Don’t feel like going to Yoga? That’s ok. I’ve been there, so I definitely hear you! Sometimes I think ‘I just can’t be bothered with practice today’, so I turn on some soothing sounds and rest in Savasana (below). Yoga is not about going to class every day, it’s about honouring yourself, and how you are feeling on any given day.
Perhaps you just want to chill out in front of the television and watch your favourite shows?! You know what is best for you, so do that.
Here are some yoga poses for ‘those’ days when turning up for class just isn’t going to happen. Try one (or all) of these poses, they can seriously lift your energy and make you feel good.
FYI ALL of these poses can be practiced while watching your favourite shows.
Utkatasana – Chair Pose
When you are practicing Chair pose, you are bringing insight to how your entire body is feeling. Not only are you in standing squat, you are using your core and proper alignment, which is beneficial to every part of your body.
To start – Stand with feet a hip distance apart with your hands on your hips. Then engage your core and bend your knees.
That’s it. Nothing else.
You can reach your fingertips to the ceiling if you like, but if that makes you feel wobbly, perhaps stand against a wall for support.
What else is this pose great for?
- Toning of the muscles around the ankles, hips and knees.
- Helps to strengthen your thighs
- Opens up chest and shoulders
- Fantastic Achilles stretch
Dandasana – Staff Pose
Staff pose is incredibly powerful for your body, its looks so easy, yet there is a lot going on.
Your body is in a “L” shape – Looks easy, yes, yet requires core engagement for proper alignment/posture, for strengthening and lengthening back muscles, shoulders and chest.
To Start – Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. Place your palms down on the floor, arms nice and straight, and keep your spine long. Flex your feet, and engage your core, as this will literally establish the entire pose.
Some of the many benefits-
- Stretches your hamstrings.
- Helps improve posture.
- Strengthens back muscles and hip flexors.
- Improves core stability.
Baddha Konasana – Bound Angle Pose/Butterfly Pose
Butterfly pose is a simple and highly effective yoga pose which is great for beginners. It’s fantastic for core conditioning, while at the same time calming for your body.
To Start – From a seated position, bend your knees out to the sides, and bring the soles of your feet together so they touch, hold onto your ankles and sit as tall as you can. If you feel like a bit more, wrap your hands around the balls of your feet, sit up tall and lean your torso forward, whilst making sure that knees are actively wide at the same time.
Some of the many benefits –
- Improves flexibility in the hips.
- Stretches the whole body.
- Can aid with digestion.
- Helps with fatigue.
Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall)
Legs Up The Wall, is a restorative yoga pose that allows your mind and the body to relax. You can give yourself permission to completely let go physically, mentally, and spiritually.
To Start – Lay on your side with your buttocks touching the wall so you look like a sideways ‘L’. Roll onto your back, with your legs facing straight along the wall and buttocks pressed flat against it. Knees can be bent or legs straight – it’s totally up to you.
That’s it, so easy.
How else this pose help?
- It’s so relaxing!
- You can learn meditative breathing.
- It has such a calming effect and can help with anxiety.
- Can help soothe swollen or cramped feet and legs.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana is easiest yoga pose in the world.
Just lay down and breathe.
Pop some soothing music on and let the world just float on by.
Benefits – EVERYTHING!
Always be kind to yourself, move with ease and grace. You are the most important person in your life.
Namaste.
