Yoga Just For You - Fun Exercises For Every Day
Intrigued by yoga? This article will help you to discover a new fulfilling life: discover your body's innate wisdom with some easy yoga exercises that everyone can do.
Here's an essential point about yoga: it's much more than exercises. If you think of yoga only in terms of "getting some exercise" you're missing the point. Yes, yoga IS exercise, but it's also an entire system of wisdom.
Yoga Helps You to Trust Your Body, because Your Body is Wiser Than Your Mind
Neuroscience is discovering what yogis have known for thousands of years. Your body's wisdom, that instinctive intelligence Dr Candace Pert described in her book Molecules of Emotion, knows what's best for you. It's better than your forebrain in deciding what you should eat, and how you should exercise.
You already trust your body. You know to follow your gut - your instinct.
Let's look at two simple exercises, which will help you to get in touch with your body's wisdom. They're both easy and fun, but don't treat them lightly.
Mountain Pose - Tadasana - Be Right Where You Are
Stand straight, with your feet hip-width apart, and your arms completely relaxed, as they drop from your shoulders towards the ground.
Push your tailbone down slightly to straighten your pelvis, and feel your spine lift upward.
Press your shoulder blades downwards without straining. This will open your chest.
Breathe normally.
Relax, and be aware of your body, and your breath; maintain the pose for a minute or two.
Easy Post - Sukhasana - Just Sitting and Being
Basically, in Easy Post you're just sitting cross legged. You'll need a cushion.
Place your cushion on the floor, and sit toward the front of it so that your hips are higher than your knees. Straighten your legs, and then cross them. Ideally, your knees will be close to the floor; as you continue to practice, your hips will open more, making this easier.
Rest your hands lightly on your knees. As in Mountain Pose, press your shoulder blades downwards to open your chest.
If you can't achieve this pose with a cushion on the floor, sit on a chair with your feet together on the floor.
Breathe normally, and relax. Be aware of your body, by scanning it with your mind and consciously relaxing those areas which are tight. Stay sitting for a minute or two, or as long as you wish, getting in touch with your body.
Mountain Pose and Easy pose seem simple, and they are. They're also complex, as you'll discover, in that they help you to become aware of your body. As your awareness grows, you'll come to discover your body's wisdom - this is the gift of yoga.
Discover yourself with yoga, a gentle form of stretching. Yoga strengthens both your body and mind, and is suitable for anyone, from children to seniors. Visit Easy Fab Yoga Blog at http://www.easyfabyoga.com/blog/ for daily yoga information, tips, and inspiration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Denham http://EzineArticles.com/?Yoga-Just-For-You---Fun-Exercises-For-Every-Day&id=1392718
Showing posts with label Exercises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercises. Show all posts
Monday, December 29, 2008
Two Easy Yoga Exercises to Beat Stress
Looking for ways to beat stress? Yoga makes it easy. Even five minutes spent doing yoga will give you stress relief. In these tough times it's only natural to feel stress. However constant unrelieved stress will lead to health problems. It's vital that you spend some time each day getting rid of the stress hormones in your system and discovering relaxation.
Even if you are new to yoga, a few simple stretches will relieve your stress and improve your mood. This is a great gift you can give to yourself as well as to your loved ones. New to yoga? The easiest way to learn yoga is to take a class at a yoga studio. However you can also learn basic yoga from an instructional CD or DVD, or even a book. When you're using yoga to relieve stress, it's vital that you don't get hung up on your technique. With yoga it's not important how perfectly you perform an exercise, but that you focus on your body rather than on the thoughts whizzing around in your brain.
Here are two easy yoga exercises which will help you to relieve stress.
1. Downward Facing Dog Pose - Calms Your Mind and Relieves Mild Depression or Agitation
If you own a dog you know where the name of this exercise comes from. Each time your dog gets up from a rest he takes pleasure in this luxurious stretch -- you can do the same thing. Begin this pose on your hands and knees and then lift your knees from the floor. Straighten your knees but don't lock them and lift your tailbone towards the ceiling. Maintain the pose for several breaths, or even longer. You can stay in this pose for up to five minutes if it feels comfortable.
2. Seated Forward Bend: Calms Your Mind and Relieves Mild Depression or Agitation In Seated Forward Bend, you fold your body up like clothes pin.
Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Take a deep breath and bend forward from your hips, reaching out to hold your toes, and then folding your body on to your legs if you can. Don't strain to do the exercise - just stretch as far as is comfortable - and BREATHE.
Maintain the pose for several breaths or even for up to five minutes if you wish. The above two exercises are a great way to relieve stress. You can do them at any time of the day or evening, even in the office. Just close your office door.
Discover yourself with yoga, a gentle form of stretching. Yoga strengthens both your body and mind, and is suitable for anyone, from children to seniors. Visit Easy Fab Yoga Blog at http://www.easyfabyoga.com/blog/ for daily yoga information, tips, and inspiration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Denham http://EzineArticles.com/?Two-Easy-Yoga-Exercises-to-Beat-Stress&id=1573507
Looking for ways to beat stress? Yoga makes it easy. Even five minutes spent doing yoga will give you stress relief. In these tough times it's only natural to feel stress. However constant unrelieved stress will lead to health problems. It's vital that you spend some time each day getting rid of the stress hormones in your system and discovering relaxation.
Even if you are new to yoga, a few simple stretches will relieve your stress and improve your mood. This is a great gift you can give to yourself as well as to your loved ones. New to yoga? The easiest way to learn yoga is to take a class at a yoga studio. However you can also learn basic yoga from an instructional CD or DVD, or even a book. When you're using yoga to relieve stress, it's vital that you don't get hung up on your technique. With yoga it's not important how perfectly you perform an exercise, but that you focus on your body rather than on the thoughts whizzing around in your brain.
Here are two easy yoga exercises which will help you to relieve stress.
1. Downward Facing Dog Pose - Calms Your Mind and Relieves Mild Depression or Agitation
If you own a dog you know where the name of this exercise comes from. Each time your dog gets up from a rest he takes pleasure in this luxurious stretch -- you can do the same thing. Begin this pose on your hands and knees and then lift your knees from the floor. Straighten your knees but don't lock them and lift your tailbone towards the ceiling. Maintain the pose for several breaths, or even longer. You can stay in this pose for up to five minutes if it feels comfortable.
2. Seated Forward Bend: Calms Your Mind and Relieves Mild Depression or Agitation In Seated Forward Bend, you fold your body up like clothes pin.
Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Take a deep breath and bend forward from your hips, reaching out to hold your toes, and then folding your body on to your legs if you can. Don't strain to do the exercise - just stretch as far as is comfortable - and BREATHE.
Maintain the pose for several breaths or even for up to five minutes if you wish. The above two exercises are a great way to relieve stress. You can do them at any time of the day or evening, even in the office. Just close your office door.
Discover yourself with yoga, a gentle form of stretching. Yoga strengthens both your body and mind, and is suitable for anyone, from children to seniors. Visit Easy Fab Yoga Blog at http://www.easyfabyoga.com/blog/ for daily yoga information, tips, and inspiration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Denham http://EzineArticles.com/?Two-Easy-Yoga-Exercises-to-Beat-Stress&id=1573507
Five Basic Yoga Exercises to Do Sitting on Bed to Help You Sleep
Many people have difficulty falling asleep. If you're mind is racing, full of ideas and lists-of-things-to do tomorrow, it can be hard for you to switch off and rest. To function properly during your day, it is vital you give your body and mind a chance to rest, repair and heal from the day's busyness. You deserve a good nights' rest.
The gentle art of yoga is the ideal way for you to unwind after a busy day.
Practice these basic yoga exercises to calm and clear your mind and help you fall asleep easily.
1. Neck Stretches
Sit on the edge of your bed relax your arms and shoulders. Inhale. Slowly exhale through your nose and lower your head forward to rest your chin on your upper chest. Feel the back of your neck relax and soften. Inhale and return your head to centre. Slowly exhale and lean your head back. Let the jaw relax and be aware of the gentle stretch on your throat. Breathe slowly and deeply. Slowly return head to centre. Repeat this stretch 3 - 5 times in each direction.
2. Still sitting on your bed, slowly breathe in and raise both shoulders to your ears. Squeeze them tightly and relax them as you breathe out. Repeat 3 - 5 times. Each time, allow your shoulders to relax a bit more.
3. Shake your hands for 30 - 60 seconds. Breathing fully and deeply as you do so. Make sure your jaw is relaxed and feet resting comfortably on the floor.
4. Brush/stroke down your left arm with your right hand. Switch and repeat on the opposite arm.
5. Lie on your stomach, fold your arms and rest your cheek on your arms. Observe the raising and falling of your abdomen as it expands and contracts with each breath. Stay in this position and take 3 - 5 rounds of deep abdominal breathing.
At the end of these yoga exercises, slowly return to normal breathing and lie down in your bed.
With practice, you will soon find it easier to fall asleep and have a good night's rest.
Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher works with women who want a richer, more fulfilling life for themselves and their families. She teaches you easy yoga postures, meditation practices and relaxation techniques to help you live a healthier, wealthier and happier stress-free life. To find out more go to: http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your copy of Ntathu's free monthly yoga Inspires enewsletter. The newsletter contains a goldmine of tips, techniques and strategies you can use to become healthier, wealthier and happier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ntathu_Allen http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Basic-Yoga-Exercises-to-Do-Sitting-on-Bed-to-Help-You-Sleep&id=1743821
Many people have difficulty falling asleep. If you're mind is racing, full of ideas and lists-of-things-to do tomorrow, it can be hard for you to switch off and rest. To function properly during your day, it is vital you give your body and mind a chance to rest, repair and heal from the day's busyness. You deserve a good nights' rest.
The gentle art of yoga is the ideal way for you to unwind after a busy day.
Practice these basic yoga exercises to calm and clear your mind and help you fall asleep easily.
1. Neck Stretches
Sit on the edge of your bed relax your arms and shoulders. Inhale. Slowly exhale through your nose and lower your head forward to rest your chin on your upper chest. Feel the back of your neck relax and soften. Inhale and return your head to centre. Slowly exhale and lean your head back. Let the jaw relax and be aware of the gentle stretch on your throat. Breathe slowly and deeply. Slowly return head to centre. Repeat this stretch 3 - 5 times in each direction.
2. Still sitting on your bed, slowly breathe in and raise both shoulders to your ears. Squeeze them tightly and relax them as you breathe out. Repeat 3 - 5 times. Each time, allow your shoulders to relax a bit more.
3. Shake your hands for 30 - 60 seconds. Breathing fully and deeply as you do so. Make sure your jaw is relaxed and feet resting comfortably on the floor.
4. Brush/stroke down your left arm with your right hand. Switch and repeat on the opposite arm.
5. Lie on your stomach, fold your arms and rest your cheek on your arms. Observe the raising and falling of your abdomen as it expands and contracts with each breath. Stay in this position and take 3 - 5 rounds of deep abdominal breathing.
At the end of these yoga exercises, slowly return to normal breathing and lie down in your bed.
With practice, you will soon find it easier to fall asleep and have a good night's rest.
Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher works with women who want a richer, more fulfilling life for themselves and their families. She teaches you easy yoga postures, meditation practices and relaxation techniques to help you live a healthier, wealthier and happier stress-free life. To find out more go to: http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your copy of Ntathu's free monthly yoga Inspires enewsletter. The newsletter contains a goldmine of tips, techniques and strategies you can use to become healthier, wealthier and happier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ntathu_Allen http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Basic-Yoga-Exercises-to-Do-Sitting-on-Bed-to-Help-You-Sleep&id=1743821
Five Easy Seated Yoga Exercises You Must Do to Release Lower Back Pain at Work
Do you spend the majority of your day sitting down in front of a computer or answering the phone?
Perhaps, like me, you are a self-employed entrepreneur and depend on the internet to market your business.
Sitting in the same position for lengthy periods of time, typing and looking at a computer screen, places a lot of strain on your body, particularly your lower back muscles. Weak abdominal muscles, tight hamstrings, being overweight and lack of regular exercise all contribute to lower back pain.
If you sit at your desk and do not stretch your body, when you stand up have you noticed your back muscles are sore, stiff and achy?
Back pain is the third most common reason for consulting a doctor in Britain and is closely related to poor posture, stress and tension.
If you have ever suffered from back pain you will know how painful and deliberating it can be. As a child, I remember my father spending days flat on his back, unable to move or go to work due to lower back pain. Given today's economic climate and rising food and fuel prices you can not afford to be in the same position.
Five Easy Seated Yoga Exercises To Release Lower Back Pain At Work
Yoga is great exercise for bad-back sufferers.
The following five seated exercises can be done at your desk, without any equipment or changing your clothes. They will give your body an overall stretch and help to release stiffness and tension in your lower back.
Aim to do these simple yoga stretches at least three times during your working day. Please consult your GP before you start these exercises and take care to listen and work within the limits of your body.
1. Seated Trunk Twist
Sit comfortably on a chair, feet flat on the floor, raise both elbows up to shoulder height, clasp the hands together.
Inhale and as you exhale slowly twist to one side. Make sure you twist from the base of your spine and keep the back straight throughout the stretch.
Inhale and slowly come back to centre. Repeat in the opposite direction.
Repeat the sequence 3 - 5 times each direction.
2. Seated Cobra
Sit near the edge of your chair. Feet flat on the floor. Hands resting on your lap. Lengthen your spine, slowly arch your back and lilt your head back. Relax and take three deep breathes. Slowly return body back to centre.
3. Seated Cat Stretch
Make sure you have space in front of you. Sitting on chair, bend forward and hold your ankles or shins. Arch your back, relax and repeat 3 - 5 times
4. Upward Arm Stretch
Raise both arms above your head. Place your left hand on your right wrist. Gently stretch to the right. Keep your body strong and straight. Breathe into the stretch. Switch sides and repeat.
5. Seated Spinal Twist
Still sitting, cross your left leg over your right knee. Place your right hand on the crossed knee. Gently turn your body to the left and look behind you. Allow your shoulders to be relaxed as you relax and breathe into the pose. Inhale. Release your arms and legs; return to centre. Exhale. Switch legs and repeat on the opposite side.
Regular practice of these five simple yoga exercises throughout your day. They will help to release tension and soreness in your lower back plus, you will feel more comfortable, fitter and at ease in your body.
Ntathu Allen, Hatha Yoga Teacher designs personal yoga exercise programmes for beginners. She helps you learn easy yoga postures which improve your flexibility, breathing practices to release stress and meditation techniques to soothe and calm your mind. To find out more go to: http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your free monthly yoga and health newsletter, "Healing for the Soul," full of wellbeing and holistic healing tips and; yoga exercises to energize and nurture your soul.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ntathu_Allen http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Easy-Seated-Yoga-Exercises-You-Must-Do-to-Release-Lower-Back-Pain-at-Work&id=1651360
Do you spend the majority of your day sitting down in front of a computer or answering the phone?
Perhaps, like me, you are a self-employed entrepreneur and depend on the internet to market your business.
Sitting in the same position for lengthy periods of time, typing and looking at a computer screen, places a lot of strain on your body, particularly your lower back muscles. Weak abdominal muscles, tight hamstrings, being overweight and lack of regular exercise all contribute to lower back pain.
If you sit at your desk and do not stretch your body, when you stand up have you noticed your back muscles are sore, stiff and achy?
Back pain is the third most common reason for consulting a doctor in Britain and is closely related to poor posture, stress and tension.
If you have ever suffered from back pain you will know how painful and deliberating it can be. As a child, I remember my father spending days flat on his back, unable to move or go to work due to lower back pain. Given today's economic climate and rising food and fuel prices you can not afford to be in the same position.
Five Easy Seated Yoga Exercises To Release Lower Back Pain At Work
Yoga is great exercise for bad-back sufferers.
The following five seated exercises can be done at your desk, without any equipment or changing your clothes. They will give your body an overall stretch and help to release stiffness and tension in your lower back.
Aim to do these simple yoga stretches at least three times during your working day. Please consult your GP before you start these exercises and take care to listen and work within the limits of your body.
1. Seated Trunk Twist
Sit comfortably on a chair, feet flat on the floor, raise both elbows up to shoulder height, clasp the hands together.
Inhale and as you exhale slowly twist to one side. Make sure you twist from the base of your spine and keep the back straight throughout the stretch.
Inhale and slowly come back to centre. Repeat in the opposite direction.
Repeat the sequence 3 - 5 times each direction.
2. Seated Cobra
Sit near the edge of your chair. Feet flat on the floor. Hands resting on your lap. Lengthen your spine, slowly arch your back and lilt your head back. Relax and take three deep breathes. Slowly return body back to centre.
3. Seated Cat Stretch
Make sure you have space in front of you. Sitting on chair, bend forward and hold your ankles or shins. Arch your back, relax and repeat 3 - 5 times
4. Upward Arm Stretch
Raise both arms above your head. Place your left hand on your right wrist. Gently stretch to the right. Keep your body strong and straight. Breathe into the stretch. Switch sides and repeat.
5. Seated Spinal Twist
Still sitting, cross your left leg over your right knee. Place your right hand on the crossed knee. Gently turn your body to the left and look behind you. Allow your shoulders to be relaxed as you relax and breathe into the pose. Inhale. Release your arms and legs; return to centre. Exhale. Switch legs and repeat on the opposite side.
Regular practice of these five simple yoga exercises throughout your day. They will help to release tension and soreness in your lower back plus, you will feel more comfortable, fitter and at ease in your body.
Ntathu Allen, Hatha Yoga Teacher designs personal yoga exercise programmes for beginners. She helps you learn easy yoga postures which improve your flexibility, breathing practices to release stress and meditation techniques to soothe and calm your mind. To find out more go to: http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your free monthly yoga and health newsletter, "Healing for the Soul," full of wellbeing and holistic healing tips and; yoga exercises to energize and nurture your soul.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ntathu_Allen http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Easy-Seated-Yoga-Exercises-You-Must-Do-to-Release-Lower-Back-Pain-at-Work&id=1651360
5 Yoga Breathing Exercises You Can Do Everyday
Breathing correctly is essential to staying in good health. Are you doing everything that you can to improve your breathing? Most people don't even realize how shallow and fast their breathing normally is and that illnesses can result from not getting enough oxygen.
There are many Yoga breathing exercises that are done in repetitive patterns to help improve health and mental clarity. If you want to start breathing more deeply and being more aware of your breath and how it affects your health you can do these 5 Yoga breathing exercises every day:
1. Long Deep Breathing - This is usually the first Yoga breathing exercise that is taught to beginners because it's the easiest to do. Long Deep Breathing mainly consists of building an awareness of the contraction and distention of the diaphragm during breathing. People that aren't used to Yoga breathing might have a little trouble doing Long Deep Breathing at first but once you have done it a few times it will become second nature.
2. Breath of Fire - Breath of Fire is primarily a Kundalini Yoga technique that focuses on pulling in oxygen and then rhythmically pumping it out without tensing the abdominal muscles, chest or rib cage. Breath of Fire is similar to the action of a bellows that is used to stoke a fire, and it's usually the second breathing technique that is taught in Yoga.
3. Bastrika - Bastrika is a Hatha Yoga breathing technique that focuses on breathing in a very light, fast and rhythmic way. Bastrika is similar to the Breath of Fire except that the Breath of Fire stresses a much deep inhalation. Bastrika breathing can also raise your metabolism.
4. Kabalabati - This type of breathing is used primarily to cleanse the body, specifically the chest. It is supposed to get rid of stress and tension in the chest and throat and also is supposed to clear the body of mucus.
5. Alternate Nostril Breathing - This is a very common Yoga breathing exercise where you inhale through one nostril, hold the breath, and then exhale that breath out through the other nostril. This type of breathing is usually done to bring balance and oxygen to both sides of the brain. Alternate Nostril Breathing promotes creativity, mental clarity and alertness.
Jay Franco has been a Yoga enthusiast since an early age. He is constantly trying to find practical ways of implementing this ancient knowledge into his Western lifestyle.
His website is: http://www.yogascienceofbreath.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Franco http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Yoga-Breathing-Exercises-You-Can-Do-Everyday&id=1546729
Breathing correctly is essential to staying in good health. Are you doing everything that you can to improve your breathing? Most people don't even realize how shallow and fast their breathing normally is and that illnesses can result from not getting enough oxygen.
There are many Yoga breathing exercises that are done in repetitive patterns to help improve health and mental clarity. If you want to start breathing more deeply and being more aware of your breath and how it affects your health you can do these 5 Yoga breathing exercises every day:
1. Long Deep Breathing - This is usually the first Yoga breathing exercise that is taught to beginners because it's the easiest to do. Long Deep Breathing mainly consists of building an awareness of the contraction and distention of the diaphragm during breathing. People that aren't used to Yoga breathing might have a little trouble doing Long Deep Breathing at first but once you have done it a few times it will become second nature.
2. Breath of Fire - Breath of Fire is primarily a Kundalini Yoga technique that focuses on pulling in oxygen and then rhythmically pumping it out without tensing the abdominal muscles, chest or rib cage. Breath of Fire is similar to the action of a bellows that is used to stoke a fire, and it's usually the second breathing technique that is taught in Yoga.
3. Bastrika - Bastrika is a Hatha Yoga breathing technique that focuses on breathing in a very light, fast and rhythmic way. Bastrika is similar to the Breath of Fire except that the Breath of Fire stresses a much deep inhalation. Bastrika breathing can also raise your metabolism.
4. Kabalabati - This type of breathing is used primarily to cleanse the body, specifically the chest. It is supposed to get rid of stress and tension in the chest and throat and also is supposed to clear the body of mucus.
5. Alternate Nostril Breathing - This is a very common Yoga breathing exercise where you inhale through one nostril, hold the breath, and then exhale that breath out through the other nostril. This type of breathing is usually done to bring balance and oxygen to both sides of the brain. Alternate Nostril Breathing promotes creativity, mental clarity and alertness.
Jay Franco has been a Yoga enthusiast since an early age. He is constantly trying to find practical ways of implementing this ancient knowledge into his Western lifestyle.
His website is: http://www.yogascienceofbreath.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Franco http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Yoga-Breathing-Exercises-You-Can-Do-Everyday&id=1546729
3 Simple Yoga Exercises For Ripped Abs
Core abdominal training and power is perhaps the most important aspect of physical fitness, and yoga is an excellent science to help target and develop this region. According to yoga, the abdominal area is governed by the Solar Plexus Chakra, called the Manipura Chakra in Sanskrit, and this chakra is responsible for not just providing the body with the physical energy it needs, but is also responsible for your willpower and strength of character.
Yoga abdominal exercises work on many dimensions of your being. They not just tone and strengthen the stomach muscles, but they also open and balance the Manipura Chakra mentioned above. Thus, not only is your core strength and power improved, but, also your willpower and strength of character developed. In this article I will give three excellent yoga exercises for developing this all important center.
1. Single Yoga Leg Lifts:
Lie on your back with your hands underneath your buttocks palms facing down. The hand position is to support your lower back. If you feel pressure or discomfort in your lower back, go ahead and roll more of your arms underneath you, this will give even more lower back support.
Now lift your left leg up to ninety degrees in a slow, smooth motion keeping it as straight at the knee as possible. Inhale as you lift you lift up, then exhale and bring the leg back down. Next repeat this exercise with the right leg. Continue in this fashion, lifting alternate legs to ninety degrees for one to three minutes.
Take a break in between if you need to. Remember never to overdo anything when it comes to yoga. Slow and steady is the golden rule.
2. Double Yoga Leg Lifts:
Once you complete your single leg lifts take a short break and then try the same exercise but this time lift both legs together is a smooth motion to ninety degrees and then back down. Again try to keep the legs as straight as possible. Keep the hands underneath the buttocks as above to support the lower back.
3. Criss-Cross Legs:
You will find the above two exercise really target the central abs, and this exercise will attack the obliques, which are the stomach muscles that line the side of the abdominal. For this exercise, again remain on your back with the hands underneath your buttocks palms facing down, then raise your legs twelve to eighteen inches above the floor and keeping the toes pointed begin to rapidly criss-cross them.
By criss-cross here, I mean that let the legs cross over each other at the ankles, where fist the right leg crosses over the top of the left, and then the left crosses over the the top of the right. This action will really work the stomach muscles and is excellent training for abdominal strength and toning.
Summary:
So there you have three excellent exercises for toning and strengthening your abdominal muscles and activating the Solar Plexus Chakra. These exercises also provide the added benefit of helping your digestive system and is an excellent set for those who are just starting out their yoga practice.
Anmol Mehta is a modern Yoga & Meditation master. His massive website offers the ultimate [http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2008/09/24/meditation-techniques/]Guided Meditation Techniques guide, a powerful Third Eye Meditation and free [http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2008/02/28/free-yoga-videos/]Yoga Exercise Videos.
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author's signature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Simple-Yoga-Exercises-For-Ripped-Abs&id=1587127
Core abdominal training and power is perhaps the most important aspect of physical fitness, and yoga is an excellent science to help target and develop this region. According to yoga, the abdominal area is governed by the Solar Plexus Chakra, called the Manipura Chakra in Sanskrit, and this chakra is responsible for not just providing the body with the physical energy it needs, but is also responsible for your willpower and strength of character.
Yoga abdominal exercises work on many dimensions of your being. They not just tone and strengthen the stomach muscles, but they also open and balance the Manipura Chakra mentioned above. Thus, not only is your core strength and power improved, but, also your willpower and strength of character developed. In this article I will give three excellent yoga exercises for developing this all important center.
1. Single Yoga Leg Lifts:
Lie on your back with your hands underneath your buttocks palms facing down. The hand position is to support your lower back. If you feel pressure or discomfort in your lower back, go ahead and roll more of your arms underneath you, this will give even more lower back support.
Now lift your left leg up to ninety degrees in a slow, smooth motion keeping it as straight at the knee as possible. Inhale as you lift you lift up, then exhale and bring the leg back down. Next repeat this exercise with the right leg. Continue in this fashion, lifting alternate legs to ninety degrees for one to three minutes.
Take a break in between if you need to. Remember never to overdo anything when it comes to yoga. Slow and steady is the golden rule.
2. Double Yoga Leg Lifts:
Once you complete your single leg lifts take a short break and then try the same exercise but this time lift both legs together is a smooth motion to ninety degrees and then back down. Again try to keep the legs as straight as possible. Keep the hands underneath the buttocks as above to support the lower back.
3. Criss-Cross Legs:
You will find the above two exercise really target the central abs, and this exercise will attack the obliques, which are the stomach muscles that line the side of the abdominal. For this exercise, again remain on your back with the hands underneath your buttocks palms facing down, then raise your legs twelve to eighteen inches above the floor and keeping the toes pointed begin to rapidly criss-cross them.
By criss-cross here, I mean that let the legs cross over each other at the ankles, where fist the right leg crosses over the top of the left, and then the left crosses over the the top of the right. This action will really work the stomach muscles and is excellent training for abdominal strength and toning.
Summary:
So there you have three excellent exercises for toning and strengthening your abdominal muscles and activating the Solar Plexus Chakra. These exercises also provide the added benefit of helping your digestive system and is an excellent set for those who are just starting out their yoga practice.
Anmol Mehta is a modern Yoga & Meditation master. His massive website offers the ultimate [http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2008/09/24/meditation-techniques/]Guided Meditation Techniques guide, a powerful Third Eye Meditation and free [http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2008/02/28/free-yoga-videos/]Yoga Exercise Videos.
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author's signature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Simple-Yoga-Exercises-For-Ripped-Abs&id=1587127
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