Mat Matters, Episode 51: Blanket Vinyasas, aka Crazy Fun + Challenging Core Blaster

10/16/2014

Are you ready to have your core *really* tested? This week's vid is your challenge--and get ready, it's a doozy.

To feel the effects and get the full benefits of this series, I recommend taking about 5-10 vinyasas in the way shown in this video. And trust me on this: You. Will. Feel. It.

Besides being a total core blaster, this exercise (which I'm calling a "Blanket Vinyasa," for lack of a better term) is a really great way to check-in with your overall core engagement when you flow.

Are you using your core? Are you stable? Is your down dog a floppy hammocky bowl of jelly, or are you strong and connected? Take a couple of sun salutations in this way and you will find out.

So with that, watch the video! Keep your eye out for Sayde (she makes an appearance at the end!) and let me know what you think...

5 Comments

Roula

10/16/2014 02:31:54 am

W-O-W! Did you make this up?! It's just killer.
Would you believe I've been complaining to Dawn at TS that I feel my core needs extra work and those muscles are not as strong as the rest of my body (ask her!)? I've been suspecting the lack of strength in my abs causes my lower back strains after I practice. So for the last two weeks, I've been getting to classes 15 minutes early and doing some extra ab work on the mat. and it's truly improved my back issue and elevated my practice all around. I'm going to try doing this blanket vin thing instead. Wow. Thanks .Namaste. Love.

Mary Catherine

10/16/2014 10:32:14 pm

Nope, I did not make this up. Wish I had, but I'm not that good! Sounds like it's perfect for where you are in your practice right now :) And so glad you've been finding relief from your pain through strengthening your core! Hooray! xoxo

Roula

10/17/2014 02:43:06 am

So I tried to do it at TS today (after wiping the floor where the blanket would slide with mat fluid). But it didn't slide. Not for the wiping, but the floor there just isn't slippery enough. I'm going to to try it again later on my hardwood floor-- with socks instead of a blanket-maybe that'll work, too.

Roula

10/17/2014 04:19:31 am

Hey, it works, great with socks! :-) And I forgot to mention, that last "Sayde Productions" clip is phenomenal! Did you know "Sayde" translates to the title "madame" or "lady" in Arabic? She looks just the part here, too!

Flavia B. link

10/18/2014 08:51:26 am

Love this! I haven't tried yet, but Kat taught this at a class I was TAing and it looked really fun (and hard!)

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