Are You Ready to Hike?

Are you ready to get back out on the trails and explore the vast wilderness? Or have you been telling yourself you have all winter to train? (oops) Or, have you been always thinking of going hiking but just never feel physically/emotionally ready? Some of us will just hit the first hike knowing there will be pain, sweat, and tears and we won’t be able to sit for days (lol). I’m here to say that there’s still time to get ready for that first hike and have it feel like a breeze. I will also say forcing our bodies to endure such physical stress without preparation can just lead to accidents or injuries and can make that first hike your only hike of the season. Now where is the fun in that?

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Yoga for Hiking

A 6-week series to prepare both body and mind for hiking

When hiking we are propelled forward for long periods often with weight on the back, this can cause a shortening on the front line of the body and create a pull on the backline, overstretching and weakening the muscles and other connective tissue. These are just some of the areas you might experience fascial restrictions from hiking and they can lead to dysfunctional movement patterns in the body, and when we include repetitive movements for extended periods, such as those while hiking, we can experience pain and even injury.

In this 6-week program we focus on hydrating, strengthening, and lengthening key muscles used for hiking, and the opposing muscle groups to support muscle balance. We will focus on key postural muscles groups, identify patterns that may be restricting your movement and performance, and work to create ease and fluidity in your adventures. In this series we will also discover what fascia is and explore the facial lines of the arms, legs, and core to help reduce tensions and strain in the body.

We explore foot to pelvis connection for stability, root to rise for strong foundation, core connection, and muscle strengthening to help increase stability and endurance. We will also focus on retractable and repeatable movements to increase muscle memory and balance and improve agility to help reduce risk of falling and injuries.

What you will learn

  • What is Fascia, how to nourish, hydrate, release and why. How this may help to improve movement, function, and performance.
  • Anatomy of key joints, movements, and muscles that support mobility and balance.
  • Postural awareness including resting posture in both standing and sitting, GAIT, and how this translates in the body – we will look for fluidity in movement patterns and areas that may be restricted.
  • Education on warming up- preparing the body for the exertion to reduce risk of injury. Injury prevention- common areas of injury and conditions hikers experience.
  • Repetitive and retractable movements to increase muscle memory and balance and improve agility to help reduce the risk of falling and injury.
  • Balance practices for emotional and energetic stability – breathwork, meditation, supportive lifestyle patterns, self-care habits, and self-awareness exercises for vitality and endurance.
  • Connection to breath – Breath rate, BOLT score. Education on pranayama that may be supportive during exercise, cooling and calming breaths, how to support breathing at higher altitudes.
  • Emotional challenges while hiking – how practices support not only physical body.

This program is offered online or in-person for locals in the Edmonton and surrounding areas, by appointment only. Whether you and a group of friends or family members are looking for a shared yoga experience to enhance wellness, or you would like to “zone” in on your own personal practice the choice is yours. This program can be offered as a group series or through private one-on-one’s.

To learn more, book a free meet and greet by clicking HERE. Or email yourdiscoveryandjourney@gmail.com with inquires

“Balance is the key to everything. What we do, think, say, eat, feel, they all require awareness, and through this awareness we can grow.” — Koi Fresco

Testimonial

I cannot thank Christina enough for her classes, they are the highlight of my week and each time I cannot wait for the next. She has been a fantastic teacher; correctly demonstrating poses, helping me to create a flow in my movements and patiently helping correct my posture in the poses so I do not strain my body. I have found her classes to have a perfect mix of strength building, flexibility and relaxation. Christina has a calm demeanor and soft voice that helps to focus and guide you through the practice. And I have especially appreciated that she takes time before class to check in with your state of mind and to see if there are any areas of the body that are bothering you. She will adapt or suggest modifications to help to properly exercise these areas, which really makes the classes more personable and feel tailored to you. I highly recommend Christina’s classes to anyone looking to start or expand their yoga journey.

Anonymous

This is an accessible yoga practice where we may explore poses sitting, standing, and lying down. All practices are designed to support your uniqueness. Movements can be offered in multiple orientations and the option to practice with a chair or from a bed is always available. Choose what best supports you as you move through your practice.

Suggested props: sturdy chair, no-slip surface, yoga blocks or books, yoga strap or belt, tennis ball(s) or similar, Pilates ball or small inflated ball, yoga bolster or firm pillow(s).