Looking for something in the morning to energize and ground you? Yoga is the perfect morning practice, it can take as little as a 5-minute stretch to a 15-minute workout all in the space of your own home. Could It get any easier?
Yoga has its many benefits from, relieving stress and anxiety to helping you feel centred and energized for the day. It also helps stretch your muscles, and flexibility and get your blood flowing. So why not chose this practice for those mornings when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to head to the gym? You won’t regret it.
Here is some movements you can incorporate into your morning yoga routine to make it as long or short as you like. But first, you need a yoga mat, a clean bright space and pop on some relaxing music. Make this exercise about moving intuitively.
And remember: DON’T STRESS YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG OR RIGHT! Yoga is what you choose it to be, so have fun!
CAT-COW
Begin on the floor on all fours ensure your hands are directly under your shoulder and your knees are under your hips. As you inhale, arch your spineuntil your belly sinks down and face your head and bum into the air.
Then as you exhale, push through your hands and knees to round your stomach, this time look down and tuck your chin inwards. (Just imagine it like a shocked cat!)
Repeat for around 5 slow intuitive breaths.
To learn and watch the pose in-depth:
DOWNWARD FACING DOG
Yep, we have just done cats, no we are onto dogs! Begin in a plank position, lift your hips up and back as you sink your heels into the floor to form what looks like a V shape with your body.
Then press your shoulders back away from your ears and relax your neck. Finally spread your hands and fingers wide on the mat. Hold this position for five intuitive slow breaths.
TIP: When considering a slow deep breath, try to breathe in for three then out for seven. The 10 second calming technique.
To learn and watch the pose in-depth:
LIZARD POSE
Begin back in downward facing dog and stretch out. Then slowly put your left knee into a low lunge position just directly over your left ankle as you lower your right knee to the ground. Now ensure your left foot is outside of your palms, and keep your palms flat to the mat, then slowly come onto your forearms as you lower yourself, keep your spine long. Hold for 30 seconds and breath slowly opening your hips.
To learn and watch the pose in depth:
LYING SPINAL TWIST
Begin laying on your back, flat to the mat. Bend your left knee upwards then cross it over your right leg just beside your knee. Slowly start pulling yourself towards the right side, use your right arm to pull your left knee down towards the floor. Stay in this position for around 30 seconds and focus on your breathing. Then switch and repeat on the right side.
To learn and watch the pose in-depth:
BRIDGE POSE
Lye back onto your back with your arms by your side. Bend your legs upwards and keep your feet flat on the mat. Now squeeze your glutes as you lift your hips into the air. Keep your arms up and push your shoulder back and down onto the mat. Finally, put your arms under your ‘bridge’ and lock your hands together. Hold for 30 seconds.
To learn and watch the pose in-depth:
CHAIR POSE
It’s time to stand up! Begin standing with your feet together and arms relaxed by your side. Raise both your arms simultaneously over your head with your palms facing in until your biceps become level with your ears. At the same time, bend your knees and begin sitting back as if you were sitting in an invisible chair. Once you’re here, hold this position for 30 seconds.
To learn and watch the pose in-depth:
TREE POSE
Stand back into a straight position with your feet together. Begin to put your weight onto your left foot while bringing the sole of your right foot up to your inner thigh. If your thigh feels too high, you can also rest your foot on your calf. The focus here is balance! Place your hands in a prayer position at the centre of your chest. Try to hold the pose for 30 seconds then switch legs.
To learn and watch the pose in-depth:
I hope all of these poses work as a good starting point for you! Remember if you’re a beginner give yourself time and patience and really focus on learning the poses before adding anymore!
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