The more I see the Gurugrid out in its natural habitat (the yoga class), the more I see what an essential part of yoga it has become.

I love to drop into new yoga classes to see how the mat will work in different styles of yoga. As usual, I learned something new. 

I know I am not supposed to be looking around during yoga, but I honestly can’t help it, now that it has become my life’s mission to help improve the practice of yogis everywhere!

I noticed that we were all set up with our feet at hip-width in Mountain, but soon as we transitioned to lunge, many people in the class placed their feet in one line and lost that important hip-width positioning. This is a really easy thing to do if you are practising on a blank mat. 

So, TRANSITIONING BETWEEN POSES has officially moved onto my list of Top 10 Uses for the Gurugrid. (We might even be at 11 or 12 at this point – and growing!)

A few other examples I have noticed are:

Downward Dog to Warrior

For me, the central line helps cut down the transition time between these two poses. I always had to re-position my feet which cut into the time that was supposed to be dedicated to the pose, itself. By using the central line, I can immediately spot where my feet should go and I never have to adjust since my heels are always placed at the circled 4s on either end.

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Spinal Twist (right to left)

I have always found this to be a very complex pose and one that exposes imbalances in several parts of our bodies – hips, shoulders, leg and back muscles – all at the same time. By consistently positioning myself in the same place on my mats for both the right and left portion of the pose, I can devote equal time and energy to each side – therefore avoiding making imbalances worse.

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Triangle to Pyramid

From a wide stance in Triangle to a shorter stance in Pyramid. 4 feet is the standard distance for a Triangle or Warrior. In some (but not all) styles of yoga, we re-adjust the stance to 3 feet for Pyramid. The Gurugrid is designed to help you consistently and quickly reposition your feet. The 4s are 4 feet apart and the 3s are 3 feet apart – easy peasy!

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Forward Fold to Plank 

By using the numbers at either end of the Gurugrid, I can consistently and quickly pop back to the same position each and every time. To use my own placement on the mat (I am 5'5") as an example: I always place my the pad of my palm (under my knuckles) on the 4s at the top of the Gurugrid and the pads of my feet on the 4s at the other end.

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These are only a few examples of how the Gurugrid is changing the way we do yoga. Join our Gurugang and see the difference! 

Heather :) xo