October Movement Challenge

Plank Pose, Phalakasana

In Sanskrit, Phalaka means board or plank  ~ asana pose/seat.

In September, I introduced a movement challenge for my weekly yoga classes. My goal in sharing these challenges is to build consistency with physical activity, improve strength, endurance, mobility, enhance mental well-being, and to establish sustainable health habits. Spending time focusing on one or two movements for a whole month can lead to improvement and progression. By concentrating your efforts, you can build a deeper mind-body connection and see tangible results, even if they start small. Consistency is the key to better stamina, a 30-day challenge provides a structured timeframe that is long enough to establish a new routine but short enough to keep you motivated. Hopefully, by the end of the month, the movement feels less like a chore and more like a natural and enjoyable part of your day.

For October, I have two movement challenges: Plank pose and Triangle Pose, Trikonasana (tri meaning three, kona meaning angle, and asana meaning pose/seat). Both poses (with variations) improve core strengthening, stability, coordination, and posture. I've linked these two poses this month because they offer an experience to build steadiness and expansion. Both Triangle Pose and Plank Pose require a reaching out in all directions from the crown of the head to the shoulders, arms, hands, spine, core/pelvis, legs and feet.

See the links to the videos below to practice. 

Wall Plank

Chair Plank

High Plank Pose

Triangle Pose with a chair

Triangle Pose with a block

The deeper meaning of asana involves the quality of being able to abide in ease and stillness within a pose or posture. The Sanskrit term signifies a state that is both steady (sthira) and comfortable (sukha), preparing the body and mind for meditation. 

"Asana is not a physical act, it's a spiritual commitment.' 

Judith Hanson Lasater