Relaxing Yoga Moves to De-Stress - Recovering from Tax Day is a two-step fitness process. Yesterday included a sweaty interval-circuit workout to help release all pent-up aggressions. But today, it's time to recover, restore and renew with yoga.
Anna Dioguardi, certified instructor at YogaWorks in New York City, put together a restorative yoga flow that will help relieve any lingering post-Tax Day stress. Best part... it's free!
To maximize the stress-busting benefits, hold each pose for 5 minutes. (Anna recommends using the Insight Timer app: set 5 minute intervals and allow the gentle chime to notify you to move into the next position.)
Vipariti Kirani (Legs Up the Wall):
Begin lying on the floor with a blanket under the hips. The upper body remains on the floor, hips against the wall and legs extended up the wall, making an L shape with your body. This particular restorative pose slows down the heart rate and reduces swelling in the ankles or legs from standing or sitting all day. It's also a great way to practice inversions in a more relaxing way (versus Downward Facing Dog, Handstands and other poses where your hips are above your heart).
Supta Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle pose):
Begin lying on the floor with a blanket rolled up under the back (the long way so it lines with your spine). Plant the soles of the feet together like frogs legs with heels near the groin, relax the arms at your side, wider than shoulder distance, and relax the shoulders towards the floor. Take the end of the blanket and fold it under as a pillow for your head. This pose is a chest opener, helping you to breathe better and fuller. It is also a hip opener, reducing tension in the groin. Focus on your breath to reduce anxiety.
Savasana (Corpse pose):
Lay flat on the back with a rolled up blanket under the knees to help the lower back to relax. This is one of the most important yoga poses we can practice. It helps to lengthen the spine and gives our minds and bodies a chance to rest. Palms face open in a receiving position to remind us to relax and let go. ( SELF magazine )
Anna Dioguardi, certified instructor at YogaWorks in New York City, put together a restorative yoga flow that will help relieve any lingering post-Tax Day stress. Best part... it's free!
To maximize the stress-busting benefits, hold each pose for 5 minutes. (Anna recommends using the Insight Timer app: set 5 minute intervals and allow the gentle chime to notify you to move into the next position.)
Vipariti Kirani (Legs Up the Wall):
Begin lying on the floor with a blanket under the hips. The upper body remains on the floor, hips against the wall and legs extended up the wall, making an L shape with your body. This particular restorative pose slows down the heart rate and reduces swelling in the ankles or legs from standing or sitting all day. It's also a great way to practice inversions in a more relaxing way (versus Downward Facing Dog, Handstands and other poses where your hips are above your heart).
Supta Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle pose):
Begin lying on the floor with a blanket rolled up under the back (the long way so it lines with your spine). Plant the soles of the feet together like frogs legs with heels near the groin, relax the arms at your side, wider than shoulder distance, and relax the shoulders towards the floor. Take the end of the blanket and fold it under as a pillow for your head. This pose is a chest opener, helping you to breathe better and fuller. It is also a hip opener, reducing tension in the groin. Focus on your breath to reduce anxiety.
Savasana (Corpse pose):
Lay flat on the back with a rolled up blanket under the knees to help the lower back to relax. This is one of the most important yoga poses we can practice. It helps to lengthen the spine and gives our minds and bodies a chance to rest. Palms face open in a receiving position to remind us to relax and let go. ( SELF magazine )
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