When I first started on my yoga journey, my back and shoulders (well every muscle really) was tight as could be.  

And.. I had no idea how important my shoulder mobility and strength would be as I aged.  

At one point I could easily get into my cow's face pose, and then- I just couldn’t.  Needless to say I've been a bit frustrated.

We are all on phones and computers these days so we can start early with our kids and grandkids too.

Our shoulders are complex, they have to do so much for us and there are a lot of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that make all these movements happen.

What can we do with our shoulders?  

We can move into flexion (raising overhead)

We can move in extension (lifts behind you)

We can move into abduction (open to the side)

We can move into internal and external rotation.

If we stop moving the shoulder in any of these directions our mobility can become an issue and the likelihood of tearing those wonderful 4 muscles called the rotator cuff may happen, tennis elbow could be exacerbated as well as frozen shoulder.  All very painful injuries.

This month on instagram and in my group yoga & pilates classes and pilates reformer classes I will be doing a 30 day shoulder mobility and strength challenge.  I will also be making a shoulder mobility and strength class to add to my on demand classes.

I hope you take this opportunity wherever you follow me to gain some strength and mobility to your shoulders!