Yoga for Dummies

Me being the dummy.

I got a question from a friend / reader regarding the type of yoga that I practice. That makes me sound so accomplished and professional, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! I’m a beginner! Did you know that yoga is GREAT for flexibility and building long, lean muscle? In addition, it makes me feel GREAT. I mean, really great – centered, affirmed, and ready for the day. Here’s my routine, which I’ve started to do while my oatmeal is cooking every morning. Each pose should be held for approximately 10 counts.

 Sun Salutation, Step 1

1.       Stand with both feet touching. Bring your hands together, palm to palm, at the heart. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed. Exhale.

Sun Salutation, Step 2

2.       Raise your arms upward. Slowly bend backward, stretching arms above the head. Relax your neck. Inhale.

Bend Forward, Step 3

3.       Exhale while you slowly bend forward until your hands are in line with your feet, touching your head to your knees, if possible. Press your palms down, fingertips in line with toes (bend your knees if you have to), and touch the floor.

Lunge, Step 4

4.       Move your right leg back behind your body in a wide lunge. As you inhale, keep your hands and feet on the ground, with your left foot between your hands, and raise your head.

Plank, Step 5

5.       Bring your left foot together with your right foot.

Push Up, Step 6

6.       Exhale as you lower your body, resting on your forearms.

Upward Facing Dog, Step 7

7.       As you inhale, lower your pelvis to the ground and raise your hand and bend backward as far as possible, while straightening your arms.

 Downward Dog, Step 8

8.       Putting your hand on the ground and keeping your arms straight, raise your hips and align your head with your arms.

 Lunge, Step 9

9.       Slowly inhale and bend your right leg to take a wide forward step. Keeping your hands firmly on the ground, place your right foot between your hands and lift your head up.

 Bend Forward, Step 10

10.   Keeping your hands in place, bring both feet together. Straighten your legs but keep your waist bent and upper body lowered. Touch your head to your knees, if possible. Exhale.

 Sun Salutation, Step 11

11.   Slowly rise, straightening your back into a standing pose. Bend backward, stretching your arms above your head as you inhale.

 Mountain Pose, Step 12

12.   Return to Step 1. Exhale.

 I hope that you will join me each morning while your oatmeal is cooking!

 

This post got me thinking about other questions ya'll might have about my eating, my journey, or my life. Ask away! Obviously I'm an open book, and hope to help at least one person out there, by making their own journey a little bit easier.