Karen Watson Reeves demonstrates Tortoise Pose – a deep stretching pose that releases tightness and stiffness.
By Karen Watson Reeves
Many yoga poses are named after characteristics of nature and Tortoise (or Turtle) Pose is one of them. Tortoises draw inward when they sense danger, and in this yoga posture, the yogi moves inward and the focus shifts from the outward world to the internal.
Tortoise is a deep stretching pose that helps build flexibility needed for other yoga poses. The deepest stretch may be felt in the thighs and hamstrings, but the hips, back, shoulders, and chest will also experience opening. Even though the body is stretching and flexing, the upper body relaxes toward the lower body, encouraging total body relaxation. As the pressure of supporting the upper body releases, a withdrawal of the senses can occur, which lets distractions go and busy minds can find stillness.
Lower back pain is a common health issue, and as in forward bends in general, Tortoise Pose extends the spine forward. The lumbar spine gets stretched, releasing tightness and stiffness.
This is a great pose to include in opening sequences, and children especially love this pose. I often incorporate it in children’s storytime yoga. It leads right into Blossoming Lotus; a pose featured a couple of months ago in this space. If you need to find your inner child and would appreciate moving your body through a story, get in touch. Tortoise Pose (yoga in general) is fun!
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff and is an adjunct instructor at National Park College. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. For more information about her studio and for her schedule of classes, visit www.theyogaplacehs.com.
