The change of season can bring on ‘flus, hay fever and a lack of motivation, as the colder weather moves in. Do you want to keep your limbs loving you this winter? Here are a couple of living room yoga postures to try out:
Standing Forward Bend
This stretch is quite simple, but requires a lot of practice to reap its full benefits. Standing with feet hip width apart, place your hands flat on the ground. Gently straighten you legs as much as you can, keep your hands flat on the ground. Hold for a number of breaths, stretching out your lower back after a long day of sitting or as a post work out stretch.
Shoulder Stand
Lying flat on your back, gently shift your legs over your head until your toes touch the ground. Once your feet are on the ground, support your back with your hands, as high up your back as possible. From here, lift your legs straight in the air. Straighten and lengthen out your body. This is a really great inversion to get the blood flowing!
Wheel Pose
This one is great to stretch out your entire back and shoulders. Lying on the ground, feet hip width apart, place your hands on either side of your head. As you breathe in, lift to the crown of your head and adjust your stance. Take a breath and lift all the way up, supported by your feet and arms. Shift your body slightly forward and hold this position for 6 breaths. Gently release from upper to lower back on to the ground and move your knees side to side to release any tension in the lower back.
Extended Triangle Pose
Have your back foot at a 90-degree angle with the front foot facing straight ahead, front knee bent in an open lunge pose, with arms stretched out either side. Once established, straighten the front knee and reach the torso and front arm forward. Bend to the side, arms in a direct straight line, with your head reaching forward. Stay suspended in this triangle shape, feeling a stretch in your side body.
Check out these awesome yoga studios if these moves really inspire:
Power Yoga Canberra
1 Oatley Court, Belconnen & 45 East Row, Canberra City
www.poweryogacanberra.com.au
Moving Om
Barr Smith Avenue, Bonython
www.movingom.com.au
Flourish Yoga
28 Mort Street, Braddon
www.flourishyoga.com.au