Yoga Asana:
The Magic of Twists
Maximize Release While Minimizing the Potential For Injury
– ON DEMAND PROGRAM –
Twists can be a source of profound release.
They take us deep into the spine – rotating, squeezing, strengthening, and relaxing all the tissue that lies along the midline of the body.
With minimal effort, you can experience major results. Just one or two twists in the afternoon can help you release locked-up tension that results from sitting in a chair for hours or going about your daily business.
Almost immediately, you feel greater ease and release in your upper body.
This amazing feeling prompts many yoga practitioners to want to go deeper in their twists. The deeper the twist, the more powerful the results, right?
…Wrong.
Going too deep, too soon in your twists can cause dysfunction and possible injury!
Too much force load through the scapulae and upper spine can lead to neck and shoulder injuries – while over-twisting the pelvis can lead to lumbar, SI joint and piriformis injuries.
To avoid potential injury, many yoga teachers tell their students to “move the pelvis” when they twist. While this approach can reduce the twist and prevent injury, it doesn’t address the underlying potential for injury. Nor does it really improve a practitioner’s ability to rotate.
Benefits of Twists in Yoga
1. Spinal Health & Mobility
- Twisting helps maintain spinal flexibility and counteracts stiffness caused by prolonged sitting or poor posture.
- Strengthens the muscles supporting the spine, reducing the risk of back pain.
2. Digestive & Detoxification Benefits
- Twists massage the abdominal organs, improving digestion and elimination.
- The compression effect stimulates circulation to the digestive system, promoting detoxification.
3. Stress Relief & Nervous System Regulation
- Twists encourage deep breathing and relaxation, calming the nervous system.
- They help release tension stored in the spine and shoulders, reducing stress.
4. Improved Circulation & Energy Flow
- By stimulating blood flow to the spine and internal organs, twists enhance oxygenation and energy levels.
- Encourages better posture, leading to improved overall well-being.
This is where I can help
I have worked with thousands of yoga teachers over the years who have felt a certain amount of apprehension toward twists because they are aware of the potential for injury and don’t want to harm themselves or their students.
I have helped them learn to use twists effectively in their body and to teach others how to experience better results with twists as well. They see the gains in their yoga practice – as well as their ability to run, cycle, walk, and get down on the floor with their kids. And their students are seeing incredible gains, too!
I would love to give you the same knowledge and training…
That’s why I have created a 2-hour online class designed to teach you how to improve your ability to twist effectively for maximum results – and the gains you’ll experience as a result.
What you will learn:
- The huge structural role your hips and pelvis play in sciatic symptoms. Learn about the key role of your hips and pelvis and how typical yoga teaching practices can make things worse – as well as simple suggestions to improve your stability.
- The relationship between your shoulders and hips with sciatica. Learn how poor connection and mechanics between the shoulders and hips can increase sciatic symptoms.
- The key reasons your pain isn't going away. The awareness gained will change how you practice and exercise.
- The principles for recovery. Learn how to choose the best exercises to help you and your body
- How to integrate yoga with your rehabilitation and/or medical process so that all of what you are doing to help yourself is collaborative
Yoga Asana:
THE MAGIC OF TWISTS
$97 + applicable tax
Get lifetime access to this training
This two-hour online training will always be available for you to come back and review the teachings whenever you want.
"I've been practicing all the principles + after doing a 60-90 minute practices all week + moving w/ease + breath, I feel like I’ve just been moving + breathing, I don’t feel like I’ve “practiced.” Prior to this course usually something is hurting, strained, overused, but I’ve interpreted it as “I’ve worked out.” It’s just so strange to go thru my day + night “pain free” … that I feel like I haven’t “done” anything… so my brain is catching up with the novelty that I can do a strong practice + not feel pain. AND I am making progress in areas where I was weak /tight/both or lacked mobility. Hope you understand what I’m saying, it’s just plain weird to not have twinges, tension during or after “practice”. This is how it’s suppose to be...it's functional synergy"
I am Susi Hately, Your Instructor
I have a BSC. Kinesiology and have been helping people reduce and eradicate pain for 25 years. I have also been a bridge between the medical world and yoga. Two of my programs have been studied at the University of Calgary and both showed benefit for supporting people and their wellbeing. I am the author and presenter of I Love Anatomy and Anatomy and Asana: Preventing Yoga Injuries.
I have been training teachers and health professionals in yoga therapy since 2001 and am the lead teacher in the highly successful C-IAYT Accredited Functional Synergy Yoga Therapy Program.
As a young student of yoga, I began to combine the ancient practices of yoga with my BSc. Kinesiology at a Vancouver pain clinic. Soon after I was asked by Olympic sports teams to help their athletes optimize their function for better performance. By designing therapy programs that utilize sound anatomical principles of kinesiology with the time-honoured practices of gentle yoga, I have enabled people to find pain relief, feel good, and rediscover vitality in their lives.
Yoga Asana:
THE MAGIC OF TWISTS
$97 + applicable tax
"I was one of those teachers who thought pain was normal. After learning from Susi, I felt different - almost weird - because I had no pain".
This Online Program is For You If…
- You really love yoga and want to practice and/or teach effective movement techniques that get maximum results with minimum effort.
- You want less fluff and more therapeutic benefit, so you can move with more ease, strength and stamina.
- You are ready for some usable techniques and tools to change, harness and channel your strengths effectively.
This Online Program is Not For You If…
- If you don’t think change is possible.
- You are done with yoga, and are convinced it is a terrible practice for the human body.
- Your schedule is packed from morning to night. If you’re already struggling to find the time to attend to your daily responsibilities, this may not be the right fit at this moment.
Are you wanting to enjoy the true pleasure and release of twists?
Are you ready to experience more ease, better posture, and less pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and hips?
If so, join me as we dig into the Magic of Twists.
Yoga Asana:
THE MAGIC OF TWISTS
$97 + applicable tax
"Susi is an exceptional coach. If you want to work with one of the best, if you want to work with someone who really wants you to succeed, if you want to work with someone who truly walks the walk and talks the talk, work with Susi. She really knows what she is doing.”
– ON DEMAND ONLINE PROGRAM –
Enjoy at your own pace
Yoga Asana:
The Magic of Twists Includes:
- The power that is your potential. Learn how your ability to twist is a key factor in standing taller, running faster and walking longer.
- How to use your cues effectively. Learn how to communicate with your students so that they improve their ability to twist safely and effectively, without fear.
- Simple ways to build up and be playful with twists. Discover how to improve your students’ awareness, stability, strength, and hip function (as well as your own) while honouring the principles of yoga.
- I’ll walk you through several key twisting movements – and show you not only where those poses break down,but how to use them correctly to build yourself up.
Yoga Asana:
THE MAGIC OF TWISTS
$97 + applicable tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the entire program accessible online?
Yes! You can sign in and access these training resources anytime. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
I have never practiced yoga, will I benefit?
If you want to move better, learn to connect with the intelligence of your body so you can get to the root of your pain, and experience more energy and vitality – you’re in the right place.
If I am a Yoga teacher, will I benefit?
If you’re a yoga teacher with questions, pain or injuries, you are in the right place. If want to help others out of pain, this training will help you help your students.
I don’t live in north america. Will this work?
Can I share my program with a friend?
If you have a friend or peer who wants to join, they are most welcome to register on their own, so you can have fun comparing notes as you complete the program together! However, the registration is for your use only.
My question isn’t listed here. How can I get it answered?
You can email us here.
- Copyright 2025 Functional Synergy
