Christian Yoga teachers learn how to fly!

A conversation with Jenn Chiarelli, expert in arm balances and inversions

In celebration of the Yahweh Yoga RYT teacher trainee group we have currently working at our studio, we thought you might like take a peek at some of the instruction our trainees enjoy.

One area that always generates buzz among our students is the work we do with arm balances and inversions.

We are pleased to introduce Jenn Chiarelli, the woman who guides our RYT students into this exciting realm of yoga practice. Jenn answered a few of the questions that people typically have about these yoga poses.

Arm balances look difficult. How do people know when they are ready to try them?

Jenn Chiarelli demonstrates the Firefly pose

A good gauge for if you are ready to try arm balances is a push up. If you can do a push up without falling to your belly or knees, you are a great candidate for arm balances. Also, try to find a teacher who will break down the arm balances into smaller parts so they don’t feel so scary - and try blocks and other props to help you transition.

We get many questions from women wondering if it is okay to do inversions while menstruating. What are your thoughts?

Jenn:
Well, I am not a physician, so I do not give out medical advice, but I can say this: my own gynecologist told me that there is no medical reason for a woman to avoid inversion poses during menstruation. The advice I give women is to tune into how you feel during this time about your energetic body and honor where you are. If you are comfortable doing inversions, great! If not, go easy on yourself and wait until you are more comfortable doing them.

What is your favorite arm balance pose?

Jenn:
I like the Firefly; it is a fun, weird pose! You sit back on your upper arms and extend your legs. This pose is one of the more advanced ones, but it is so freeing as you look upward and lift your heart.

What is your favorite inversion pose?

Jenn:
The Feathered Peacock pose is great. You have a nice, solid base on your forearms and elbows so it gives you freedom to move your legs around. When you shift the balance of your body this way, you get a whole new perspective - one that is so much different than just standing on your feet.

Jenn Chiarelli demonstrates the Feathered Peacock pose

Jenn:
Fear, without a doubt. People are scared of the unknown, afraid to try something new. At first, these poses are out of most people’s comfort zone. I heard people with very strong yoga practices say, “Oh noooo, I’m not ready to try those.” and I will tell them “Yes, you are!”

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a teacher you really trust when you begin to try these poses. It makes the transition so much easier.

When I teach someone new to arm balances and inversions, I make sure we have blocks and blanket “crash pads” so that people feel comfortable and safe. I always tell my students, “If you fall, it is no big deal - you pick yourself up and try again.” Trying these poses are just like life in that regard

Another way to help make the transition easier is to be part of a learning group where you feel comfortable and safe. One of the things I love about teaching the Yahweh Yoga teacher trainees is that they are so tight-knit. They support each other, cheer, and applaud. When people feel safe together, trying something new is not so intimidating.

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About Jenn Chiarelli
Jenn Chiarelli began her career in professional ballet, working with such notable companies as the Cleveland Ballet. During her dance career, she discovered Ashtanga yoga and found that the freedom of her yoga practice offered a much-needed counterbalance to the rigors of the professional dance world.

You can read more about Jenn on her website, www.jennchiarelli.com or drop her an email at jenn@jennchiarelli.com to be included on her e-newsletter list.