Anatomy of a SHIFT Class

Here are just some of the exercises and muscle groups we work in our SHIFT classes!

Bridge Pose relieves menstrual discomfort when done supported? It also stretches the chest, neck, and spine, calms the brain and helps alleviate stress and mild depression. Other benefits include stimulating abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroid, rejuvenates tired legs, improves digestion and helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Strong, able abs contribute to a healthy core, forming a powerful axis for your whole body. Your abdominals act as an anchor for muscles of the mid and lower back. Strong abs enhance quality posture, build functional strength, improved sports performance and better balance.

Side plank works your core to a huge extent. It strengthens arms and wrists, shoulders and back. This pose requires you to balance on one arm, so it’s a great exercise to work the entire body. Side plank improves balance, stability and concentration.

Shoulder injuries are frequently caused by athletic activities that involve excessive, repetitive, overhead motion using a weak muscle. Strengthening those muscles and surrounding muscles are the best way to prevent or recover from a shoulder injury.

Doing weighted lunges with proper breathing and form will improve your core strength and stability, which refers to your ability of your abdominal, spine and hip muscles to stabilize and balance your body while you lunge. Keeping your spine in a neutral position in which it retains its natural curve during the lunge can reduce your risk of back pain and injury while strengthening your entire body. Inhale as you lunge down, and exhale as you stand up.

The abdominal muscles and back muscles are key components of your core muscular network, and provide the strength to keep you upright and for movement. When these core muscles are weak, it causes additional stress to your spine as it supports your body, and can cause back pain. Planks and mountain climbers are a great way to keep those muscles in shape.