Hi Everyone! I’m Natasha, a certified yoga instructor in the Smyrna-Vinings area. I love practicing and teaching all types of yoga throughout the year, but one of my favorite seasons is summer. This is an excellent time to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and add more movement to your routine.
Practice these 3 stretches to stay cool, relaxed, and rejuvenated this summer:
Wide-legged forward fold
Start by standing tall and place your feet about 3-4 feet apart with your toes facing forward. Place your hands on your hips and fold your torso down towards the floor. As you approach the floor, place your hands down in front of you or reach out and grab your big toes.
Pro tip: Interlace your fingers behind your back and reach your arms away from your body for an added upper body stretch.
Hold for at least 3-5 breaths. Exit the pose by bringing your hands back to your hips and slowly lifting your torso upright. Walk your feet back together to return to standing tall.
Butterfly Pose
Sit tall and place the soles of your feet together, opening your knees out wide. Wrap your hands around your feet and press your knees down towards the floor.
Pro tip: Customize the pose by (1) folding your torso over your feet to deepen the stretch in your hips and low back, or (2) placing blocks or rolled blankets under each hip to give your body more support.
Hold for 3-5 breaths. Exit the pose by sitting tall and closing your knees together.
Supine Twist
Start by lying on your back and hug your right knee in toward your chest. Cross your knee over your midline towards the floor on the left side of your body. Place your arms out wide and turn to look over your right shoulder.
Pro tip: Place a pillow or bolster under your right knee to make this pose more relaxing and restorative.
Hold for 3-5 breaths. Exit the pose by bringing your knee back into the center of your body and extending your leg back down to your mat. Repeat on the left side.
Pull these poses together into a mini-sequence by setting an intention for your practice and breathing deeply into each pose. Give yourself gratitude and enjoy the benefits of your practice!
natashajonesyoga@gmail.com
IG: natashajonesyoga
