Yoga Tip: Morning Yoga Flow

It's a chilly morning here in Germany, so I put together a five minute morning vinyasa to warm up the body. Suitable for all levels, but always remember to move in a pain-free range. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

PS- Subscribe to my YouTube channel to check out other videos and be notified when new videos post.​

Movement: On What You're Not Good At

The only way to get better is to practice, practice, practice. And then practice some more. ​My newest project is this hummingbird pose (sometimes called dragonfly pose). It's a great arm balance that uses core strength and the hips. I've got a long way to go on it- need to try to get my shoulders even and get that foot higher on my tricep so I'll continue to practice, practice practice. And then practice some more.

I'd love to know what you're working on- leave a comment below or tweet me.

Yoga Tip: Go With the Flow

Here's a three minute sun salute variation I put together this morning. Do not go into it cold- make sure you're warmed up! Most suitable for someone with a little more yoga experience, but beginners should feel free to give it a go - just remember to work within a pain-free range.​

PS: A couple other videos below (or you could subscribe to my YouTube Channel to check out my other videos and be updated when anything new posts). Have a wonderful weekend!​

An 8 minute morning yoga to wake the body up:​

A 15 minute afternoon flow to get the heart pumping:​

Yoga Tip: 3 Poses for Hips

Unfortunately, lots of people deal with tight hips and lower back problems​. People who sit most of the day at work, or people who are runners are especially prone to tight hips. Here are three poses that can give you a bit of relief. 

Supta Padangustasana- Start with a yoga strap (or a belt or tie will work, too). Lay on your mat. As you inhale, tilt the pelvis back so there is no space between your back and the mat. Inhale one leg up and wrap the strap around the foot. ​Gently pull with equal force. This stretches the hamstrings. Tight hamstrings often go hand in hand with tight hips. Stay here for about a minute, breathing deeply. Long inhales, long exhales.

​Gomukasana

​Gomukasana- Start by sitting in a comfortable position. Inhale and invite the left knee over the right. Intend to get the knees stacked, but don't worry if it doesn't happen right away. Always move in a pain-free range. When you've got the knees wherever they can go, it's time for the hands.

​Gomukasana hands with a strap

Inhale and raise the right hand to the sky, while the left arm extends down to the ground. Exhale and bend both elbows and intend for the hands to meet. If you can hold hands, great. If not, use a strap as shown. 

​Baddha konasana

Baddha Konasana- Start seated with your legs out in front of you. Inhale and bring your heels as close to the pelvis as you can. Exhale the knees out to the side. Inhale and tilt the pelvis forward for a long spine. ​Exhale and press the feet together. Inhale and peel the feet open like a book. Do not push your knees down. Let the knees come down to wherever they can. Always keep the outer edge of the feet on the mat. Breathe here for a minute or two and gently come out.

If it's available to you, you can inhale and get taller, then exhale and send the torso forward. Always maintain a long spine when doing this. ​

Hope that helps!​

Yoga Tip: For the Morning

​Here's a short morning routine you can do to awaken the body, open the heart and start your day off on the right foot. :) It's suitable for all levels and is about 10 minutes long. Hope you enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend!

Movement: Arm Balance

Keeping in the spirit of having a focus, this week I've been practicing more arm balances when on the mat. They definitely take a lot of practice and patience...and a day to recover- the core and those little muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles) really have to work in some of those poses. But it's great to feel challenged. ​

PS- More movement posts here.​