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Why Yoga?
There are many reasons people seek out yoga – a desire to increase one’s flexibility, strength, endurance, or to increase
the ability to focus, ability to relax, ability to wake up or sleep better. Just from our daily living – sitting, standing,
lifting, our sports and activities we do – we create imbalances. We create strengths. We create weaknesses. Yoga can address
the strengths and weaknesses. Through a variety of poses, or asanas, you can address the imbalances you have.
There are many different styles of yoga. How do I know what is right for me?
Some styles of yoga address a more physical aspect that might appeal to the athletic population. Other styles address more
relaxing, meditative aspects. Choosing the “right” yoga class for you is a personal decision. You find what works for you.
What ever your decision, know that the path of yoga is a journey that is to be embraced with patience and respect.
How often should I practice yoga?
I recommend performing the Sun Salutations daily. They are a series of linked poses that address the major muscle groups
of the body. The Sun Salutations can be performed continuously 5-10 times. You should also include in your practice a more
in depth series of poses that addresses your particular needs. This should be done at least 2-3 times per week.
What are the Sun Salutations?
- Start position: Tadasana
- Inhale - Raise the arms overhead, arch back
- Exhale - Forward fold
- Inhale - Flat back
- Exhale - Forward fold
- Inhale - The right leg back to lunge position 2 – hold for 2-3 breaths
- Inhale - The left leg back to plank position
- Exhale - Down Dog – hold for 5 breaths
- Inhale - Return to plank
- Exhale - Slowly lower to Chatturanga
- Inhale - Up Dog – hold for 2-3 breaths
- Exhale - Down Dog
- Inhale - The right leg back to Lunge Position 2 – hole for 2-3 breaths
- Inhale - The left leg to the right leg
- Exhale - Forward fold – hold for 2-3 breaths
- Inhale - Reverse Swan Dive up (make sure you hinge from the hips)
- Exhale - Sink into Chair
- Stand and repeat several times.
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