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Get Centered and Aligned: The Joys of Yoga
Posted on June 21, 2024 by Rachel Slack
Yoga – it’s not just a fad, it’s a lifestyle! This ancient practice is taking the world by storm, and for good reason. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or brand new to the mat, the benefits of yoga are endless.
From increased flexibility and strength to improved mental clarity and stress relief, yoga has something to offer everyone. Imagine being able to touch your toes with ease, hold a handstand, or find complete calm in the midst of a busy day. With regular practice, all of this and more can be yours!
What’s even better? Yoga is something the whole family can enjoy. Kids love the playful poses and games, while adults relish the quiet moments of meditation. It’s the perfect activity to bring everyone together and cultivate a sense of community.
Unroll your mat, grab some blocks, grab some resistance bands, and maybe even a peanut. Then, take a deep breath, and let the transformative power of yoga work its magic. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you. Trust us, once you experience the joy of yoga, you’ll be hooked for life!
Ready to get started? Check out our beginner’s guide. Your journey to a happier, healthier you starts today!
Downward Facing Dog: This is one of the most popular poses in yoga. Start on your hands (placed at shoulder-width apart and below your shoulders) and knees, then, press down into your hands as you use your core and legs to lift your behind high into the sky (like a dog stretching). As you progress with your yoga journey, you will be able to start in a lying down position, tuck your toes, and push yourself up into the down dog pose.
Downward Facing Dog Split: This is more advanced that the standard down dog pose. Start by getting into the down dog position, and then slowly lift one leg up, keeping your knee slightly bent. Then, you can bring that leg back down to the original down dog pose, and bring the other leg up. This posture helps build core strength. Don’t worry about how high you can lift your leg. Pay attention on keeping your weight evenly in both hands rooted on the floor.
Cat-Cow Stretch: For this pose, start by kneeling and place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart. When you inhale, curve your lower back pushing down towards your stomach and lift your head up (cow). When you exhale, bring your stomach in and push up your spine into an arch and bring your head down (cat). This helps with spinal extension & spinal flexion. This movement warms the back and is an introduction to coordinating your movements to your breath.
Cobra Pose: This pose is a part of the vinyasa sequence. Start by lying on your stomach. Using your hands, push your upper body up and face forward or you can look up. A full extended cobra with straight arms allows a deeper backbend. You may build more back strength by doing low Cobras – this happens by lifting your chest without pressing into your hands.
Cobbler’s Pose: Make sure to sit up tall and bring your feet in as close to your body as possible. This is gravity at its finest helping you stretch your inner thighs. If it’s too hard you may opt to sitting on a block or cushion. This will allow you to raise your hips so your knees can open more naturally.
Supine Spinal Twist: This is one of my favorite stretches! Start by laying on your back and your arms laid out to the sides (forming a letter T). Bring your first knee up close to your chest, while you other leg stays straight. Then, bring you knee that is up across the other straight leg. Place the opposite hand on this knee and pull down, looking at the opposite hand. Hold this pose, and then release it back to your T. Then, do the same actions on the opposite side. The position of the legs can vary so it is up to you. You can bend them both; you can straighten the top leg, or you can twist the legs around one another but maintain the accuracy of keeping your knees in line with the waist.
Here is a collection of our favorite products to get you going on your yoga journey:
- Trigger Point Ball
- Peanut Massage Ball
- Grip Strengtheners
- Resistance Bands
- Yoga Mat
- Yoga Ball
- Yoga Block
- Yoga Socks
Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Physical Fitness!
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