Think you don't have time to do yoga? Well, you're wrong. Just because you can't get out of work early enough to make it to a 90-minute power yoga class before you drop dead from hunger and exhaustion -- or before True Blood is on -- doesn't mean you can't take advantage of some of the benefits of a regular yoga practice. Even doing five poses a day -- as little as five minutes -- can have a profound effect on your well being. With five poses, you can undo the day's stresses, unwind tight muscles, have a chance to be still and quiet, practice deep breathing and regain centered positivity. Choose your poses based on how you're feeling on a particular day -- tired or invigorated -- or based on what parts of your body are the tightest. Find a quiet place and commit to your practice for as long as it lasts, focusing on deep, controlled breathing. Hold each pose for one minute. Below are some suggestions for poses with links to Yoga Journal's description of how to do them:
Forward bend - Relaxing posture to open op the hamstrings and get blood flow to the head. Take hold of your big toes and make it an active posture, or simply allow your arms to hang loosely and relax.
Pigeon pose - Opens up the hips -- a common tight spot for most people -- and the hip flexors. Keep the pose active when you're feeling energetic by extending your arms straight in front of you, or fold your arms and rest your forehead on them when you're feeling low energy.
Hero pose - Stretches the knees and helps repair damage. Start sitting Japanese style, if you have stiff knees, and then move into the full version of the pose. Back off if you feel any pain. Stay here for up to five minutes, berating deeply and extending the crown of your head up to the ceiling.
Seated twist - Good for the digestive system and the spine; tones and strengthens the core.
Camel pose - Strengthens the back and glutes, and stretches the abdominal muscles. Begin by supporting yourself with your hands on your low back; when you feel comfortable, move into the full pose. If you can't hold the pose for one minute, do two sets of 30 seconds.
Better Health in 5 Minutes a Day
10.21.2011 / In Health, Fitness / by
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