{video} Alternate Bookend Series: Calf Smasher

There are so many reasons to change up the way we both start and end our classes. Just a few might be:

  • Starting a private lesson in a traditional seated centering might not have the intended benefit.
  • People spend too much time sitting already!
  • Spending a lot of time in passive stretching might feel relaxing, but can also destabilize our students’ joints.
  • Spending a lot of time in passive seated stretching is not comfortable or relaxing for a lot of people!
  • Ending a private lesson in a traditional savasana might not have the intended benefit.

This is the beginning of an ongoing series with a bunch of creative ways to avoid spending too much time in traditional seated poses. This first video introduces the Calf Smasher!

Let me know how it goes when you give this a try with your students!

 

10 Responses to “{video} Alternate Bookend Series: Calf Smasher”

  1. Nicole

    What is that purple thing on your right? What kind of mic is that? I love your videos. Thanks and I hope to take your training in the future.

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Thanks so much Nicole, I’m glad you are enjoying them! I would love to work with you in a future training!

      The purple thing to my right is a Coregeous Ball (they are so awesome!) Here is a link: https://www.tuneupfitness.com/coregeous-ball

      The mic I am using is a Blue Yeti mic. It is not ideal for this kind of filming with movement, but it works great for recording my podcasts. I have a new mic that I bought to record some other teaching with so you’ll see that one in action in the new year. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Joely

    I had a very intense Iyengar teacher who used to have us do this USING A TIGHTLY ROLLED UP MAT behind our knees. WOW! I love the idea of softening this pose with a blanket and using some motion with it.

    Reply
  3. Jen

    Hello Dear Francesa, I’ve noticed that many of these nice videos are hard to hear. I know you’ve got the high-tech microphone and I’m wondering if you could turn it up to receive your voice better. And Thank You for all these offerings!!

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Hi Jen! I know, the audio in these videos isn’t perfect. That mic is not ideal for moving around. I’ve bought a new mic that should work much better for these kinds of videos, so stay tuned for that upgrade in the new year!

      Reply
  4. Lily

    I LOVE this! I have a student who has plantar fasciitis and this has been working wonders for her. I have been looking for gentle/nourishing, but still effective ways to get into her chronically tight calves and ankles. This has been perfect. She is even willing to do as part of her own self-care routine without me!

    I also really appreciate the topic of alternative ways to begin and wind-down sessions. I can’t wait for more of your ideas, Francesca!

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Oh yay, I’m so happy to hear that Lily. Please pass my love on to your student’s feet! 🙂 I’m happy to help!

      Reply
  5. Tina Lear

    Ow ow OW. This was so intense for me. I couldn’t sit up straight at all. Had to lean forward for sure. I moved the blanket roll back in small increments to see how it would feel, and that was interesting. Definitely felt more alive in the legs afterward.

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Oooo… yes, this could be good for you! But be careful with your ankle! Was your ankle ready for that much plantar flexion?

      Reply

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