Don’t give in. Don’t give up. And don’t give out! These are not options! Instead,
Be on guard, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Fortunately for us, black belt and yoga enthusiast Kelly has demonstrated a bit of Tae-Kwon-Do while Halleluyah Yoga’s mascot, Boomer, looks on!
The point of this yoga segment is to allow these physical stances of guarding, blocking, and striking to remind you of how courageous you are and the strength you possess as you meditate upon God’s mighty words!
1.) Standing Stretch
Let’s ready ourselves with strong blocks and strikes by thinking only on God’s empowering thoughts while we stretch.
Stand tall with your feet together.
Stretch your arms over your head with a huge inhale. Relax them with a huge exhale by your sides.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Remember to pull your abs in, stretch up and out of your waist, keep your shoulders down, neck long, chin up, face relaxed and rest your biceps beside your ears.
2.) Crane Stance
From a Standing Stretch with toes pointing forward, hop back (approximately one foot) unto your right foot. Your toes will face the right side of the room.
At the same time, bend and lift your left leg. You are preparing you for an incoming strike. By sliding your left toes behind your right knee, you will be increasing the support to your Crane Stance block.
Make fists with both hands and lift your right arm for an upward block; lower your left arm for a low block. Tense up the arm muscles for a stronger block.
Take a few huge breaths as you hold this powerful block.
Congratulations! You got out of the way of an incoming strike by hopping back and readied yourself for more.
3.) Warrior II Crane Block
Step forward with your right leg or the leg that was lifted during your Crane Stance, and bend into a Warrior II Pose. Your front arm slides in front of your waist, while your back arm slides just over your head. Press your fingers together and bend your thumb into your palms on both hands for added strength. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.
Congratulations! You are ready for any incoming high or low block!
3.) Closed Hand High Block in Horse Stance
Turn your forward left foot inward, and do the same with your right foot. Bend both knees into a Horse Stance. Raise both arms into a Closed Hand High Block just above your head. Tense your arms and squeeze your fists for added strength to your High Block Horse Stance.
Congratulations! You have blocked an incoming strike to your head!
4.) Open Hand Middle Block
Remain in a Horse Stance. Open your arms to the sides. Tense your arms and turn your fists up while squeezing your fingers together while bending your thumbs and pressing them into your palms.The block should end just below your chin and slightly beyond your ribs.
Congratulations! You are blocking a side strike or giving a side strike. You decide!
5.) Supported Spear Hand
Remain in a Horse Stance. From an Open Handed Middle Block, quickly straighten your right arm while your left arm quickly slides under to support it. Tense your arm muscles as you practice these moves to increase strength in your blocks and your strikes. Remember to press fingers together while bending your thumbs and pressing them into your palms.
Congratulations! You blocked and you striked!
Now, repeat all five exercises with your other leg forward!
Never forget you are more than a conqueror!
live strong in God and yoga on!
xxoo
<3
