Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

ALIGNMENT

URDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS

Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle patterns that lead us there. But what if there’s more? What if the smallest details—the angle of the elbows, the pressure in the feet, or the position of the scapula—are actually the keys to depth, safety, and control? In today’s blog, we explore the perhaps lesser-known layers of Urdhva Dhanurasana as taught by Matt, who offers a step-by-step breakdown of the posture. It’s through this layered understanding that we uncover not just a shape, but a method. When we’re open to unlearning what we’ve always done, we create space for new patterns to emerge, and in that space, our backbends can truly evolve

chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

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  • 10 Chromatic Yoga practices with founder Matt Giordano
  • Full length 75 minute classes
  • 10 Peak Postures: The Most Essential Poses of the Vinyasa Practice
  • Meticulously Crafted Experiences to Enhance Your Postural Practice
  • Non-dogmatic, Anatomy informed Alignment
  • The Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Practice
  • A Heavy Emphasis on Technique for the Poses Everyone Expects You to Know but No One Teaches
  • 12 Continuing Education hours with Yoga Alliance
  • 12 Accredited Hours with the Chromatic School of Yoga
  • Step-by-Step instruction for increased accessibility
  • Sweat, Breath, Strengthen, Stretch and Feel Amazing!

THE SECRET IS IN THE ARMPITS

One of the most surprising Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns lies in the armpits. In the wall-supported version of Wheel Pose that Matt demonstrates in the video, gravity helps ease the body into the shape.  It offers a gentler way to understand and pattern the posture. The real secret, as Matt explains, is in the lift of the armpits and the ability to maintain that lift even once the arms are straight. This small but powerful action opens the door to greater scapular retraction, a key component in safe and effective backbending. When we retract the scapula properly, we shift the emphasis from the lower back to the upper thoracic spine, reducing compression and enhancing spaciousness in the posture. This armpit lift may not be a cue we’ve heard often, but it has the potential to completely reshape our experience of Wheel. It’s not just about pressing up—it’s about preparing our bodies to hold the shape with intention.

WATCH THE VIDEO

URDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS: FILL IN THE BLANKS TO MASTER TECHNIQUE

APPLY THESE IN BRIDGE PRACTICE

To uncover the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns, we also start with the foundations in Bridge Pose. In the video, Matt offers a three-step process that primes the body for full wheel. First, we focus on glute activation and spinal extension, keeping feet wider than the hips and arms in cactus shape. Shoulder blades move together, the heels press down, and the knees reach forward as the chest lifts back. Second, attention turns to hand and elbow placement—wider than we may be used to. This challenges scapular retraction but sets us up for better alignment and strength. Third, if there’s no neck concern, we move to the top of the head, maintaining scapular retraction as the chest pushes through the shoulders. These steps help re-pattern how we access the pose—engaging the transversus abdominis, stabilizing the back, and leading from strength, not strain. Without them, we risk muscling through the pose without long-term sustainability.

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WHEEL AND A WALL

Now, we put it all together—this time, without gravity’s assistance. In the earlier wall-supported version, gravity helped guide the body upward. When we return to a traditional Urdhva Dhanurasana on the mat however, we work against gravity, which increases the demand on the body. This is where all the refined actions come into play. The armpit lift, scapular retraction, glute activation, and core support must now be actively recreated without external support. Matt demonstrates how the body integrates these elements in real time, reinforcing the strength, control, and alignment needed for a sustainable wheel pose. This stage reveals the true complexity of the pose and helps us recognize the contrast between supported preparation and unsupported execution. When practiced consciously, these layers don’t just build the posture, they build trust in our bodies. Through this, we redefine our limits and reshape our relationship with the backbend.

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  • Get 500 hour certified
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  • Expand your teaching skills
  • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
  • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
  • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

DISCOVERY

Discovery doesn’t always come with a big reveal—it often arrives through the quiet work of exploration, curiosity, and conscious repetition. As we unravel the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns, we begin to understand that this posture isn’t just about flexibility or strength—it’s about integration. Each variation, each technique, each subtle action reveals something new about how our body moves and how we engage with it. What once felt inaccessible starts to unfold when we stop pushing and start observing. Through Matt’s layered approach, we don’t just learn how to do Wheel Pose—we learn how to understand it. We discover the muscles we’ve overlooked, the habits we’ve built, and the space that’s available when alignment replaces effort. In this way, discovery becomes the heart of the practice—not the end point, but the process itself.  Within that process, we meet the deeper version of the posture—and of ourselves.  

Register for Matt’s next online immersion  Aligned Vinyasa to delve deeper into the inner workings of the practice.

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

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Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Strength Immersion

lotus pose online yoga classes

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

  • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
  • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
  • Appropriate for both teachers and students
  • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
  • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
  • Release aches and pains
  • Learn how to avoid common injuries
  • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
  • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
  • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
  • Lifetime access

Continue Learning

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana UnknownsALIGNMENTURDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle...

read more
Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine ChaturangaALIGNMENTREDEFINE CHATURANGA To redefine Chaturanga, we first have to be willing to challenge what we think we already know. Many of us were taught a narrow-hand, elbows-tight variation of the pose—elbows hugging the ribs, hands close beneath the...

read more
Tight Hips

Tight Hips

Tight HipsHIP MOBILITYTIGHT HIPS When working to release tight hips, most people instinctively go straight for deep stretches. But one often overlooked area that holds a surprising amount of tension is the adductorS (the inner thigh muscles) that connect to the...

read more
Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The ScapulaSHOULDER ACTIONSRETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA It may appear that scapular retraction holds less weight in finding deeper backbends, but this action can be quite significant in what we experience when it comes to strength, stability, and...

read more
Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass PoseSURYA YANTRASANACONQUERING COMPASS POSE Conquering Compass Pose isn’t about forcing your leg behind your shoulder—it’s about understanding and participating in the muscular coordination that makes the posture possible. The real power comes from...

read more
Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head PoseEKA PADA SIRSASANALEG OVER HEAD POSE Leg Over Head Pose is one of those postures that challenges not only our bodies but also our mindset. When faced with a seemingly impossible pose, we tend to respond in one of three ways: dismissing it as...

read more

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  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine Chaturanga

ALIGNMENT

REDEFINE CHATURANGA

To redefine Chaturanga, we first have to be willing to challenge what we think we already know. Many of us were taught a narrow-hand, elbows-tight variation of the pose—elbows hugging the ribs, hands close beneath the shoulders. But is that the only way? Not necessarily. If we’re open to exploring new pathways, we may discover a version of Chaturanga that supports greater mobility, less strain, and more potential. In today’s blog, we look at how widening the hand placement—when done with precision—can enhance movement at the scapulocostal joint and reduce stress on the more vulnerable glenohumeral joint (the shoulder joint as most of us know it). It’s not about what’s “right or wrong,” but about becoming curious enough to explore alternatives that serve our structure. When we bring awareness to these nuances, we don’t just perform Chaturanga—we evolve it.

chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

ALIGNED VINYASA

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

  • 10 Chromatic Yoga practices with founder Matt Giordano
  • Full length 75 minute classes
  • 10 Peak Postures: The Most Essential Poses of the Vinyasa Practice
  • Meticulously Crafted Experiences to Enhance Your Postural Practice
  • Non-dogmatic, Anatomy informed Alignment
  • The Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Practice
  • A Heavy Emphasis on Technique for the Poses Everyone Expects You to Know but No One Teaches
  • 12 Continuing Education hours with Yoga Alliance
  • 12 Accredited Hours with the Chromatic School of Yoga
  • Step-by-Step instruction for increased accessibility
  • Sweat, Breath, Strengthen, Stretch and Feel Amazing!

SHOULDER RISKS

When discussing shoulder health, particularly in postures like Chaturanga, Matt reminds us that risk doesn’t mean avoidance—it means awareness. The glenohumeral joint, the most mobile joint in the body, is highly vulnerable in both high-impact sports and repetitive yoga transitions. In sports, we often hear of dislocations from falling with an outstretched arm. In yoga, we put a significant load on this joint in poses like Chaturanga, Wild Thing, and Full Wheel. That’s not a reason to fear these postures—but rather an opportunity to get smarter about how we move. By strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and increasing body awareness, we make the joint more responsive and supported, even under pressure. This is the heart of the yoga practice: not bypassing challenges, but meeting it with clarity. When we redefine Chaturanga, we reduce joint stress not by doing less, but by doing it better—with strength, technique, and thoughtful engagement.

WATCH THE VIDEO

REDEFINE CHATURANGA: INCREASE AWARENESS, STRENGTH & TECHNIQUE

NON-DOGMATIC APPROACH

Let’s set aside, just for a moment, the spiritual symbolism and tradition tied to Chaturanga and focus purely on the physical mechanics. When we remove the labels of right and wrong, we open the door to deeper inquiry—what are the joints doing, and how is the body responding? In the full class Matt discusses how, the body doesn’t recognize the name “Chaturanga”—it recognizes movement patterns, muscle activation, and joint load. In its most natural form, Chaturanga is simply a push-up, a movement the body inherently understands. By approaching it from a place of curiosity rather than correction, we become more attuned to what the body actually needs in that moment. This perspective allows us to refine our technique, increase our strength, and reduce unnecessary strain—while still honoring the spirit of the practice. When we release rigidity, we make space for a more intelligent and empowered experience on the mat.

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  • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
  • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
  • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

CHATURANGA VARIATIONS

In the video, Matt peels back the layers to help us redefine Chaturanga, offering accessible variations that reintroduce the body to new, more functional patterns. He begins with two supported options using a bolster and yoga blocks—tools that reduce the demand for strength so we can place greater attention on alignment and shoulder mechanics. As we descend, the shoulder blades move from protraction to retraction, a subtle but essential shift. With wide hands and a gentle outward rotation (thumbs aligning with the outer shoulders), Matt encourages more natural scapular movement and improved external rotation of the arms. The bolster under the belly offers support, allowing us to focus without collapsing. In classic Chromatic approach, Matt also teaches by contrast—first demonstrating the shoulder action incorrectly, then guiding us to correct it. This back-and-forth helps encode the movement into our system. Eventually, these variations build toward a stronger, integrated full Chaturanga—one rooted in conscious movement and intelligent strength.

300 hour teacher training online

300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

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Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

  • Get 500 hour certified
  • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
  • Expand your teaching skills
  • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
  • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
  • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

RETHINK & REFORM

Chaturanga, when stripped of assumptions and approached with curiosity, becomes more than a transition—it becomes a tool for self-discovery. Whether supported by props or engaged in the full variation, Chaturanga becomes a pose of choice—not just a challenge.  Matt’s layered breakdown shows us how to simplify without losing depth, using variations to build proprioception, strength, and alignment. Reform happens not when we perfect the shape, but when we understand the body behind the movement. With thoughtful adjustments and conscious practice, Chaturanga shifts from something we push through to something we move with. The invitation is simple: stay curious, stay engaged, and keep evolving.

Let this mindset guide your practice as you explore “Aligned Vinyasa,” Matt’s upcoming online immersion in May 2025.

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Revelation Immersion

lotus pose online yoga classes

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

  • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
  • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
  • Appropriate for both teachers and students
  • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
  • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
  • Release aches and pains
  • Learn how to avoid common injuries
  • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
  • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
  • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
  • Lifetime access

Continue Learning

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana UnknownsALIGNMENTURDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle...

read more
Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine ChaturangaALIGNMENTREDEFINE CHATURANGA To redefine Chaturanga, we first have to be willing to challenge what we think we already know. Many of us were taught a narrow-hand, elbows-tight variation of the pose—elbows hugging the ribs, hands close beneath the...

read more
Tight Hips

Tight Hips

Tight HipsHIP MOBILITYTIGHT HIPS When working to release tight hips, most people instinctively go straight for deep stretches. But one often overlooked area that holds a surprising amount of tension is the adductorS (the inner thigh muscles) that connect to the...

read more
Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The ScapulaSHOULDER ACTIONSRETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA It may appear that scapular retraction holds less weight in finding deeper backbends, but this action can be quite significant in what we experience when it comes to strength, stability, and...

read more
Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass PoseSURYA YANTRASANACONQUERING COMPASS POSE Conquering Compass Pose isn’t about forcing your leg behind your shoulder—it’s about understanding and participating in the muscular coordination that makes the posture possible. The real power comes from...

read more
Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head PoseEKA PADA SIRSASANALEG OVER HEAD POSE Leg Over Head Pose is one of those postures that challenges not only our bodies but also our mindset. When faced with a seemingly impossible pose, we tend to respond in one of three ways: dismissing it as...

read more

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

  • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
  • exclusive online course discounts
  • exclusive blogs and videos
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tight Hips

Tight Hips

HIP MOBILITY

TIGHT HIPS

When working to release tight hips, most people instinctively go straight for deep stretches. But one often overlooked area that holds a surprising amount of tension is the adductorS (the inner thigh muscles) that connect to the pelvis. While it’s common to try and stretch them out, Matt introduces a smarter approach: activate them while stretching (a technique known as a Facilitated Stretch). This technique brings stability to the hip joint, which in turn reduces strain elsewhere in the body. Why does that matter? Because tight hips can lead to issues in the joints above or below—most notably, the knees and the lower back. If the hip doesn’t move as it should, the knee or spine may compensate by moving too much. This extra movement increases friction, and friction often leads to pain. So to protect the knees and lower back, we don’t just stretch the hips, we strengthen and activate as we open them.

chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

ALIGNED VINYASA

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

  • 10 Chromatic Yoga practices with founder Matt Giordano
  • Full length 75 minute classes
  • 10 Peak Postures: The Most Essential Poses of the Vinyasa Practice
  • Meticulously Crafted Experiences to Enhance Your Postural Practice
  • Non-dogmatic, Anatomy informed Alignment
  • The Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Practice
  • A Heavy Emphasis on Technique for the Poses Everyone Expects You to Know but No One Teaches
  • 12 Continuing Education hours with Yoga Alliance
  • 12 Accredited Hours with the Chromatic School of Yoga
  • Step-by-Step instruction for increased accessibility
  • Sweat, Breath, Strengthen, Stretch and Feel Amazing!

WHERE WE FIND THE PAIN

The body is a chain of interconnected parts, and pain doesn’t always show up where the problem begins. With tight hips, discomfort often surfaces in neighboring areas—the knees or the lower back—because they’re forced to do extra work. Matt teaches that when the hips lack mobility, the joints above and below take on the burden, resulting in excessive movement. That movement increases friction, and over time, friction is what creates pain. The lower back may start to compensate with excessive arching or twisting, while the knees may absorb force that should have been dispersed by the hips. By addressing the root of the restriction, unlocking and stabilizing the hips—we can reduce unnecessary motion in these vulnerable areas. The key is understanding that pain doesn’t always mean injury where it hurts. Instead, it often signals compensation patterns that stem from unresolved tension elsewhere. The journey toward ease begins where we’re stuck, not necessarily where we’re sore.

WATCH THE VIDEO

TIGHT HIPS: 5 POSTURES TO UNLOCK, UNLEASH & RELEASE

ACTIVATION OF MUSCLES

To create real, sustainable mobility, especially when working with tight hips—passive stretching alone often isn’t enough. Instead, activating the muscles while they are being stretched can lead to far greater flexibility and control. This approach taps into the body’s neuromuscular system, specifically the Golgi tendon organ (GTO)—a sensory receptor located where muscle meets tendon. The GTO monitors tension in the muscle and sends signals to the brain about the level of strain. When we actively contract a muscle during a stretch, the GTO responds by telling the brain that the muscle is under control and not at risk. In turn, the brain allows the muscle to release more deeply, giving us a wider, safer range of motion. This type of muscle activation not only improves flexibility but also teaches the body how to maintain strength and support through a greater range—making it ideal for addressing tight hips with both precision and purpose.

200 Hour Online Teacher Training Certification

200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

  • Deepen your yoga practice
  • Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
  • Learn foundational class structures and templates
  • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
  • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
  • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

TARGET THE ADDUCTORS

In today’s video, Matt shares five powerful postures to release tight hips by targeting the often-overlooked adductors—the inner thigh muscles essential for both stability and mobility. Across Lizard Pose, Warrior II, Side Angle, Skandasana, and a posture between Upavistha Konasana and Samakonasana, the unifying action is isometrically drawing the legs toward each other.  Each pose, however, includes one signature cue to unlock the deepest benefit. In Lizard, hugging the front knee into the shoulder and pushing the front heel down helps to heighten the hips—a sign of proper activation. In Warrior II, Matt cues a subtle sit-back before pulling the feet in, which softens the inner thighs. Side Angle adds knee-to-arm pressure for more adductor engagement. In Skandasana, dorsiflexing the foot and dragging the heel inward (as if towards the midline) lights up the inner thigh.  In the final pose, Matt emphasizes tipping the pelvis forward before hitting our full stretch, so activation leads the way.

300 hour teacher training online

300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

  • Get 500 hour certified
  • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
  • Expand your teaching skills
  • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
  • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
  • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

FROM TECHNIQUE TO FREEDOM

When working with tight hips, it’s easy to assume that stretching alone will bring relief—but as we’ve explored in Matt’s teachings, it’s the intentional techniques that truly create change. From targeting the adductors to activating muscles during stretching, these methods help develop strength, control, and lasting mobility. Overtime, as these techniques become ingrained in our movement patterns, we no longer need to focus on every micro-adjustment. Instead, we begin to move with greater ease and confidence, even in postures that once felt out of reach. The result is a genuine sense of freedom in the body—not just more flexibility, but a deeper understanding of how to move well. If you’re ready to explore this approach further, Matt’s May online immersion, Aligned Vinyasa, offers 10 guided classes designed to build this connection between technique and flow, helping you move smarter, safer, and more freely in every practice.

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Revelation Immersion

lotus pose online yoga classes

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

  • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
  • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
  • Appropriate for both teachers and students
  • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
  • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
  • Release aches and pains
  • Learn how to avoid common injuries
  • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
  • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
  • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
  • Lifetime access

Continue Learning

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana UnknownsALIGNMENTURDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle...

read more
Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine ChaturangaALIGNMENTREDEFINE CHATURANGA To redefine Chaturanga, we first have to be willing to challenge what we think we already know. Many of us were taught a narrow-hand, elbows-tight variation of the pose—elbows hugging the ribs, hands close beneath the...

read more
Tight Hips

Tight Hips

Tight HipsHIP MOBILITYTIGHT HIPS When working to release tight hips, most people instinctively go straight for deep stretches. But one often overlooked area that holds a surprising amount of tension is the adductorS (the inner thigh muscles) that connect to the...

read more
Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The ScapulaSHOULDER ACTIONSRETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA It may appear that scapular retraction holds less weight in finding deeper backbends, but this action can be quite significant in what we experience when it comes to strength, stability, and...

read more
Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass PoseSURYA YANTRASANACONQUERING COMPASS POSE Conquering Compass Pose isn’t about forcing your leg behind your shoulder—it’s about understanding and participating in the muscular coordination that makes the posture possible. The real power comes from...

read more
Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head PoseEKA PADA SIRSASANALEG OVER HEAD POSE Leg Over Head Pose is one of those postures that challenges not only our bodies but also our mindset. When faced with a seemingly impossible pose, we tend to respond in one of three ways: dismissing it as...

read more

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

  • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
  • exclusive online course discounts
  • exclusive blogs and videos
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The Scapula

SHOULDER ACTIONS

RETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA

It may appear that scapular retraction holds less weight in finding deeper backbends, but this action can be quite significant in what we experience when it comes to strength, stability, and spaciousness in heart opening postures.  “Scapular retraction activates the rhomboids and middle trapezius muscles, helping to stabilize the shoulder girdle and protect the neck and upper spine” (Long, 2010, The Key Muscles of Yoga). In today’s blog, we’ll explore how Matt’s Chromatic approach breaks down scapular retraction across three postures.  Wild Thing, Upward Facing Dog, and Camel Pose highlight exactly how we can access these backbends more fully.  It’s not only how we review retraction of the scapula, there’s also a hidden action that deepens the strength and stability of these postures. 

Matt’s teaching always goes beyond the “how”, but also informs us of the “why” these actions are so imperative.

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SPANDA

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  • Expect a Cardiovascular Workout
  • The Dance Between Strength and Flexibility, Alignment and Movement
  • 12 Continuing Education hours with Yoga Alliance
  • 12 Accredited Hours with the Chromatic School of Yoga
  • Step-by-Step instruction for increased accessibility
  • Sweat, Breath, Strengthen, Stretch and Feel Amazing!

WALKTHROUGH WILD THING

In this walkthrough, Matt breaks down the key role that retraction of the scapula plays in achieving a strong and safe Wild Thing. Focusing on the standing arm, he explains that external rotation of the upper arm should come first, followed by a posterior tilt of the scapula.  When practicing with Matt, we come to understand the importance of layering and sequencing.  This sequencing allows for effective scapular retraction, keeping the shoulder head back and preventing it from punching forward. With the scapula properly retracted, the spine can rotate toward the shoulder blade, creating space for a deeper, more aligned backbend. This action not only enhances the postural precision of the pose but also recruits the rhomboid muscles, stabilizing the shoulder girdle and upper back. When we review retraction of the scapula in Wild Thing, we uncover how subtle engagement leads to both expansion and support, helping us access depth without sacrificing control or structure.

WATCH THE VIDEO

RETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA: LEARN THROUGH 3 POSTURES

UNDERSTANDING UPWARD FACING DOG

In Matt’s breakdown of Upward Facing Dog, we review retraction of the scapula by placing the hands wide on two yoga blocks. In the full class, Matt explains how a wider hand position on the two blocks makes it easier to access scapular retraction by allowing the shoulder heads to move behind the chest.  This ability to dissolve helps the shoulder blades glide down the back and draw toward one another, cultivating the foundation for strength and spaciousness in the upper body. Once the shoulders are properly retracted, Matt layers in an optional isometric internal rotation of the upper arms. This is the “secret” action that can take us to the next level of stability.  However, he emphasizes that this should be subtle and only added after establishing solid retraction.

200 Hour Online Teacher Training Certification

200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

  • Deepen your yoga practice
  • Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
  • Learn foundational class structures and templates
  • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
  • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
  • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

CRITIQUE CAMEL POSE

Matt begins with Half Camel Pose, an ideal starting point to critique how scapular retraction shows up on each side of the body. By working one arm at a time, we can isolate and refine the shoulder mechanics with greater clarity and precision. The key actions are to lift the shoulder up, then back, followed by external rotation—this combination initiates proper retraction of the scapula. Once these movements become second nature and imprinted into the nervous system, we can begin layering in a subtle isometric internal rotation without losing the retraction. In Full Camel Pose, with both hands on the heels, Matt offers the option of beginning with a more neutral shoulder position. However, he cautions against moving too far into internal rotation, as this can compromise the retraction needed for effective spinal extension. When we review retraction of the scapula here, it becomes clear how essential it is for both stability and depth in heart-opening postures.

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TAKE NOTE

Take note—the body remembers.  This is one of the biggest takeaways and gifts we receive when we practice with Matt.  When we repeat and refine actions like retraction of the scapula, our nervous system begins to record these patterns, allowing them to become second nature. In time, we move with greater intention and less mental effort, shifting from constant correction into seamless, conscious coordination.  This is where the practice evolves: we remain lifelong students of our bodies, yet we also become teachers—guiding our movement with clarity and purpose. The techniques explored in Wild Thing, Upward Facing Dog, and Camel Pose are not just drills; they’re tools for transformation, helping us lead with structure and freedom in equal measure. Want to take it further? There’s still time to explore these concepts in depth through Matt’s Spanda Online Immersion. And if you’re curious about refining your shoulder mechanics even more, don’t miss his FREE Chaturanga Online Workshop on April 5th, 2025—a perfect next step in your movement journey.

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Spanda Immersion

lotus pose online yoga classes

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

  • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
  • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
  • Appropriate for both teachers and students
  • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
  • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
  • Release aches and pains
  • Learn how to avoid common injuries
  • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
  • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
  • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
  • Lifetime access

Continue Learning

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana UnknownsALIGNMENTURDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle...

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Conquering Compass Pose

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Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass Pose

SURYA YANTRASANA

CONQUERING COMPASS POSE

Conquering Compass Pose isn’t about forcing your leg behind your shoulder—it’s about understanding and participating in the muscular coordination that makes the posture possible. The real power comes from engaging both the internal and external obliques on the same side of the body, creating lateral flexion (side bending) that allows the opposite side to expand and lengthen. Rather than passively falling into the shape, we use strategic contraction to unlock mobility. In Compass Pose, the lifted, lengthened side of the body isn’t just stretching—it’s actively lifting, a movement Matt describes as a coordinated effort between several muscle groups. This action doesn’t always come intuitively, so working in different planes of movement helps develop the body awareness needed to balance stability with flexibility. Through this approach, we shift from simply “achieving” the pose to exploring it with strength, control, and intention.

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  • Expect a Cardiovascular Workout
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PRACTICE IN DIFFERENT PLANES

To better understand and access Compass Pose, Matt encourages us to practice the key actions in different planes of movement. When a posture is flipped in relation to gravity, its complexity shifts—sometimes making it easier, other times more challenging. In Compass Pose, the body is oriented with the head up and bottom down, making balance relatively manageable, but the flexibility demands, along with deep hip flexion of the lengthened leg are intense. By laterally tilting the pelvis, the lifted leg draws closer to the body, reducing strain and improving alignment. Exploring the pose in different orientations allows us to better isolate actions like lateral spinal flexion and pelvic movement. Matt begins with a more advanced variation that includes a balance challenge, activating the hip flexors in a way that builds both strength and coordination. These preparatory drills pave the way for more ease, control, and integration when approaching the full expression of Compass Pose.

WATCH THE VIDEO

CONQUERING COMPASS POSE: A JOURNEY OF STABILITY OF OPENNESS

YOGA TOE LOCK PREPARATION

In the first variation of Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana B (Yoga Toe Lock) that Matt demonstrates, the focus is on building hip flexor strength in the lifted leg while maintaining balance. Once stability is established, he introduces the element of lateral flexion, guiding the spine into a side bend that mirrors one of the key components of Compass Pose. Although the added challenge of balancing makes this variation more complex, it offers a powerful way to develop control and precision. This posture becomes a preview of Compass Pose—not identical in shape, but similar in intention. While the lifted leg doesn’t come quite as close to the torso, the emphasis remains on the lift and length of the open side of the body. Through this drill, we begin to sense the shape and effort required in Compass Pose, laying the groundwork for a more confident and connected approach.

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JANU SIRSASANA PRACTICE

Unlike the Yoga Toe Lock variation, practicing Janu Sirsasana removes the challenge of balance and allows us to take the lengthened leg closer to the torso, essentially flipping Compass Pose onto its side. This grounded version provides more stability, making it easier to explore the key components of the posture without worrying about falling out. However, Matt reminds us that stability can also lead to passivity if we let gravity do all the work. Instead, we’re encouraged to move with intention, maintaining awareness of both compression and expansion along the sides of the body—an essential concept in conquering Compass Pose. As Matt progresses through deeper variations, he reintroduces the tilt of the pelvis, while also highlighting how we can press into the floor with the bottom arm to gain leverage and create lateral spinal flexion. This posture becomes a valuable tool for refining the strength and alignment needed for Compass Pose.

300 hour teacher training online

300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

  • Get 500 hour certified
  • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
  • Expand your teaching skills
  • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
  • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
  • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

THE MAIN EVENT

In the final demonstration, Matt guides us through a clear, step-by-step journey into Compass Pose, beginning with the left leg lengthened. We start by bringing the left arm inside the leg and shifting onto the right hip, then lifting the heel and hiking the leg up. The right hand grabs the foot, and we internally rotate the left leg while keeping the right shoulder hugging into the socket for support. As we increase the internal rotation of the hip and lift the right thigh, we work toward straightening the left leg, with the option to rotate the torso back and let the left hip drop. 

In Chromatic teachings, we are reminded that we don’t have to reach the final shape. We may pause at step one or two, and that’s enough. The true essence of conquering Compass Pose lies in showing up with curiosity, moving with intention, and embracing each part of the journey as a place of strength, learning, and growth.

Follow this journey by registering for Matt’s current 10 class online Spanda Immersion

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Spanda Immersion

lotus pose online yoga classes

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

  • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
  • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
  • Appropriate for both teachers and students
  • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
  • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
  • Release aches and pains
  • Learn how to avoid common injuries
  • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
  • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
  • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
  • Lifetime access

Continue Learning

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana UnknownsALIGNMENTURDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle...

read more
Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine ChaturangaALIGNMENTREDEFINE CHATURANGA To redefine Chaturanga, we first have to be willing to challenge what we think we already know. Many of us were taught a narrow-hand, elbows-tight variation of the pose—elbows hugging the ribs, hands close beneath the...

read more
Tight Hips

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Tight HipsHIP MOBILITYTIGHT HIPS When working to release tight hips, most people instinctively go straight for deep stretches. But one often overlooked area that holds a surprising amount of tension is the adductorS (the inner thigh muscles) that connect to the...

read more
Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The ScapulaSHOULDER ACTIONSRETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA It may appear that scapular retraction holds less weight in finding deeper backbends, but this action can be quite significant in what we experience when it comes to strength, stability, and...

read more
Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass Pose

Conquering Compass PoseSURYA YANTRASANACONQUERING COMPASS POSE Conquering Compass Pose isn’t about forcing your leg behind your shoulder—it’s about understanding and participating in the muscular coordination that makes the posture possible. The real power comes from...

read more
Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head Pose

Leg Over Head PoseEKA PADA SIRSASANALEG OVER HEAD POSE Leg Over Head Pose is one of those postures that challenges not only our bodies but also our mindset. When faced with a seemingly impossible pose, we tend to respond in one of three ways: dismissing it as...

read more

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

  • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
  • exclusive online course discounts
  • exclusive blogs and videos
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
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BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Congratulations, your 30% discount code has been applied and will be reflected at the very bottom of the checkout page. All Immersions & Immersion Bundles are included in this sale. To get more info on each immersion click on the photo. On Demand and Lifetime Access To all

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