June 21 was World Yoga Day and I hope it inspired some of you to at least give it go
You don’t have to be bendy, fit or any particular shape or size and it doesn’t have to take an hour.
Try these seven postures daily for a week and feel the difference. You will improve your health, release tension, strengthen and stretch your body and move gently towards bliss.
Build to 10 steady breaths for the first 6; stay as long as you like in 7.
1. Vrksasana (Tree Pose): Start by resting your toe on the ground and work your way up as your balance improves. This posture will also work the hips and thighs.
2. Utkatasana (Mighty Pose): A great strength pose for the entire body, especially hips and thighs. Adjust to ensure your lower back and knees are comfortable.
3. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog): Stretch the back of legs, release tension from the neck, improve upper body strength and calm the nervous system as well as energise, and bring fresh blood to the head.
4. Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose): The front of the body gets a good stretch, but the greatest benefit for most people will be the effect it has on your back and spine.
5. Navasana (Boat Pose): If you don’t know what the benefits are after this posture, you must have abs of steel! Engage the pelvic floor, pull back the belly, stay lifted through the ribcage and keep the spine long. Start with bent knees.
6. Parivrtta Sukhasana (Revolved Easy Cross Legged): A hip and lower back stretch with the added benefits of a twist which will improve mobility into the spine and improve digestion by massaging the internal organs. You can use half or full Padmasana (lotus pose) if you are very flexible.
7. Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lay down for as long as you have time for, breathing deeply. Focus on the movement of the body as you breathe deeply, letting unwanted thoughts go if they pop into your head. Always come out of Savasana slowly.
