When I first started my fitness journey, I was not very flexible nor stable. I even had trouble standing on one leg when stretching. I have come a long way since then and you can too! Flexibility is also important for our bodies because it reduces stress, decreases chance of injury, as well as decrease pain throughout the day. You should make time for flexibility 2-3 times a week. I enjoy group fitness classes so I usually attend 1 yoga session a week. I then add a 10-15 minutes stretch routine at the end of every workout as a cool down. Find what work for you and stick with it. I have inserted a few links you to videos of some basic Yoga poses.
Warrior Poses I, II, and III
Video 1
How to do a Warrior I Pose:
This video is a 2
minutes instructional video for the warrior I pose in basic yoga. Not only does
this video describe the pose, it shows how to warm up in sequence to the ending
pose, warrior I. By displaying how to open up the hips, this video shows the
correct placement of arms, legs, eyes, feet, and more.
Video 2
How to do a Warrior II Pose:
The following video is also a quick 2 minute instructional video, but instead of covering warrior I it covers warrior II. In the beginning of the video the instructor shows a sequence, staring with downward dog. She explains critical elements as they relate to warrior II: keeping hips square and using your eyes as a balance tool.
Video 3
How to do a Warrior III Pose:
This video
accurately explains a few sequences that led up to the warrior III pose. The
instructor shows specific critical elements: breathing technique, contracting
inner core muscles, lengthening both legs, and more.
I love yoga! And to be honest I need to get it back into my routine. Thanks for the reminder! I agree with you 100% - flexibility is so crucial. Growing up as a gymnast, I made sure to keep up my flexibility once I was done with the sport. I am so thankful I did. Like you said it decreases your chance of injury and reduces pain. I also make sure to stretch out after a workout. That is the best time to increase your flexibility. You're warmed up and can elongate your muscles.
ReplyDeleteAgain thanks for the reminder!
since i am not flexible what so ever, should i start with basic stretching? Or go straight to yoga? My muscles are always so tight so I need some advice!
ReplyDeleteVery informative read! I am not very flexible but I do realize the importance of good flexibility for everyday life. I usually stretch during a warm-up and cool down but somewhat neglect flexibility otherwise. I have done yoga a couple of times, either with a team, or in college as part of my major. My hurling team back home in Ireland are currently doing preseason yoga on a weekly basis, so while I am missing out I might try out some of the movements from the videos you have posted! I think people are realizing that yoga is beneficial for all types physical activity; a few years ago, my trainers wouldn't even have thought of incorporating yoga into sports such as hurling. Thanks for the video links!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! Yoga is fairly new to me and this makes me want to continue to use yoga throughout my life! Flexibility is a huge part of the body and muscles, it can really make a difference in how someone may feel or prevent many injuries! The videos you posted are very informative and useful. Thank you for sharing your yoga poses, you make it look so easy. Good luck with the rest of your fitness journey!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all i want to tip my hat to you. This is one of the more detailed blogs Ive seen. The inclusion of videos along with discrimination was a nice touch. Really gives you a good and well rounded idea of how to execute some of the key aspects of yoga techniques. Great job!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all i want to tip my hat to you. This is one of the more detailed blogs Ive seen. The inclusion of videos along with discrimination was a nice touch. Really gives you a good and well rounded idea of how to execute some of the key aspects of yoga techniques. Great job!
ReplyDelete