7 Great Ways to Use a Yoga Wheel
Yoga wheel might be new to your Yoga dictionary or you have heard about it just a few days back. But that doesn’t make this any less important for the health and wellness of Yoga practitioners. Yoga lovers from all across the globe are benefitting from the healing potential of Yoga wheel. The wheel not only helps in stretching various parts of the body but also assists the practice of Yoga in multiple ways. After a strenuous Yoga session, when a yogi feels dog-tired, it can provide strength to the body parts. The yogic instrument is very important for the refreshment of the body and mind.
With so much pertinence, Yoga wheel becomes an inextricable element of one’s yogic life. Let’s talk about the uses of this wheel in detail. Here are seven amazing ways to avail oneself to the ring-like Yoga instrument.
Spine stretching
One of the basic functions of the Yoga wheel is spinal massage. It provides intense stretching to the backbone. To enjoy this health benefit, bring the Yoga wheel to the spine’s base by keeping the feet firmly on the ground. Help the wheel roll through the spine to massage it properly. The exercise gives you a tremendous amount of energy in the lower spine region. Keep both your palms on the mat beside the body.
Shoulder-opening practice
Along with the spine, shoulders and chest are also benefited from the use of Yoga wheels. Without changing the position, roll the wheel through the shoulder or upper backbone region. In order to stabilize the wheel, hold it with your hands behind the head. This way, you can massage and stretch the shoulders, neck, and tone the arms as well. One can release enormous tension from the body by performing this pose.
Butterfly position
Sitting in the reclining butterfly pose, bring the wheel to support your back. Join your feet to touch each other in the seated position and place the spine on the wheel. Let your hands rest on the thighs while reclining the body on the wheel. Along with opening the hips and toning the thighs muscles, the exercise opens up the heart and helps in the smooth flow of blood throughout the body parts.
Virasana wheel
This practice is also similar to the previous three exercises in performance. One needs to roll the body on the wheel while sitting in the Virasana practice (Hero Pose). Make sure to join your palms, in line with the eyes, and parallel to the mat. It is helpful in toning and empowering the front body. The practice strengthens the hips, knees, arms, abdomen, etc.
Wheel Malasana
Malasana is one of the finest Yoga poses for the thighs and lower body health. It takes an enormous toll from the thighs, toes, and knees during the practice. The inclusion of a Yoga wheel in the practice of Garland Pose makes it even more advanced and ideal for body health. The practitioner needs to sit on the wheel strip by placing the soles firmly. This practice celebrates tremendous balance of the yogi as the stability of the utmost level is required to hold the body balance in such position.
Modified Plank
One of the most popular fitness exercises is Plank. Practicing this pose with the help of a Yoga wheel not only helps in strengthening the abdominal muscles but also gives an awesome massage to the legs. Keeping your arms unbent and in a straight line, maintain the elongation of the whole body while placing the outer feet on the wheel strip. Either you can remain stable or can roll the wheel through the lower legs to feel immense relaxation.
Bakasana on the wheel
The intensity of Bakasana, when added with the beauty of Yoga wheel, offers extreme power to the core body muscles. Put the wheel flat on its circumference. Hold the wheel diametrically to stabilize yourself in the position of Bakasana. Raise your lower body towards the ceiling and place the knees on the arms to retain the body in Crow Pose. Keep concentrating on the ground.
There are a number of ways Yoga wheel can be utilized to nourish various parts of the body. Along with the spine, one can also massage his/her front body, thighs, abdomen, etc. with Yoga wheels. Numerous traditional Yoga poses can be performed with the help of wheels to boost the benefits of each exercise.
Want to learn with us?
Shakti Yoga Wheel Teacher Training, Phoenix, AZ September 2019
The Shakti Yoga Wheel - 98 Posture Guide (ebook)