So, you are always hearing about how "great" yoga is, right? How good of a stretch it gives you, how relaxing it is, how well it gets your body in shape. Well, you hear correctly! It is actually a really good workout, especially if running on the treadmil is not all too appealing to you. You may never do the crazy balancing poses, but once you get a hang of the basics, you will feel stronger, leaner, more flexible, and of course ready to rock your new formal dress!
Fitness Magazine recommended some simple yoga poses that you can try to get you started and on the way to a more flexible you! Check them out below:
1. Mountain Pose
Stand tall with feet together, shoulders relaxed, weight evenly distributed through your soles, and arms at sides.
Take a deep breath and raise your hands overhead, palms facing each other with arms straight. Reach up toward the sky with your fingertips.
Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders and knees under hips.
Walk hands a few inches forward and press palms into mat with fingers spread wide.
Curl toes under and press hips toward ceiling, bringing your body into an inverted V, pressing shoulders away from ears. Feet should be hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
Hold for 3 full breaths.
3. Warrior
Stand with legs 3 - 4 feet apart, turning right foot out 90 degrees and left foot in slightly.
Bring hands to your hips and relax your shoulders, then extend arms out to the sides, palms down.
Bend right knee 90 degrees, keeping knee over ankle; gaze out over right hand. Stay for 1 minute.
Switch sides and repeat.
If you're looking for more yoga inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to check out - people post a slew of pictures on the site of various poses. In fact, all of the pictures above came from pins and re-pins on Pinterest! So, Downward Dog and pin away!
Do you have a favorite yoga pose? Let us know in the comments!
