Golden Yoga

I’m feeling a little unappreciated today.  Grandma is training to become a yoga instructor.  This month’s assignment is to develop a chair yoga class.  Sure the routine Grandma came up with is good.  But why didn’t she ask me for my advice?  After all, I’ve been Mom’s chair yoga instructor for years.  The following are some of my basic poses for Mom while she is trying to work at her desk.

Let Sleeping Dog Lie Pose:

Sit on chair in front of desk, with dog directly in front under desk.  Place left foot on chair keeping knee in line with chin.  Stretch right leg forward over dog being careful not to wake him while he sleeps.  Arms should be able to comfortably reach keyboard.

Demonstrating the proper position for the dog in the Let Sleeping Dog Lie Pose.

Extended Sleeping Dog Pose:

Sit on chair in front of desk, with dog at an angle halfway under desk and to the right of chair.  Place left foot on floor next to dog’s head. Extend right leg to the side stretching over the sleeping dog until foot touches floor. If doing this correctly Mom will be doing a a seated side lunge in chair.

Twisted Double Dog Pose:

Sit on chair, with two dogs directly in front under the desk.  Bring right ankle to rest on left thigh. Bring left ankle to right thigh.  Arms should be able to comfortably reach keyboard.

Twist and Stretch Pose:

This pose is best done in an office chair with wheels.  While in the Twisted Double Dog Pose, dog(s) will sprawl out taking up as much space on the floor as possible while simultaneously pushing the chair away from the desk.  Mom seated in Twisted Double Dog Pose on chair will then stretch to reach keyboard.

Note how the dogs successfully take up all floor space forcing the chair to be at odd angle in relation to keyboard.  This enhances the stretch.

Downward Facing Keyboard Pose:

If you are unable to hold the Twist and Stretch Pose, an alternative is the Downward Facing Keyboard Pose. With dog(s) covering as much floor space in front of the desk, stand up and place each foot on floor around dog(s) being careful not to step on them.  Then stretch forward in this standing position to reach keyboard.

Birdie Pose:

Sit on chair with two feet firmly planted on floor.  Dog will stand directly next to Mom, and will repeatedly flip Mom’s arms away from the keyboard with snout.  If done correctly and repeatedly, Mom will flap arms like a bird.

Reach for the Stars Pose:

Sit on chair with two feet firmly planted on floor.  Dog will then become fixated with something on desk that he is not suppose to have, while doing a variation of the Birdie Pose to reach it.  Mom should then lift said item as high above her head as possible while continuing typing with one hand.  Or if on the phone, while trying to continue a conversation without sounding distracted.

My apologies for the lack of photos, but Mom refused to let Asa take pictures of her poses while typing this post for me.  Also, in case you’re wondering why Dad is not included in this yoga routine, it is because he makes us move when we attempt to do a workout with him.  He’s not as into yoga as Mom.

Grandma, best wishes as you continue your yoga instructor training! I’m available if you need any advice!

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About the author

Chuck Billy is a Golden Retriever, living in Southern Maine, who likes to share his unique observations on life with his little brother Asa. When not writing his blog, he spends his days being awesome.

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