5 Yoga Poses for Killer Legs
These poses will strengthen your legs!
We all want toned legs. And although the cold weather is upon us now, before you know it it’ll be bathing suit season again, so now is the perfect time to get those legs in shape. Think about the confidence you’ll have next summer when you put on your favorite dress or shorts! Toned legs are also great for preserving your balance and posture while being able to support your body for longer periods of time. This means you can go on longer walks and stay more active while taking less breaks!
The following 5 poses will help you get your legs ready for summer and provide the added bonus of improving your health.
Warrior II
From down dog, step right foot forward between hands, spin left heel down with foot slightly angled out, and “windmill” arms open, left arm reaching toward the back of the mat and right arm reaching to the front of the mat. Bend right knee, keeping it in line with right ankle. Stay here for 5 deep breaths. Repeat on other side.
Warrior III
From a standing forward bend, walk hands under shoulders, placing them on the floor (or on blocks if the floor feels too far away). Transfer weight to left foot, bend left knee slightly, and float right leg high behind you. Reach through right heel and internally rotate right thigh so toes point toward the ground. If you feel steady, lift hands off the ground and put them together at center of chest. Stay here for 5 deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Revolved Hand to Foot
Stand, hug left knee to chest, and grab outer left foot with right hand. Reach left arm toward the back of the mat and slowly extend left leg as long as is comfortable forward to the front of the mat. Stay here for 5 deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Eagle
From a standing, hug right knee to chest. Bend left knee and cross right leg around left leg, hooking right foot on either side of left leg. Wrap right arm under left arm. Sit down as low as you can and lift up through arms to stay balanced, reaching elbows and fingertips up and away from face. Stay here for 5 long, deep breaths. Unwind and repeat on other side.
Wheel
Lie on back with knees bent and feet on the ground hip-width apart. Bend elbows and place hands on either side of head shoulder-width apart with fingers pointing toward shoulders. Pressing into feet and hands equally, lift hips and lengthen arms. Keep pressing into feet through big toes and reach chest away from feet as you stay here for 5 deep breaths. (Be sure to tuck your chin to your chest before you slowly come down).
All images courtesy of Shape Magazine / Heidi Kristoffer.
