Tara Stiles, yoga instructor and owner of Strala Yoga,
created a fresh workout for GL. Repeat it all the way through on both sides a
few times a week (staying in each pose for 3 to 5 breaths)—you’ll look great
and feel less stressed.
Standing Forward Bend
Inhale and lift your arms up over your head. Exhale and fold
forward, bending at the waist. Interlace your fingers behind your back,
straighten your arms and relax your shoulders.
Plank
Get into pushup position. Use your ab and butt muscles to
stay straight, and don’t let your belly dip or your butt fly up.
Up Dog
Start in a plank. Uncurl your toes (you’ll support yourself
on the tops of your feet), lower your butt down and let your back arch. Bend
your elbows a bit, relax your shoulders and lift your chest up.
Down Dog
From up dog, tuck your toes under so your feet are flat on the
ground (or as close as possible). Lift your hips into the air. Keep your back
straight and strong.
Down Dog Split with
Open Hips
From down dog, inhale and lift your right leg up in the air
behind you. Open your hips and shoulders to face the right and bend your knee
behind you to open the hips even more.
Down Dog Split with
Square Hips
Keep the right leg lifted high and square off your hips, so
the toes point down toward the ground. Flex your foot and reach through your
heel.
Knee to Forehead
From the down dog split, lift your right knee and try to
touch it to your forehead.
Low Lunge
Now, place your right foot between your hands and move into
a low lunge.
Warrior III
From the low lunge, shift your weight onto your right leg
and stand up. Extend your left leg behind you, keeping your hips square on the
floor. If you feel stable, reach your arms out in front of you. Wobbly? Keep
your fingers on the floor.
Tree
From Warrior III, stand up and place your left leg on the
ground. Open the left knee out to the side. Grab your left ankle with your left
hand and press it into your upper thigh. Reach your arms over your head or keep
your hands in a prayer position. Repeat the routine on the other side.
BY TARA STILES AND KATIE ABBONDANZA ON 5/24/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN mind/motivation, yoga, workouts, yoga workouts, April/May 2011