I was noticing the other day that my shoulders are becoming far more defined then ever except my posterior deltoid. The Anterior and Medial deltoids are far larger. I suspect from the many many plank-chataranga-updog-plank-downdog transitions.
What do some of you do for other asana or exercise that balance this out?
What other common places are going to be likely imbalanced from primarily doing yoga for one’s exercise? and what can a person do about it.
Well speaking ONLY to your subject title wouldn’t it depend on the asana practice(s) in question? One would logically be more likely to build repetitive strain and imbalance from an asana practice that was the same, day in, day out.
Further, one would likely be building imbalance when the practice is done without integrity of sequence, without wholesome actions, or without awareness of the asymmetrical differences present in the musculoskeletal system in addition to how to address them.
I would think, since most folks spend about 42 hours a week sleeping and another 50 hours per week working, that imbalance would be more likely to be fostered in those realms than in the 7.5 hours per week they do an asana practice.
Having said that, we have learned that there isn’t much pulling in asana. Now how you deal with that is up to you. We acquired bungie props that interface with the wall rope system so that is available to us now. I personally make certain to traction my spine daily because I’m fairly certain gravity is here to stay.
Generally, what I do to balance it all out is never have two asana practice that are the same and continue to grow my awareness so I can utilize my asana practice to bear on the needs of the moment. I also walk, vary the intensity of asana, and do restoratives and pranayama.
[QUOTE=Lotus999;69560]I was noticing the other day that my shoulders are becoming far more defined then ever except my posterior deltoid. The Anterior and Medial deltoids are far larger. I suspect from the many many plank-chataranga-updog-plank-downdog transitions.
What do some of you do for other asana or exercise that balance this out?
What other common places are going to be likely imbalanced from primarily doing yoga for one’s exercise? and what can a person do about it.[/QUOTE]
Practice with awareness. My great teachers taught that every pose begins with muscle engagement in the pelvic floor that radiates outward before even building the foundation of the pose. Those that practice with this philosophy are easy to point out in an asana class. They are usually the ones that go from plank into a lunge without appearing they are stomping a giant feroicious bug.
I noticed that as well at some point in my practice. As Gordon said, there is not much pulling in yoga asana. I think the strongest one is Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose) - especially if you aim to lift up the chest.
If you are interested in other forms of practice maybe consider bar exercises? (check “Bar Brothers” on youtube) Bar exercises are very intense, especially on more advanced levels, so even short training may be enough.