Thursday, August 16, 2012

Yoga Moves That'll Relax You When You Have Absolutely Zero Time to Relax


Because so many of us really just don't, Kimberly Fowler, founder of YAS Fitness Center, shared three yoga poses that are quick, easy, and practically guaranteed to get you to relax. "All of these will you unwind and relax your body," she says. "Once the body is relaxed, the mind will follow. The most important thing to remember is to breathe the entire time you're in the pose. Focus on the muscle group you're working and breathe air to each area."

Hero Pose
This move helps loosen your legs and ease your knees, Fowler says. Here's how to do it:

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  • Drop to your knees and bring them knees together.
  • Bring your feet straight back behind you, a little wider than your hips (your heels should touch the outside of your hips).
  • Your toes and the tops of your feet should be flat on the floor; sit back between your feet.
  • Bring your chest up, sit up straight.
  • Place your hands on your thighs.
  • Hold for 45 second to one minute.
Cobbler Pose
This pose opens and stretches your hips, your lower back and your inner thighs. Focus on keeping your back straight and don't force yourself to stretch harder than is comfortable.

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  • Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you.
  • Bring the soles of your feet together and your knees wide apart.
  • Bring your heels of your feet toward your body.
  • Sit up straight, grab your feet for leverage, take a breath in and on your exhale hinge forward from your hips.
  • Keep your back straight to get the maximum benefit from the pose.
Seated Forward Bend
This pose releases your back and stretches your bottom (hey, it needs stretching too!).

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  • Sit on the floor with your legs together and straight in front of you.
  • Sit up straight.
  • Reach your arms up to the ceiling.
  • Hinge at your hips and try to reach your toes.
  • Try to grab your feet. If you can't, you can use a strap or towel to help out.
  • Hold for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Ahhh. Now go on about your day :)

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