Newton's 3rd Law of Physics on the Yoga Mat

Trish Corley Author

Feel Newton's 3rd law of physics in yoga - without understanding physics!

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Physics is a prerequisite for physical therapy school and I honestly struggled with it! I went to a great engineering school...which meant I took physics with a lot of engineers. They seemed to get it while I didn't.

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So what does that have to do with yoga? I might not be able to pass a physics exam today, but I can feel Newton's 3rd law in my body when I practice asana! And you can too!

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You are probably aware that yoga goes beyond the physical postures. It is also a mindful and spiritual practice of course. However, it’s fair to say that in our modern society  most people start with the physical postures. And there’s good reason for that:

The physical practice is often more accessible because we live in a physical world!

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There is a direct connection of the physical postures to the laws of physics, particularly Newton's Third Law. As a yoga teacher with a background in physical therapy and biomechanics, I find the application of this law to yoga postures fascinating. In this blog, we'll explore how the simple act of pressing down into the Earth with our hands and feet creates a powerful lift within the body that create strength, stability, and balance.

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Understanding Newton's Third Law of Physica in Yoga:

Newton's Third Law states, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." In the context of yoga, this law manifests itself through the interplay between the bo

dy and the Earth. When we press our hands and feet into the ground during various yoga postures, we essentially create a force that the Earth responds to with an equal and opposite force. That reactive force causes our bodies to lift and align.

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Grounding through Hands and Feet:

Let's take a moment to explore Downward Facing Dog. In this posture, the hands and feet are firmly planted on the mat, creating a stable foundation. Applying Newton's Third Law, the energy you send into the Earth through your hands and feet generates an upward force that travels through the entire body.

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- As you press your feet down, the Earth pushes back through your feet and up into your legs and hips and into the pelvis.

- As you press your hands down, the Earth pushes back through your hands and up into your arms and shoulders.

- The reactive forces at your pelvis and shoulders connect through your spine and core.

This grounding action serve a purpose - it gives you the experience of the physical posture! 

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Stability and Balance:

The connection with the Earth establishes a strong base, allowing your to find stability. This is particularly crucial in balancing poses, where a solid foundation on one foot is the key to holding the posture with ease.

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Energy Transfer:

Pressing into the ground allows the energy generated in the body to efficiently transfer through the limbs. This energy flow not only supports the posture but also creates physical sensations. This is how a mindful connection to your body is created.

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Alignment and Engagement:

Grounding through the hands and feet facilitates proper alignment by encouraging engagement of the muscles. When the muscles contract, there is ultimately and increase in blood flow and a release of “good” hormones.

This is why many people that start with the physical practice get interested in yoga - they connect with the Earth and feel better!

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Creating Lift through the Core:

As we press down into the Earth, the resulting upward force doesn't stop at the limbs. Newton's Third Law emphasizes that the reaction is equal and opposite, meaning that the Earth's response extends beyond the points of contact. In yoga, this is particularly evident in the core engagement that naturally follows the grounding action.

Pressing down activates the core!

The equal and opposite reaction from the Earth manifests in a subtle lift through the core. This engagement is essential for maintaining balance, supporting the spine, and aligning the body to be able to do things like float from downward facing dog to forward fold.

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Conclusion:

The intentional act of pressing down into the Earth with your hands and feet is not merely a physical action; it is a dialogue with the forces that govern the universe. As we ground ourselves in yoga postures, we simultaneously lift and expand, creating strength, stability, and balance in the reciprocal dance between our bodies and the Earth.

Experience Newton's Third Law of Physics in a Yoga Practice Led by Dr. Trish Corley. She will guide you to press down and lift up and truly get connected to the Earth! ....and no complicated physics equations discussed. Experience physics through the practice!

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So, the next time you roll out your mat, remember the profound wisdom hidden in the simplicity of pressing down and lifting up! You don’t need to take a physics class to understand Newton’s 3rd law - just practice some yoga postures!

Categories: : Yoga Anatomy