WAYS TO PRACTICE YOGA ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Time to roll out your mats and practice your breathing: June 21st is International Yoga Day! Created by the Department of Health & Human Services, National Yoga Month is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga as well as providing people with resources and guidance on how to get started in their own yoga journey. 

To help kick of the celebration, the Semones Family YMCA participated in National Yoga Day on September 8th. The morning was filled with various yoga classes such as power yoga, restorative yoga, and chair yoga. Each of the classes focus on different movements and positions within yoga. People of all ages and backgrounds of yoga came to enjoy the celebration and had a chance to win prizes on yoga mats, towels, and more!

If you are new to yoga or are curious to begin, here are some simple yoga positions that you can do anytime, anywhere! 

CAT-COW 

This is a great basic stretch for you back and abdomen. 

• Start on your hands and knees- aligning your wrists underneath your shoulders and knees with your hips. 

• Keep your spine flat like a table and your neck in line with your spine. 

• As you inhale, drop your belly toward the floor and look up. 

• As you exhale, pull your spine toward the ceiling, rounding your back. 

• Repeat this action as you continue inhaling and exhaling.  

DOWNWARD-FACING DOG 

This is a great beginning pose and is used during most yoga classes. 

• Begin on your knees the same way you did with your Cat-Cow pose. 

• As you inhale, pushing your hips toward the ceiling, straighten your legs and place your feet flat on the ground. 

• Once your legs are straight, spread your fingers out and engage your quadriceps to take pressure off your arms. 

• Continue working on your breath once you are fully in the position. 

Yoga can be practiced anywhere- all you need is a non-slip mat or blanket to begin your practice. If you are interested in attending a yoga class, or have before and want to continue, click here to view what classes your Y has to offer.

Source: gaiam.com