Yoga For Crafters Part Three: Arms and Wrists

Creative Commons photo by Flickr user a4gpa
[Creative Commons photo by Eric Ward]

We’re right smack in the middle of Fall festival season, and I’ve been sewing up a storm! All that time hunched over the cutting table and sewing machine is definitely taking its toll on my body, and I’m sure I’m not the only crafter that suffers aches and pains after a crafting marathon. Rather than pop a couple of ibuprofen this year, I’m trying to relieve my muscles a little more naturally with yoga poses that target parts of my body that take the most abuse during this time of year.

No matter what your craft, it most likely involves some sort of repetitive motion from your hands, which stresses your arms and wrists. By stretching and strengthening these areas, you can relieve soreness and maybe even build your crafty endurance! As with any new exercise, be cautious and consult your doctor before trying anything too terribly strenuous. If you suffer from carpal tunnel, please run these poses by a doctor before you dive in, as some of them do put pressure on your wrists.

Plank
The Plank pose strengthens your arms, wrists, back, and tummy. It’s basically the top of a pushup. You can get into the pose in a couple of different ways. Starting on your hands and knees, straighten your legs. Keep your shoulders right above your wrists and hold for 8-10 breaths.

The other option is to start out in Downward Facing Dog. If you choose this option, just lower your torso until it’s parallel with the floor. Keep your legs strong, hold, and breathe.

Upward Plank
Stretch those wrists! Start in a seated position with your legs out in front of you. Put your hands on the floor a few inches behind your hips with your fingers facing toward your toes and inhale. As you exhale, press with your hands and point your toes to lift your bottom off of the floor. Let your head hang backwards, but be gentle with the back of your neck here. The goal is to have a flat back and straight legs, but don’t push too hard at first. You’ll get there with practice! Hold for 10 breaths or up to 30 seconds.

Lion Pose
OK, I’ll admit it. Lion Pose is a little bit silly, and that’s part of what I love about it! In addition to stretching your fingers and wrists, it’s great for your face and jaw. Sit on your knees or cross-legged with your hands on your knees and stretch your fingers out, like a cat extending its claws. Take a deep breath through your nose and, as you exhale audibly, stretch your tongue out of your mouth, move your hands to the floor in front of you, and widen your eyes. Repeat two or three times, taking breaks to giggle as needed.

Warrior II
Warrior II pose (pictured above) is great for your whole body, beyond its benefits for your arms and wrists. It builds muscle and flexibility in your legs and back, as well! Stand with your feet wider than hip-distance apart, and turn your right foot out so that it’s perpendicular to your left. Spread your arms parallel to the floor, and bend the right knee to a 90 degree angle. Be careful not to let your knee go past your toes – you can widen your stance, if you need, to keep your knee in line with your ankle. Now gaze to the right past your hand. Hold the pose and breathe for 30 seconds up to a full minute. Repeat the pose on the opposite side.

Did you miss parts one and two from this series? You can check them out here and here, or check out part four: Leg Stretches!

16 thoughts on “Yoga For Crafters Part Three: Arms and Wrists”

  1. Hello, My name is Kat Robinson and while doing some research I came across your site. I am the developer of Sewing Yoga a series of yoga postures and deep breathing designed to alleviate the aches and pains of of extended hours at the sewing machine or computer. It is perfect for sewists, quilter’s, and various crafters. You can see on my website some of the press it has gotten http://www.activekatyoga.com. I would be interested in hearing how you came about the idea. Namaste, Kat Robinson

  2. Hello, My name is Kat Robinson and while doing some research I came across your site. I am the developer of Sewing Yoga a series of yoga postures and deep breathing designed to alleviate the aches and pains of of extended hours at the sewing machine or computer. It is perfect for sewists, quilter’s, and various crafters. You can see on my website some of the press it has gotten http://www.activekatyoga.com. I would be interested in hearing how you came about the idea. Namaste, Kat Robinson

  3. Hello, My name is Kat Robinson and while doing some research I came across your site. I am the developer of Sewing Yoga a series of yoga postures and deep breathing designed to alleviate the aches and pains of of extended hours at the sewing machine or computer. It is perfect for sewists, quilter’s, and various crafters. You can see on my website some of the press it has gotten http://www.activekatyoga.com. I would be interested in hearing how you came about the idea. Namaste, Kat Robinson

  4. Hi Kat! I’ve been practicing yoga for just about 14 years, so it’s sort of my go-to when I have muscle and joint pain. After a long day of ironing and sitting at the sewing machine, a few choice poses really helped my poor back and neck, so I started researching poses for other problem areas. Voila! That sounds like a great site! I’ll add it to my Reader. 🙂

  5. Hi Kat! I’ve been practicing yoga for just about 14 years, so it’s sort of my go-to when I have muscle and joint pain. After a long day of ironing and sitting at the sewing machine, a few choice poses really helped my poor back and neck, so I started researching poses for other problem areas. Voila! That sounds like a great site! I’ll add it to my Reader. 🙂

  6. Hi Kat! I’ve been practicing yoga for just about 14 years, so it’s sort of my go-to when I have muscle and joint pain. After a long day of ironing and sitting at the sewing machine, a few choice poses really helped my poor back and neck, so I started researching poses for other problem areas. Voila! That sounds like a great site! I’ll add it to my Reader. 🙂

  7. Thanks Becky! I do teach at different locations and conferences around the country. This is the slow time for the holidays. Keep checking my site, maybe I will end up where you are sometime. Sounds like you might be a good candidate for becoming a certified Sewing Yoga instructor. I will be integrating that into my line up next year. Right now I am working on a recipe book geared toward the busy seamstress that gives some easy meal options that are so much healthier than fast food or tv dinners. I have taught Sewing Yoga at the American Sewing Guild conference the last two years this year I may also be teaching a cooking class and aclass on starting a home machine embroidery business. I look forward to networking with you and keep the certified instructor idea in mind. I think you woulkd make a good candidate! Namaste, Kat

  8. Thanks Becky! I do teach at different locations and conferences around the country. This is the slow time for the holidays. Keep checking my site, maybe I will end up where you are sometime. Sounds like you might be a good candidate for becoming a certified Sewing Yoga instructor. I will be integrating that into my line up next year. Right now I am working on a recipe book geared toward the busy seamstress that gives some easy meal options that are so much healthier than fast food or tv dinners. I have taught Sewing Yoga at the American Sewing Guild conference the last two years this year I may also be teaching a cooking class and aclass on starting a home machine embroidery business. I look forward to networking with you and keep the certified instructor idea in mind. I think you woulkd make a good candidate! Namaste, Kat

  9. Thanks Becky! I do teach at different locations and conferences around the country. This is the slow time for the holidays. Keep checking my site, maybe I will end up where you are sometime. Sounds like you might be a good candidate for becoming a certified Sewing Yoga instructor. I will be integrating that into my line up next year. Right now I am working on a recipe book geared toward the busy seamstress that gives some easy meal options that are so much healthier than fast food or tv dinners. I have taught Sewing Yoga at the American Sewing Guild conference the last two years this year I may also be teaching a cooking class and aclass on starting a home machine embroidery business. I look forward to networking with you and keep the certified instructor idea in mind. I think you woulkd make a good candidate! Namaste, Kat

  10. Oh and I also have a DVD that was available through Nancy’s Notions, not sure if it still is but it is available on my site. It is the entire Sewing Yoga program and a bonus yoga for weight loss segment. It is on sale right now for $18.00 +shipping and handling.

  11. Oh and I also have a DVD that was available through Nancy’s Notions, not sure if it still is but it is available on my site. It is the entire Sewing Yoga program and a bonus yoga for weight loss segment. It is on sale right now for $18.00 +shipping and handling.

  12. Oh and I also have a DVD that was available through Nancy’s Notions, not sure if it still is but it is available on my site. It is the entire Sewing Yoga program and a bonus yoga for weight loss segment. It is on sale right now for $18.00 +shipping and handling.

  13. Pingback: Yoga for Crafters: Relieving Arm and Wrist Pain | Glue and Glitter

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top