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Home > MINT

Yoga Alignment Workshop Series: Downward Facing Dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana.

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October 12, 2016 by mint-sk

Disclaimers: Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime. Never force a pose.  Stop if you feel pain or intense discomfort.  Yoga is meant to be yummy. downwarddog

I love vinyasa yoga and I am obsessed with good alignment.  This obsession doesn’t stem from a need for perfection, which would be very “un-yoga-like” of me, but from a passion for protecting the body from injury.  Most bodies can safely practice yoga on a daily basis, but maintaining sound alignment is essential to your physical wellbeing.  In this series, I will break down some common poses—explaining how to stay safe and fully enjoy each posture.  Finally, remember to BREATHE consistently while practicing yoga to receive the full benefits of the practice … otherwise, you’re just stretching in Sanskrit.  Today’s pose is: Downward Facing Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana.

  • Hands are placed at should-length distance apart. Fingers are spread wide, and fingertips are gripping into the mat. Wrist creases are parallel to the top of the mat. These actions alleviate unnecessary weight, helping protect the wrists.
  • Externally rotate the shoulders—this will mean that your elbow creases begin to face the ceiling.
  • Feet should be hip-distance apart, or where your feet would naturally land standing (people have a tendency to interpret “feet hip-distance apart” as meaning feet on the edges of your mat—this is much farther than the distance of your hips. To measure, you should be able to place both of your fists between your feet).
  • Keep a gentle bend in the knees. This helps the “sits” bones face up towards the ceiling.
  • Toes spread wide and gripping into the mat. Drop the heels.
  • Feel free to “walk your dog,” bending one leg and then the other. Then find stillness.
  • Release any unnecessary tension in your neck and face.

Practicing yoga on your own can be a ton of fun, but taking a class is a great way to explore new poses under the tutelage of a trained yoga instructor; check out MINT’s yoga offerings, here.

Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.
Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness Tagged With: Adho Mukha Svanasana, dc yogis, Downward Facing Dog, MINT, mint yogis, yoga, yogi

Oct 4 GM & Programming Updates

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October 4, 2016 by mint-sk

minthcslogo

Mint DC Gets Fit 4 Prevention!

unnamed-29We’re hosting a charity ride on Oct. 15 to benefit the Keep A Breast Foundation’s #Fit4PreventionDay.

Sign up for the 12:30 MINTride class (suggested donation of $15) and cycle for a cause!

Reserve your spot here !


Cycle Challenge

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The Cycle Challenge kicked off over the weekend… but it’s not too late to sign up! Register here and get rolling!


Middle School Dance Party Themed Ride Oct 12th.

 Calling all ’80s and ’90s kids!
If you were in middle school back when Nelly was making it ‘hot in here,’ this ride is for you!
Register here!


Barre Launch Party, Oct 15!
mintbarrebrunch

We’re so excited about our new barre studio at MINT Dupont… we’re throwing it a party!

RSVP here!


DYK? You can do personal training…even on a Budget!

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Our “Basic Training” membership includes a monthly session with one of our expert trainers and FLEXGuest.


The steam rooms at MINT Downtown will be down for weeks for repairs. We’ll alert you as soon as they are up and running! Apologies for any inconvenience.


Attention MINT Yogis!

jackyoga
We’ve added FIVE new classes at MINT Dupont (including pre-natal and MINTKids yoga classes). All five classes will make their debut this weekend, so reserve your spot ASAP!


We want to welcome our newest trainer Cammie Wolff!

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Cammie Wolff, who will be at MINT Dupont. Learn more about Cammie’s background and her passion for fitness here.


Track your fitness with our Performance IQ Leaderboard!

PIQ info
The system is used in Power Playground and MINTRide classes. Sign up today (free!) and start tracking your training intensity ASAP!


We work hard, and we play hard!

bighuntoct12Join the MINT Ambassador team (and fellow MINT members) for a happy hour on October 12th at Big Hunt.
Register here

Filed Under: Club News Tagged With: dc fitness, fitness programming, health, MINT, MINT dc, mint gym, mint studio, updates, wellness

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MINT Dupont

1724 California St. NW | Washington, DC 20009
202.470.5238

MINT 14th St. at Manhattan Laundry

1346 Florida Ave NW | Washington, DC 20009
202.470.5239