WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES!

This month our focus will be on the Hips. Week 1 we will work with Adduction, week 2 will be Abduction, week 3 

What is a Physical Through Line? 

A Physical Through Line is a term we use in Chromatic Yoga that is defined by the muscle engagement, or joint action that we focus on through the duration of the yoga class. Certified Chromatic Teachers construct their classes around a PTL (Physical Through Line) in order to create a more effective learning environments for students. As a student you can expect that each Chromatic class will include a PTL. Of course, you will do other postures and other muscle engagements within a Chromatic class, however there is a strong emphasis on the PTL. 

What are the Physical Through Line’s of the Month?

This month there are four physical through lines:

1. Week 1: Adduction – Thighs move toward the midline
2. Week 2 Abduction – Thighs move away from the midline
3. Week 3: Hip Flexion – Thighs move toward front of the torso like they do in Childs pose or boat pose
4. Week 4: Hip Extension – Thighs move away from the front and toward back body like the back leg of Dancer Pose.

Patrick’s Top Tips

Peak Postures to use:

Adduction: Frog, Wide Legged Forward Fold, Crow

Abduction: Half Moon,Extended Hand to Big Toe (standing leg), Eagle (standing leg)

Hip Flexion: Hanuman (Balancing Action of Back Leg)

Hip Extension: Full Wheel, Warrior 3

FOR TEACHER’s: VERBAL CUE’S 

For “Adduction” instead of saying “squeeze your inner thighs, try saying “Pull your feet toward each other until you feel your inner thighs engage”

FOR CHROMATIC STUDENTS: 

As a practitioner of Chromatic Yoga you can of course expect to experience these PTL’s in Chromatic Classes around the world. You can also practice these within any yoga class without the guidance of a teacher. For example, within a vinyasa class you can try squeezing your feet toward each other throughout the standing posture sequence and observe what that creates for your practice. 

CHROMATIC TEACHERS:

Let’s see what you come up with this month. What peak postures will you be using? After you teach your class, share in our Global WhatsApp Group which layering postures worked best for you, which did you find students struggled with? We look forward to our collective collaboration to offer top level yoga experiences world wide. 

~Patrick Heffernan 

Chromatic Blogs & Through-Lines