advanced program
Seven concise sessions progress from standing flexibility into seated forward bends and two controlled backbending peaks, with recovery days placed after higher-intensity work.
Practice in Daymat
Session 1
Establish an even rhythm through five bilateral standing shapes before settling into a seated forward bend.
From standing for Extended Side Angle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Establish extended side angle in this shape. Clarify warrior stance in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Extended Side Angle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Establish extended side angle in this shape. Clarify warrior stance in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Begin standing for Side Angle. Share weight through both feet. Lengthen the spine upward. Clarify extended side angle in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Begin standing for Side Angle. Share weight through both feet. Lengthen the spine upward. Clarify extended side angle in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From a seat for Seated Forward Bend I. Keep the sit bones heavy. Hinge forward from the hips with a long spine. Establish seated forward bend i in this shape. Clarify bend in this shape. Maintain forward in this shape. Refine Seated Forward Bend I only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Session 2
Vary the standing angles while preserving a steady bilateral pace, then finish with an easy seated shape.
From standing for Side Wide Legged Forward Bend. Stand with even foot pressure. Hinge forward from the hips with a long spine. Organize side wide legged forward bend in this shape. Establish bend in this shape. Clarify forward in this shape. Maintain legged in this shape. Express side in this shape. Keep Side intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Side Wide Legged Forward Bend. Stand with even foot pressure. Hinge forward from the hips with a long spine. Organize side wide legged forward bend in this shape. Establish bend in this shape. Clarify forward in this shape. Maintain legged in this shape. Express side in this shape. Keep Side intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Begin standing for Side Angle. Share weight through both feet. Lengthen the spine upward. Clarify extended side angle in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Begin standing for Side Angle. Share weight through both feet. Lengthen the spine upward. Clarify extended side angle in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From a seat for Butterfly (Preparation). Keep the sit bones heavy. Keep the torso upright and long. Clarify partial setup in this shape. Maintain soles of the feet together in this shape. Use the breath to steady (Preparation without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Session 3
Standing lateral preparation leads into two focused backbending shapes and a quiet prone finish.
From standing for Extended Side Angle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Establish extended side angle in this shape. Clarify warrior stance in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Extended Side Angle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Establish extended side angle in this shape. Clarify warrior stance in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Begin on the hands for Inverted Staff. Organize the mixed support points. Keep a strong plank-like center. Establish both legs behind the head in this shape. Clarify legs extended forward in this shape. Use the breath to steady Staff without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Invert carefully for One Legged Inverted Staff. Spread the fingers and press the palms. Maintain inverted torso control. Maintain legs extended forward in this shape. Use the breath to steady Staff without strain. Protect the neck and come down if balance fades. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Invert carefully for One Legged Inverted Staff. Spread the fingers and press the palms. Maintain inverted torso control. Maintain legs extended forward in this shape. Use the breath to steady Staff without strain. Protect the neck and come down if balance fades. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Begin on the knees for Extended Child's. Keep the knees steady on the mat. Fold from the hip creases. Maintain hips toward heels in this shape. Keep Extended intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Session 4
Return to familiar standing shapes at reduced intensity and conclude with a long preparatory forward bend.
From standing for Reverse Warrior. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Clarify reversed orientation in this shape. Maintain warrior stance in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Warrior. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
From standing for Reverse Warrior. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Clarify reversed orientation in this shape. Maintain warrior stance in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Warrior. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Begin standing for Side Angle. Share weight through both feet. Lengthen the spine upward. Clarify extended side angle in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Begin standing for Side Angle. Share weight through both feet. Lengthen the spine upward. Clarify extended side angle in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
From a seat for Seated Forward Bend I (Preparation). Keep the sit bones heavy. Hinge forward from the hips with a long spine. Maintain partial setup in this shape. Keep Seated intentional rather than rushed. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Session 5
A brief standing opening gives way to balanced seated work for the hips and backs of the legs.
From standing for Extended Side Angle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Establish extended side angle in this shape. Clarify warrior stance in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Extended Side Angle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Establish extended side angle in this shape. Clarify warrior stance in this shape. Use the breath to steady Angle without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From a seat for Fire Log Forward Bend. Keep the sit bones heavy. Keep the torso upright and long. Clarify stacked shins in this shape. Keep Fire intentional rather than rushed. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From a seat for Fire Log Forward Bend. Keep the sit bones heavy. Keep the torso upright and long. Clarify stacked shins in this shape. Keep Fire intentional rather than rushed. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Sit down for Head to Knee III (Preparation). Ground through both sit bones. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Express hold the foot in this shape. Organize partial setup in this shape. Use the breath to steady (Preparation without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Sit down for Head to Knee III (Preparation). Ground through both sit bones. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Express hold the foot in this shape. Organize partial setup in this shape. Use the breath to steady (Preparation without strain. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From a seat for Butterfly (Preparation). Keep the sit bones heavy. Keep the torso upright and long. Clarify partial setup in this shape. Maintain soles of the feet together in this shape. Use the breath to steady (Preparation without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Session 6
Lateral standing preparation supports a focused pair of backbending shapes before a restful finish.
From standing for Side Wide Legged Forward Bend. Stand with even foot pressure. Hinge forward from the hips with a long spine. Organize side wide legged forward bend in this shape. Establish bend in this shape. Clarify forward in this shape. Maintain legged in this shape. Express side in this shape. Keep Side intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Side Wide Legged Forward Bend. Stand with even foot pressure. Hinge forward from the hips with a long spine. Organize side wide legged forward bend in this shape. Establish bend in this shape. Clarify forward in this shape. Maintain legged in this shape. Express side in this shape. Keep Side intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Crescent Moon. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Organize crescent lunge in this shape. Establish side bend in this shape. Use the breath to steady Moon without strain. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Stand tall for Reverse Triangle. Root evenly through both feet. Stack the ribs over the pelvis. Maintain extended side line in this shape. Express reversed orientation in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Reverse Triangle. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From standing for Bound Triangle. Stand with even foot pressure. Keep the torso upright and long. Maintain bind in this shape. Express extended side line in this shape. Refine Bound Triangle only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Plant the hands for Pigeon. Share load across the contact points. Brace lightly through the core. Establish front shin across in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Pigeon. When ready, ease out and return to a neutral base.
Begin on the knees for Extended Child's. Keep the knees steady on the mat. Fold from the hip creases. Maintain hips toward heels in this shape. Keep Extended intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Session 7
Gentle side-body work transitions into a sequence of quiet forward-folding shapes to close the cycle.
Plant the hands for Gate (Preparation). Share load across the contact points. Brace lightly through the core. Maintain kneeling side stretch in this shape. Express partial setup in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Gate (Preparation). Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Plant the hands for Gate (Preparation). Share load across the contact points. Brace lightly through the core. Maintain kneeling side stretch in this shape. Express partial setup in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Gate (Preparation). Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Begin on the hands for Reverse Gate. Organize the mixed support points. Keep a strong plank-like center. Express kneeling side stretch in this shape. Organize reversed orientation in this shape. Refine Reverse Gate only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
Begin on the hands for Reverse Gate. Organize the mixed support points. Keep a strong plank-like center. Express kneeling side stretch in this shape. Organize reversed orientation in this shape. Refine Reverse Gate only within a pain-free range. Take one more breath, then exit without collapsing.
From an arm-supported base for Gate. Keep every contact point honest. Hold a firm midsection between the supports. Establish kneeling side stretch in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Gate. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
From an arm-supported base for Gate. Keep every contact point honest. Hold a firm midsection between the supports. Establish kneeling side stretch in this shape. Prefer clarity over depth in Gate. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Begin on the knees for Extended Child's. Keep the knees steady on the mat. Fold from the hip creases. Maintain hips toward heels in this shape. Keep Extended intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
Open the knees toward the sides of the mat and fold the torso between the thighs. Let the forehead rest and guide the hips toward the heels so the spine can round. Keep the belly quiet and the inner thighs heavy. Walk the hands back toward the knees if they need relief.
Kneel down for Child's. Support through the knees. Tip the torso forward without rounding harshly. Express hips toward heels in this shape. Keep Child's intentional rather than rushed. Keep the gaze soft, then step or sit out with care.
