Instant Yoga: Morning Stretch Oct, 2006 by Gail Agas
Begin your day feeling refreshed and composed: These simple yoga poses will "gently stimulate your back and abdominal muscles, loosen your neck and shoulders, and awaken your spirit to create a feeling of connection with your body and breath," says fitness and wellness expert Kathy Smith, who recently released the Matrix Method workout DVD.
DOG AND CAT TILTS
Get down on your hands and knees, with your knees directly below your hips and your wrists directly below your shoulders. Spread your fingers apart and press your palms and fingers firmly into the floor.
As you inhale, tilt your pelvis forward and draw your shoulders back, lifting your sitting bones. Open your chest, gazing forward and up.
As you exhale, reverse this movement, drawing your tailbone down and under while pressing more firmly through your hands and gently rounding your spine toward the ceiling.
Continue for 5 more cycles, initiating each movement with your breath and gradually deepening the two stretches.
THE WISDOM POSE
Sit on your knees and shins, with your knees hip-distance apart and your toes together. Lower your hips onto your heels and rest your chest on your thighs. Reach behind and place your arms on the floor at your sides.
Relax and release your forehead, shoulders, belly, and hips toward the floor. Take 3 slow breaths and focus on the rhythm of your inhalations and exhalations.
Copyright 2006 Weider Publications Copyright 2006 Gale Group
Don't miss out on other great natural health tips! Subscribe to the Natural Health Girl Newsletter.
