The Anatomy of Breath and Movement: A Weekend with Leslie Kaminoff

Renowned yoga educator and author of the best-selling Yoga Anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff brings his breath-centered, anatomy-informed teachings to Singapore for an immersive two-day masterclass series at PURE Yoga.

Saturday, 11 October : Breath Focus

10:00am - 12:00pm

Vinyasa Flow: Breath and Spine

Leslie will lead you through a breath-centered yoga practice inspired by the tradition of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar. Details of breath sequencing, coordination with movement, and spinal action are some of the areas we will explore in this highly interactive, experiential class session.

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Kapalabhati: The Master Kriya

An organizing principle of Krishnamacharya’s yoga involves an energetic opening of the central channel of our body, the Sushumna Nadi. Leslie’s uniquely anatomical perspective refers to this as “vertical axis integration,” and his Kapalabhati practice provides unique access to our body’s internal spaces. The session will conclude with a brief meditation derived from Krishnamacharya’s unique perspective on Prana/Apana, Kundalini and Agni.

4:00pm - 6:00pm 

Everyday Bandha: De-Mystifying the Diaphragms

Vinyasa-based yoga practice refers often to the theory and practice of bandhas – the “yogic locks” – that occur in the region of our body’s diaphragms. Leslie’s practical approach demonstrates simply and clearly the practical, anatomical basis of these powerful, but widely misunderstood, tools.

Sunday, 12 October: Asana Focus

10:00am - 12:00pm

Foundational Feet: Alignment From the Ground Up

Paving over the unpredictable terrain we evolved to walk on, plus the addition of restrictive footwear, we in the industrialized world have an epidemic of physical ills that can be traced back to our compromised foundations. This class will delve deeply into the structure and function of our feet as the foundation for a healthy, aligned asana practice and for living our lives as more fully functional, happy bipeds. 

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Camel and Wheel Workshop: A Better Backbend Through Breathing

In this fun and informative class, we will explore the definition of backbending from the viewpoint of the body’s full range of anatomical possibilities – from world-class contortionists to average citizens. Preparing for Camel and Wheel asanas will permit us to use our breath in a variety of creative ways to enhance and deepen the opening of our bodies to these transformative shapes.

4:00pm - 6:00pm 

“Stretching the West:” A Forward Folding Workshop

In Sanskrit, the back of the body is referred to as “paschima,” meaning “west” – therefore, Paschimottanasana, is the practice of elongating the posterior line of the body’s myofascia. Unfortunately, that's not how it’s usually taught, perpetuating chronic tightness in the very areas the poses seek to release. From both standing and sitting positions, we will practice breath-based movements and alignment strategies guaranteed to move your asana practice forward in a whole new way.

For enquiries, email events.sg@pure-international.com