STRETCH WITH THE FISHES
YuMee Chung teaches the “Northern Pike,” a pose that can strengthen the neck and upper back,
Matsyasana means Fish Pose in Sanskrit, the language of yoga.
Inspired by Lake Ontario and her inhabitants, our take on Fish Pose elongates the lines of the classic back bend by stretching out the legs and reaching the arms back for additional shoulder mobility. We’ve named this particular species the Northern Pike. 1. Sink onto your back with your legs outstretched and their inner walls touching, as if you have a mermaid tail rather than legs. 2. Slide your fingers under the tops of your thighs with palms facing up (note that you do not sit on your wrists in this version of the pose). 3. Keeping your hips heavy, anchor your elbows into the ground and inhale as you lift the centre of your chest toward the sky. The height of your back bend will determine whether the crown or back of the head comes into contact with the earth. Ensure the back of the neck stays long. 4. If your neck feels strong, safe and snug, free your hands and unite them at the centre of the chest in prayer position. 5. Lift your hands toward the sky as you inhale. 6. Exhale while you reach your hands back toward the wall behind you, landing the thumb-side of the hands as comfortably close to the floor as possible. 7. Try on the experience of being a fish for five fluid breaths. 8. Exit by slipping the hands under your legs once again and rooting the elbows. Lift your chin to chest before lowering to the ground.
This pose can strengthen the neck and upper back with practice but it is contraindicated for those with high blood pressure, migraines and neck injuries. Lake Ontario Lake Ontario may be the smallest of the great Lakes but its waters run deeper than most.
It is the easternmost Great Lake, situated at the base of Niagara Falls and bordered by the province bearing its name to the north and southwest. The name Ontario is thought to be of Iroquoian origin, meaning “beautiful lake” or “sparkling water.” YuMee Chung is a recovering lawyer who teaches yoga in Toronto. She is on the faculty of a number of yoga teacher training programs and leads international yoga retreats. Learn more about her at padmani.com.