Dawn Ross: Bit By Bit Bodyworks

Sage Twist is an interesting one because of how our body responds to different surfaces. Here’s a little experiment:

1. Test Your Surface
Sit on your yoga mat and bring one leg in. Notice how it feels.
If you feel jammed up in your hip, try moving off the mat onto the bare floor.
Without the sticky mat, your body may recognize more space and allow deeper hip flexion. Sometimes, the mat can create a subtle resistance that makes your system feel restricted.
2. Using a Block
Instead of placing your whole palm flat on the block, focus on connecting through the ball of your hand—not the heel of your hand and not gripping with your fingers.
Think of it like playing piano keys with that part of your hand.
Place the block behind you, establish that hand connection, and gently work into it, letting the action of playing piano keys help guide your twist.

Keep breathing and allow the rotation to develop naturally.Give it a try and see how it changes your experience in the pose!

Bringing back the chain for this one, and it’s a game-changer!By placing the chain under my foot and gripping it with my same-side hand, I create an ipsilateral connection that helps my body’s left and right halves coordinate more fluidly into the pose. Instead of forcing movement from my hips, I let this connection guide me, making the transition into Extended Side Angle feel effortless and integrated.I play with two variations:�🔗 Pinky toe side – I initiate a bicep curl, which guides me into the shape, letting my hips follow naturally without bracing or buckling.�🔗 Big toe side – Adjusting my grip, twisting through the wrist and arm, changes the tension and engagement across my joints, offering a secure, stable feel throughout the movement.The way the chain curls and twists as I move creates subtle variations in tension, giving my joints feedback and support in an incredibly secure way—something that can be especially helpful for those who struggle with laxity or instability in their joints.Try this if you’ve ever felt wobbly or disconnected in this pose! The added tactile feedback and resistance might just be what your body needs to find a smoother, more stable entry into the shape.Give it a try and let me know how it feels! 💥