Are you still feeling completely drained from summer and really in need of a cleanse? Even as a trainer, I struggle to slow down in the fall. It’s a sin for anyone to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the end of summer and the beginning of fall, exhausted mentally and physically. why? First, eating out and socializing more often means more inflammatory foods and less mental energy. Second, I’m not physically active because I have limited time on my jam-packed social calendar. With little time to recharge, your body is screaming to hit the ‘reset’ button. We’ve rounded up the three best yoga exercises to re-energize your body.
For those of you who don’t know yet, yoga has an incredible number of benefits, including improving flexibility, strengthening and toning muscles, boosting energy, maintaining a balanced metabolism, and improving athletic performance. has the advantage of A study from Ohio State University found that regular yoga exercises may reduce the number of compounds in the blood, reducing inflammation that normally increases with stress and aging. Keep reading to learn all about the three best yoga practices to do.
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This first yoga pose massages the internal organs, improves spinal mobility, aids digestion, and relieves back pain. First, sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the mat next to your left knee. Raise and lower your right arm and place your hand on the mat behind you with your arm extended to lift your upper body and maintain the position. Then, inhale your left arm up. As you exhale, bend your elbows and tuck your right knee in to the outside while rotating your torso and looking at the wall behind you. Hold for three breaths, lifting with each inhalation and rotating slightly with each exhalation. Finish with a counter-twist in the opposite direction and repeat on the other side. *Note: If you are pregnant, do a counter-twist instead with your shoulders and hips facing in the same direction.
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Not only does this pose improve balance, focus, and body awareness, it also opens your chest and shoulders while strengthening your lower body and core. Tighten and start moving. Bring your hands together and slowly lift your left thigh as you shift your weight onto your right leg and wrap it around your right leg once or twice. Once your lower body is stable, extend your arms and wrap your left arm under your right, palms together. Pull your elbows away from your body and slowly begin to bend them slightly back, then sit deep in your lower body and bring your elbows closer to your knees. Squeeze your core and hold for three breaths. When you’re done, exit as slowly as you entered. Repeat on the other side.
The last of our top three yoga exercises for reducing inflammation is Legs Up the Wall. This restorative pose is great for releasing lymph flow, circulation, back tension, stretching your legs, and relaxing your mind. bend your knees. Then, slowly extend your legs toward the wall and lie on your back. Try to get as close to the wall as possible. Melt your upper body into the mat and relax your arms into a comfortable position. Hold for 10 minutes (maximum 20 minutes). To come out of the pose, roll to one side and lower your legs into a fetal position before sitting fully down. *Note: It is recommended to avoid this during menstruation or during the menstrual cycle.
Then bring your hands to the center of your heart to seal the practice. Always be healthy and happy, Namaste!
Jackie Smith
Jacquie Smith is an IIN Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and fitness instructor who specializes in barre, yoga, and prenatal and postnatal workouts.Read more about Jackie
