A Transformational Technique For Your Practice, For Your Life

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Hello again,

It’s true, I do believe this particular technique is transformational.

Though it is quick to learn and fundamentally simple, that doesn’t mean you won’t gain deeply satisfying benefits from practicing it.

Strangely enough, it’s considered a little controversial, especially in the yoga community. Go figure.

Anyway, if it helps you, that’s all I care about!

I do know that thousands of my own students have felt liberated from using it and will never go back ... and I believe if you practice this you will:

• Immediately reduce risk of injury and lower wear and tear on your body;
• Feel better emotionally - more open; more “released”;
• Enjoy deeper savasanas and breathing in your yoga classes - especially standing;
• You will breathe more effectively;
• You will feel and look more confident; and better yet
• You will move forward in your yoga journey, and I hope, your life.

By the way, if you are one of the few who already practices this technique I’d love to hear from you - I have added extra depth in the video that I hope gives you more inspiration, even if you already know to do this!

You can watch the 18-minute full explanation and demonstration here (just click play on the video below) - or if you prefer, you can download in two different formats:

Back pockets video download (Windows 140Mb)

Back pockets video download (Mac 68Mb)

NEW: Having trouble with video playing smoothly, or you are on a slower connection? Want an MP3 for your iPod? Click here for low-res files and audio.

I really hope you enjoy the benefits of this as much as I have over the last 9 years - I’d love to hear your feedback as always - please leave your comments below!

Namaste

Gabrielle

PS. Comments are closed due to spam - you can read existing comments here!:

http://www.hotyogadoctor.com/index.php/site/comments/a-transformational-technique-for-your-practice/

Free Yoga Videos • Permalink

Excellent advice on the video!
I am going to really be mindfull of that tonight on the tennis court and in my practice tomorrow!!
Thanks!!!

Posted by Deb Petersen  on  10/16  at  05:20 PM

Thank you for the thorough explanation and demonstration!  I tried it and can feel how correct you are.  I am certified to teach by Bikram (Fall 2003) and had never heard of this technique or controversy but I had seen some practice it.  I will now have my “elbows in my back pockets” too.

Much apprecitation,

Tina Marie

Posted by Tina Marie  on  10/16  at  07:17 PM

Tried it and it is a little uncomfortable but I will stick with it and retrain my muscles.

Thank you.

Posted by Janayah  on  10/16  at  08:05 PM

Thank you for this video, Gabrielle!  I kept trying it all throughout the day today, and the initial feeling I got was a momentary panic at being able to breathe in so much air. I don’t know if that makes sense.   I tried it during my practice as well and I intend to keep observing its effects on me.

Posted by shopgirl1030  on  10/17  at  04:48 AM

You’re so fun! It’s nice to put a face with all the informative e-content I’ve collected from you! Namaste from the Twin Cities, MN, USA.

Posted by Barbara  on  10/17  at  09:04 AM

I tried it during practice today and was AMAZED at the results.  SO much air and energy, I felt like I was about to pass out after Standing Bow, not from fatigue but from the huge increase in energy. It was also a big help in every savasana throughout the floor series.

Thank you!

Posted by lee  on  10/17  at  05:13 PM

Thank you for this, Gabrielle! Amazing that such a simple and easy little technique can make such a big difference. I checked myself out in the mirror, “before & after”, and the instant improvement I saw in my posture convinced me this is something I want to make a permanent habit.

I’m very curious to know why there is a controversy about this, and what the reasons could be for opposing it. Please let us know!

Appreciatively,

Ronn

Posted by Ronn  on  10/17  at  05:15 PM

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the wonderful comments. I so appreciate you for that.

I am grateful that you can instantly feel results (I warned you!!!  )

About the baffling controversy it usually comes from yoga teachers. Quite a number of students who have visited from other studios defiantly resist this stance when they have been instructed NOT to do it by other teachers.

For some strange reason which I have NEVER been able to fathom there are many who believe that you should stand with your palms facing inwards. Go figure!

Frankly I can’t work out why? The benefits are, as you have discovered, AMAZING and INSTANT. It is astounding how much more oxygen you can draw deeply into your instantly expanded chest space.

There are multiple problems with the ‘other’ way. Probably the most important is the real risk of rotator cuff and shoulder damage.

When you use the method on my video you keep access to a deeper more invigorating breath, PLUS you stop ever having to do that weird flipping movement with your arms every single time you lift your arms up.

Enough said:  I have convinced myself again

Walk tall and happy!

Warmly
Gabrielle

PS if you haven’t done it already, scroll back up and stream or download the vid! You will be happy you did!

Posted by Gabrielle  on  10/17  at  09:00 PM

Whoops, forgot to mention… As it has been mentioned, it takes time to retrain your muscles. Part of that retraining CAN be that you feel a FALSE sense of holding tension in your body. Persist! Tension built up over years can take a while to completely dissolve and for you to create a much better habit.

Posted by Gabrielle  on  10/17  at  09:05 PM

Gabrielle,
Your advice and guidance is very much appreciated.

Only one word can express my appeciation:
Love
Phillip Ranelli

Posted by philran  on  10/18  at  09:35 AM

admire you for the coarage,determination and intelligence. I practice vigorously and i love it

Posted by alex enosh  on  10/18  at  10:25 AM

Hey up Gabreielle!

A little late in leaving my comment but better late than never. What I want to say about the techniquie is that it’s great. Although I do take care about the position of my shoulders in yoga but your explanation has polished my understanding even better. Thank you x

Naheed

Posted by flakeofsnow  on  10/18  at  07:59 PM

thank you for the insight gabrielle. i’m a bikram noob so it’s a great time to start putting your tip into practice.

take good care.

Posted by rafael  on  10/19  at  09:00 PM

I loved the video..thank you…I have a hard time getting my fingers to all point toward the mirror in the third part of crescent…when we are trying get pull the back of the heels and have the forehead touch the calfs…any suggestions…
thanks
ann

Posted by Ann  on  10/20  at  07:15 AM

Hi Gabrielle,

I have a question for you! Do you practice this technique all the time, even outside the yoga class, say for instance, when you’re out in public? The reason I ask is because I went out shopping yesterday, and felt somewhat self-conscious, being the *only* person walking around with their palms facing forward! That didn’t stop me from doing it, but I did feel a little odd, since it’s so different from the way people normally hold their hands when walking. Please comment!

Thank you!

Posted by Ronn  on  10/20  at  07:52 AM

I really would like to hear what you are saying. The music was too loud and I couldn’t make out anything you were saying. Is it just me?
Thanks

Posted by legggs  on  10/20  at  11:57 AM

ooops.. I had your other video playing at the same time.duh.. loved it..

Posted by legggs  on  10/20  at  12:15 PM

@Ronn

Hi there!

Yes I can see how that would be a strange experience. Try rotating the upper arms but leave your forearms in ‘normal’ position, just the way they fall without externally rotating them. You should blend in nicely except of course you will have stand out great posture!

Warmly
Gabrielle

Posted by Gabrielle  on  10/20  at  01:52 PM

Great video Gabrielle and very helpful! I have a question, though. I find I have a natural tendency to arch my lower back while doing this . Any tips on keeping the pelvis tilted forward?

Posted by Cory Goodrich  on  10/21  at  05:51 PM

Hi Cory

That is a great observation you have there. When you practice this technique your chest seems to rise up and out! So it can feel as though the lower spine arches more. When you are standing in your stillness try focusing on lengthening and relaxing the lower spine. Over time it becomes automatic…

Remember although you want to avoid sticking your bottom out too far, you are not trying to get rid of your lower curve: You need that for proper alignment, weight distribution and suspension!

Warmly
Gabrielle

Posted by Gabrielle  on  10/21  at  06:01 PM

hi! i have trying for days to download your elbows to pocket technique for days now but to no success. i have a slow internet connections most times but at hours that few are using in the area, the play of the video will go on and off and i will patiently wait till the video is played uninterrupted.
every time your video reaches the part just before your demonstration of the technique,the video stops and won’t play anymore.
up until this day i have not understood what is it that can improve my breathing to ease my difficulties. even the mac version does not work.
is it just the position of the elbows during the standing in between pose?i can just guess and currently applying it. i just don’t know if i’m understanding you correctly based on the replies of your other readers.
thank you and keep up with the concern.

Posted by tess  on  10/23  at  09:34 AM

Hi Tess

Thank you for your great persistence in trying to watch my vids!

Robert and I were talking about it today… It seems that a few people who have slow speed connections are having trouble. So in a couple of days he will be posting low-res streaming versions of all the videos we make, on a special download page…

Warmly
Gabrielle

Posted by Gabrielle  on  10/24  at  02:53 AM

Hi Gabrielle, I’ve really enjoyed looking at your information. I am not Bikram or Hot yoga, however I have found some real common ground with my own teaching and practice and I enjoy your detailed explanation and delivery.
My own experience has also shown me that developing great postural techniques in class are reflected both in personal inner strength and happiness as well as ones outer life. This is true of all who embark on the journey of yoga as long as we stay open to change and development, transformation is assured.
Thank you for your joy of life. Kate (UK) 

Posted by Kate Morsley  on  12/14  at  02:27 PM

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