It’s functional Yoga if it works.
Functional Yoga is here to stay. As most good things take, it took some time, but it’s finally here. Functional Yoga isn’t another type of Yoga but a way to practice it. Functional Yoga allows us to be who we are without limitations or unreasonable expectations. This approach can be applied to all aspects of our lives.
Paul and Suzee Grilley developed functional Yoga and organized it into a system. It’s based on the scientifically-proven premise that our skeletons, tissues, physiology, temperament and motivation are made and organized in a way that is uniquely ours.
Functional Yoga is based on the scientifically-proven premise that our skeletons, tissues, physiology, temperament, and motivation are made and organized in a uniquely our way.
Uniqueness results from the many talents and limitations that make us who we are. While some people are great at numbers and music, others struggle with numbers. Others can run miles but cannot cross-legged. Another person might be an expert cook, but they may not be able to tell the difference between their right and left. One person might be able to bend forward for pleasure but dislike sports. There are so many variations in psychology and anatomy that you can make.
Aesthetics vs. experience
Functional Yoga recognizes these differences and honors them. Instead of focusing on how you should look while doing a pose, your foot should be here, your knee should point in this direction, and the pelvis should align with the front of the mat. Functional Yoga cares more about how you feel while doing the pose. Do you feel the stretch in the way you want? Are you strengthening your muscles?
Celebrate our uniqueness
It would be best if you understood why you are doing the pose. A good teacher will help you to make the most of your practice. It is your experiences that will determine if you are doing things right. It is not an external judgment made only with your eyes. It is impossible to follow universal rules that apply to all people, regardless of their bodies, personalities, talents, and motivations.
It is important to celebrate our individuality. We spend so much time trying to be different, trying not to be somebody we aren’t, and striving for the body we believe we should have… Why not invest some time and energy in the body we have and all that we can do with it?
Let’s celebrate who we are and invest in our bodies and the amazing things we can do with them!
Functional Yoga is a way to ensure that everybody can reap the benefits of poses in their unique way. Regardless of age, background, flexibility, or body type, we can all enjoy a safe, healthy, nourishing, satisfying, and enjoyable practice.
