Rise and Shine with Yoga

OK I never used to be one to work out in the mornings. I mean, the more sleep I can get the better, right? And better for anyone else who has to deal with me 😊 With that said, it’s hard to resist a quick routine to start off your day on the right foot! In less than 10 minutes, this routine will have you ready to take on your day like the bad ass you are!

Hold each pose for approximately one minute and remember to breathe. Also, focus on your breath as your progress through each pose. After all, that’s what yoga’s all about!

1) Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Tips/Benefits: A great pose to start any yoga routine with! Rest your forehead on your mat, stretch your arms out as far as you can, and imagine sitting your hips back towards the heels of your feet.

2) Rag Doll (Uttanasana)

Tips/Benefits: I love hanging out in this pose – literally! Grab your opposite elbows with your hands and gently rock your upper body side to side, loosen up your spine. You can also loosen up your next in this pose by shaking your head ‘yes’, ‘no’, and ‘maybe’.

3) Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Tips/Benefits: Concentrate on touching your heels to the ground as much as you can to really stretch out those hamstrings and calves. Take your dog for a walk by pedaling out your feet!

4) Three-Legged Dog (Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Tips/Benefits: An amazing stretch for the hips, calves, and hamstrings! Feel free to up this stretch even more by rotating your leg outwards.

5) Lunge (Ardha Hanumanasana)

Tips/Benefits: Keep your chest as straight as possible in this pose and definitely rest your knee on the ground if you have sensitive knees!

6) Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)

Tips/Benefits: Another pose you want to keep your chest straight for to feel the full benefits. Remember to breathe, your almost done!

7) Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Tips/Benefits: It’s best to keep your core tight and tuck in your tailbone during this pose. Keep your arms straight and ensure your front knee doesn’t go past your ankle. We want to protect that knee!

8) Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana)

Tips/Benefits: Ah, the yoga goddess you are has just completed an amazing routine and is ready to face the day! Remember to keep your front knee bent while you give your back wall a high five with your front arm.

Adapted from Absolute Yoga