Let’s be honest: as we move through 2019 many of us can get easily distracted with notification after notification. We’re connected 24/7 to our smartphones and other tech devices that bombard us with information and reminders of the convenient pleasures of instant gratification.
When the Gods are in celestial sleep and the Dakshinayana begins, it's a good time to begin a metabolism-boosting yoga regimen—especially since June 21st is also International Yoga Day.
Benefits:
Helps strengthen Arms.
Improves balance.
Helps prepare from more advanced arm balances.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start sitting on knees. Put hands on ground in front of body fingers pointing towards knees. Bend at elbows and rest upper body on top of upper arms.
Body is in a straight line
Benefits:
Stretches legs and pelvis.
Opens chest.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start sitting with legs in a “butterfly” position.
Feet are pressing together in front of body.
Feet are as close to pelvis as aloud.
Legs and knees are relaxed.
Belly is engaged to help keep body straight.
Benefits:
Is a gentle backbend.
Can help open chest.
Strengthens arms.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Can start lying down or in a plank position. Bring your knees, chest, and chin to the ground.
Rest of body (besides hands and feet) is not touching ground.
Feet are flexed and the balls of your feet are your base.
Most of us do not associate yoga with weight loss. That’s where we err. While yoga may not be a sweat-inducing, muscle-punishing workout, it does aid in weight loss. Here’s how you can use yoga to target belly fat…
If you have ever joined yoga classes, chances are you are familiar with the whole jingbang of yoga props. From yoga blocks to mats, straps to bolsters, and of course, the ever-present yoga mats. Most of these accessories are also a bit dear on the pocket, especially if color, design, or eco-friendliness enters the picture.
Benefits:
Massages the internal organs.
Good post for teaching the fundamentals of twists.
Stretches the muscles of the back and front torso.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Sitting bones, thighs and outer feet form the base.
Outsides of the feet press into the floor.
Pelvis is square to the front of the mat.
Belly is toned.
Benefits:
Great twist for the spine that is easy and in which you can teach the principles of twists safely.
Stretches the hamstrings.
Good opening for the shoulder girdle.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Feet are a wide distance apart and parallel to one another.
Feet are active, arches are lifting. Leg muscles are engaged, straight if available if not keep bent.
Sacrum is parallel to the earth.
Benefits:
Great pose if you have a stiff back or sciatica.
Chest is expanded, enhances breathing.
Helps strengthen the back of the body, legs, back, arms, and shoulders.
Foundation and General Alignment:
Hands are shoulders distance apart, elbows are over the wrists, forearms perpendicular to the floor.
Feet are hips distance apart. Toes are flat on the floor pointed away.