08/26/2021
Think it's too hot to practice in these 'dog days' of summer?
Here are 5 poses-all with variations-to get you energized and back on the mat. Try moving dynamically in/out of the pose, breathe with the movement, then hold the pose, but not your breath!
1. Child's pose-move dynamically, in/out, with padding under your knees, hands in fists or blocks under your hands. Can't bear weight on your knees? Recline on your back, and hold your bent legs and 'float' them forward and back
2. Plank pose-great to strengthen abs and wrists. Rest knees down, hands in fists or on forearms. Move in/out from a table top shape, on hands and knees
3. Cobra pose-widen the hands/arms or rest on forearms in a 'sphinx' position.
4. Downward Facing Dog-hands against a wall, or use a table, chair or another piece of furniture. On the mat, rest on fists or forearms as variations. Knees slightly bent for low back issues
5. Tree-start with bent leg, toes down and heel above opposite inner ankle to build strength and confidence. Other variations: stand against a wall, with your bent knee against the wall, or hold a chair/table. Play with different arm positions, too!
You don't need to be a yogi or yogini to reap the benefits of yoga. Here's how to get started.
