Yoga For Stretching

Practicing Yoga is a great way to increase our flexibility and there are some really good stretching poses that not only help us become more flexible but are great to do alongside other forms of exercise.

I use a number of stretching poses before and after each workout. They not only help me with my workout routine but they really help with my cool down too. The cool down is really important in any form of exercise but it’s often neglected. Here are a few poses that work really well for me.

1. Low Lunge

• Starting in mountain pose, standing tall with your arms at your sides. Inhale and raise your arms straight up and join the palms of your hands.
• Step your right leg back, one leg length and bend your left knee to a 90-degree angle.
• Now drop your right knee to the floor, keeping your lower belly engaged and extend your lower back.
• Keeping your arms raised over your head, rotate your upper arms inwards to broaden your back and gaze upwards.
• Repeat on the other side.

2. Pigeon

• From your low lunge, bend your left knee in front of you and stretch out your right leg back and lower your pelvis to the floor.
• Keep your front foot flexed and repeat on the other side.
• If you want a deeper stretch, roll your left ribs down towards the ground and stretch your arms out on the floor in front of you.

3. Cobbler’s Pose

• From a seated position, bring the soles of your feet together.
• Clasp your hands around the toes of both feet and draw the heels towards the crotch. Both your feet should be on the floor.
• Taking a deep breath inhale, on the exhale fold forward.
• For extra support you can put cushions or a blanket under each knee.
• If this is a good enough stretch for you stay here. If you want a deeper stretch and it is comfortable for you, you can fold all the way forward.

4. Seated Forward Fold

• With both legs extended in front of you, move the fleshy part of your bottom so that your sit bones are firmly on the floor.
• On the inhale extend your arms up and reach up.
• On the exhale bring your chest to the tops of your feet and fold down.
• You can also use a belt or strap to increase the stretch.
• Take a deep breath here and the rise up to a sitting position.