We’ve got more healthy holidays tips for you! I hope you’re finding some tranquility among the season’s many must-dos. Be sure to take a deep breath, indulge in self-care, load up on yummy greens and keep your body supple during this oh-so-festive time of the year. This week’s dose is two poses that are easily done while on the go.
Begin in a stable standing position that is evenly rooted on both feet (mountain pose). Inhale, hook your thumbs, reach your arms forward and up toward the sky as you take a gentle backbend. Gaze toward your thumbs, scoop your tailbone, and round your upper and middle back slightly. Keep your lower back long without rounding and draw your tailbone toward your pubic bone. Activate your legs by lifting your kneecaps.
Exhale, bend your knees, interlace your hands and sweep your arms over your head as you fold forward. Bring your clasped hands toward the floor and straighten your legs if it feels comfortable. If not, keep a slight bend in the knees to release any lower back tension. Continue this movement back and forth with your breath. Inhale into your gentle backbend, exhale into your forward fold. Repeat five to 20 times and relish in the awakening that this forward and backward movement of the spine generates.
This pose strengthens your spine, opens your heart center, awakens your shoulders and lengthens your hamstrings. Also, it provides a connection to the breath with gentle and fluid movement.
Kimberly Wilson is the founder of Tranquil Space Yoga and Tranquil Space Foundation. Visit kimberlywilson.com.
