Mat Matters, Episode 1: Down Dog Reminders (& My New YouTube Channel!)

6/20/2013

Today, I'm super excited to share the very first episode of my new yoga video series with you (yay!). From here on out, Thursday's old series, "Just Picture It," will be replaced by "Mat Matters," my new asana-focused video series.

You can watch each episode here on the blog, or by subscribing to my new Starr Struck YouTube Channel. How fun is that?

This week's episode is focused on our most foundational asana--Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, or Downward Facing Dog--and is full of little reminders for yogis who have been practicing for a while, but who may have fallen into some bad Down Dog habits without even realizing it (I'm guilty of all of the things that I talk about in this video, which is why I know that they're such easy traps to fall into!). Please note that this isn't a breakdown of Down Dog for brand new beginners, but instead, is geared towards yogis who are familiar with the pose already.

I hope that you find this video helpful! Lots more to come, including some shorter home practice sequences (as requested by quite a few of you), more alignment tips, and breaking down lots of "advanced" asanas. If you have any requests re: videos that you'd like to see, post to comments or email me! I'd love to ensure that what I'm putting out there is helpful to you.

A special shout-out to my hubbykins, Ben, for working the camera/directing (I think he LOVED doing this) and to Tranquil Space Arlington for the studio space ;)

You can subscribe to and/or visit my YouTube channel by clicking on the image to the right.

Looking forward to sharing many more tips with you! Thank you for joining.

DISCLOSURE

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. From time to time, I accept compensation for sponsored posts and campaigns. However, any sponsored content will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored. Even though I receive compensation for sponsored posts, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

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Rita link

6/19/2013 10:58:14 pm

I LOOOVE this!!!! Can't wait for the next video! Thank you!

Tara B.

6/19/2013 11:02:17 pm

Woohoo, I love this! What a cool idea! I always love getting adjusted in down dog, whether in your class or another instructor's at TSA, because I know I can fall into bad habits as well (and I am such a bad offender of locking elbows. I am very hypermobile so I always need the reminder to not lock joints.)

I love that you demonstrated what not to do as well as what to do. It's interesting how so many bad habits can creep into such a seemingly "basic" pose (I see the same types of things with Pilates as well). Can't wait for the next video!

Kelly M

6/19/2013 11:09:17 pm

Great video !
Very imformative .... gave me quite a few things to look for in my next down dog.
I especially like that you SHOW us the poor posture and then the improved posture. Sometimes the 'words' just don't help and it is so much easier to correct things when you can actually SEE the differences.
Looking forward to the next video.

Lauren

6/20/2013 01:38:56 am

This is great! I love the video idea. I would love to see short videos for good sequences upon waking up or before bed. I've also loved your restorative workshops, so something along those lines would be amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Tracy

6/20/2013 02:34:11 am

I was raising my arms up at the desk to feel how my shoulders pinch... definitely need to work on that. Thank you so much! Look forward to more videos.

Andrea link

6/20/2013 03:40:12 am

This is great! You know I love your classes but this is like a nice little private session with MC every week! :) I'd love to see some videos on the "advanced" asanas, specifically side-crow (I never have correct alignment), 8 limb staff ( a fave of mine but I can rarely work into it), headstand and forearm stand. Can't wait to see more!

Mary Catherine

6/20/2013 07:14:57 am

Thanks for all the great feedback, everyone! I love all the ideas and am glad that you're as excited as I am about this new series! Also a big thanks to those who sent emails with requests for future videos--lots of ideas and I can't wait to post more :)

xoxo
MC

Claire

6/20/2013 07:20:53 am

Great idea MC! Can't wait to see more videos.

Sarah

6/20/2013 09:50:41 am

MC! This is rockstar and super helpful! I'm impressed not only by your on camera poise, but the knowledge you share and present in such and informative way. You're an inspiration!

Adrienne

6/23/2013 12:11:11 am

Great post- love these new videos! Thanks Mary Catherine!

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