As a yoga teacher I see every day how important it is for my clients to move their bodies in different directions. So many of us go through our days either upright, walking or sitting at a desk. Our bodies are made to move backwards and forwards, sideways and twisting. When we don’t move in all these directions regularly we feel stiff, tense and can start to develop discomfort in our bodies.
You don’t need to spend an hour a day stretching, although ‘I wish I didn’t go to yoga’ said no one ever! All it takes is a regular 5 – 10 minutes in the morning and/or evening practicing a couple of yoga stretches to keep the awesome machine, we call our body, well oiled.
1. Simple triangle pose is a side body stretch which opens up your side waist. Don’t fret if you feel very tight along your sides, there are no prizes for the winner in yoga, it’s a healing practice and what is best for your body today is paramount. Step your feet wide apart turning your right foot to 90 degrees then reach your arms out to the sides at shoulder height. As you bend at the right waist reach your right hand forward and drop that hand to your leg for support, all the while stretching your left hand to the ceiling. Turn your gaze upwards or look straight in front of you. Take 2 – 3 breaths and release the pose, repeating on the left side. Practice both sides 2 – 3 times.
2. For all us desk dwellers backward bending is crucial to counteract the hunched up sitting position we find ourselves in the majority of the day. A gentle cobra pose is perfect: lie on your front and place your hands underneath your shoulders with your forehead on the floor. As you inhale gently lift your head and upper body, pressing lightly through your hands, to feel the chest and shoulder opening stretch. Take a few deep breaths, lower your head and repeat 5 times.
3. Twisting is excellent for your spine and your internal organs. For this wide legged standing twist step your feet wide apart and keep them parallel, place your hands on your hips as you bend forward, keeping your spine long. When you reach the comfortable maximum in your stretch reach your right hand to your left leg, ankle or foot (depending on flexibility) and twist your torso, stretching your left hand up to the ceiling and taking your gaze upwards. Take 2 – 3 deep breaths and swap sides. Repeat 5 times.
Once complete take a minute to lie flat on your back and breathe feeling the openness and ease you’ve created in your body.
Written by Gemma Ford
Instagram: @gemmajaneford
Twitter: @fitwimbledon
Facebook: @GemmaJFord
YouTube: @LoveYogaOnline
About The Author
Gemma Ford
Gemma is a qualified yoga teacher and intuitive life coach. After receiving her training in India and Los Angeles she settled in South West London where she teaches yoga via her YouTube channel as well as coaching locally and internationally. Gemma loves to teach and support her clients to reach their highest potential in health, wealth and happiness.