
Livestrong: What Helps Strengthen Your Center of Gravity?
Yoga International: 3 Innovative Ways to Improve Your Balance
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