Cancer Recovery: Asana Class 1 – Recovery & Remission

About This Class

This class is thoughtfully crafted for students navigating cancer recovery or remission, offering a safe and nurturing space where healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is the central intention. The instructor, Hilaire Lockwood, opens with Child's Pose or a seated alternative, immediately establishing that comfort and adaptability matter above all. Ujjayi breath is introduced early and maintained throughout as an anchor. The sequence moves through a modified Sun Salutation framework—Cat-Cow, Downward Facing Dog, Low Lunge, Half Flat Back, Uttanasana, Utkatasana (Chair Pose)—with consistent reminders to drop knees, skip Chaturanga, or choose Cobra over Up Dog as needed. Warrior One and Warrior Two are included alongside Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana) to open the side body and stimulate the kidney space. Twisting low lunge variations (Pada Rajakonasana modification) and seated poses including Baddha Konasana, Marichyasana, and a rocking spinal massage lead into Savasana. The instructor explicitly frames backbends as emotionally activating, encourages surrender over fight, and closes with a guided tension-and-release exercise before final rest. Modifications are offered at every turn, making this class accessible even on low-energy days.