I have a shocking confession to make.
I have dreaded yoga and meditation a thousand times. Surprising words from a dedicated yoga teacher? Yes, I have dreaded yoga and meditation a thousand times, but I have never once regretted it. Resistance to the practice is something we might not expect, and when it arises it can really pull us off the mat or meditation cushion if we aren’t ready for it.
Benefits:
Helps strengthen the leg.
Stretches the thighs and knees.
Improves balance.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start standing on one leg, other leg bent.
Bent leg comes up like tree pose.
Reach down and pull foot across standing leg. Rest foot/ankle on thigh.
Keep foot flexed, not pointed.
Hands can be on hips -- wherever is most comfortable.
Pelvis is in a natural position.
Great side opener.
Helps tone core.
Strengthens back.
Start standing in Tadasana with arms above head and fingers interlaced.
Gently bend to one side, make sure not to force body over.
Keep feet firmly planted on the ground, legs are engaged.
Belly is toned and pelvis is in a natural position.
Head is looking forward, in natural position.
Benefits:
Can help relieve stress and mild depression.
Stretches the shoulders, and hamstrings.
Strengthens shoulders and arms.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start by laying down on stomach.
Pick upper body up and use forearms to hold it up.
Can stay on knees or lift up legs and put weight on tucked toes.
Palms are flat on ground for extra balance.
Keep shoulder back and away from ears.
Can be looking down or straight ahead.
Benefits:
Can help improve posture.
Stretches organs, belly and stomach muscles.
Strengthens back and neck muscles.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Your base includes, your legs, forearms, and back of head.
Start sitting up, place palms face down next to hips, slowly lean back onto forearms, and then rest head on ground.
Knees can be bent.
Weight is on forearms, not head.
Keep shoulders back and away from ears.
Benefits:
Can help improve balance.
Stretches shoulders and chest.
Will help strengthen legs and ankles.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Foot flat on the ground .
Standing leg is engaged and straight.
Second leg is bent and hand from same side of body is holding on to it.
Raise bent leg up and back.
Hand can be gripping top of foot or inner side of foot.
Free hand is straight in front of body for balance.
Benefits:
One of the best hip openers.
Helps tone core.
Great beginning stretch for straddle splits.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Foundation includes your forearms, and your legs.
The purpose of the pose is not to be flat on the ground, but to stretch the inner thighs.
Upper body is supported by the forearms.
Legs are separated and bent at the knees, make sure they are pointing straight back.
Keep legs activated.
Helps stretch inner thighs and knees.
Can also help relieve stress, mild depression, and menstruation.
Great relaxation pose but can also be a deep stretch.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Laying flat on back, make sure to keep natural curve in neck and back.
Pelvis is in a neutral position.
Knees are bent and bottom of feet are pressed together.
Barefoot and pregnant? Get that yoga mat out for this helpful and easy-to-do prenatal yoga.
It’s officially summer; hibernation is over. Like other creatures, humans get out and about more during summer, and socializing becomes a favorite way to spend days in the summer heat. The warm weather gets people outside and brightens their mood, which lays the groundwork for prime friend-making season! It’s hard to make new friends, especially as adults, when we are no longer part of the built in social circles of school or summer camp. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t forge some meaningful connections. Summer means the blue skies have opened up, but you should, too!