Yoga isn’t just a great way to de-stress; it also tones the body, reduces chronic pain and improves posture, builds strength, and creates a deeper mind/body connection. There are several different levels and types of yoga that are all great ways to get a whole body workout. Here are some different methods you can try to get your yoga fix:
Try The Rec. Center! The Rec offers several different yoga classes including Fitness Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Warm Yoga. For a complete schedule of fall fitness classes go to the Rec. Center website.
Try Hulu! Crunched for time and can’t get to the gym? Hulu has free yoga videos that you can do right in the comfort of your dorm room or apartment!
Try Mandy’s at home poses! Shape.com & celebrity yoga instructor, Mandy Ingber, shares 4 yoga poses to help you feel better right now at home:
1) The Best Yoga Pose When Your Stressed: Tree Pose
Why it works: “Balance yogapostures like this one require your complete focus, and that takes your mind off whatever’s making you frazzled.”
How to do it: Stand with your right foot on the inside of left calf or thigh, knee pointing out. Place your hands in prayer position in front of your chest, palms together, and hold for 3 breaths. Slowly raise your arms overhead [shown] and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.
2) The Best Yoga Pose When You’re Angry: Twisting Lunge
Why it works: “When you’re irritated, toxins build up in your liver; this yoga pose literally ‘wrings’ them out and massages your organs to help you calm down—I’ve felt it work!”
How to do it: Lunge forward with right leg until thigh is parallel to floor. Place left palm next to inside of right foot, and extend right arm up, rotating shoulders and right palm upward. Look up at hand [shown]. Hold for 5 breaths; repeat on opposite side.
3) The Best Yoga Pose When You’re Sad: Camel
Why it works: “This yogapose helps open up your lungs so you can breathe deeply, which increases oxygen levels in your blood. That elevates your mood and makes you feel better.”
How to do it: Kneel with legs shoulder-width apart, arch back, and reach hands behind you to grasp your heels. Push your hips forward so they’re aligned with knees and relax your head and neck [shown]. Hold for 30 seconds and remember to breathe deeply.
4) The Best Yoga Pose When You’re Tired: Shoulder Stand
Why it works: “From this yoga position you’ll increase the blood flow to your brain, which will boost your energy.”
How to do it: Lie face-up with arms at sides, palms on mat, and pull knees in toward chest. Press palms down as you raise hips and extend legs straight up, placing your hands on the small of your back for support [shown].
photo credit: google images