Yoga Poses for Increased Flexibility

Sarah Riedel | July 27, 2016 | Flexibility | No Comments

Facebook

Google

Twitter

Want to become more flexible? Do this yoga sequence.

We’ve all seen photos or videos of those more advanced, crazy bendy yoga poses being practiced. You may have also thought, Whoa, how can anyone bend like that?! The answer is yoga! There is really no better way to increase your flexibility and stretch sore muscles than through a good yoga routine. Becoming more bendy not only eases aches and pains, but it also improves your posture, making you look and feel thinner!

The poses below are just a few you can try to increase your overall flexibility in no time.

By Jenny Sugar

Relaxed Down Dog

This easy version of Downward Facing Dog allows you to target the back more than the hamstrings. Come onto your hands and feet in Downward Facing Dog. Bend your knees, lift your heels off the mat, and allow your spine to arch, pressing your navel toward your thighs. Stay like this for five breaths.

Arching Three-Legged Dog

From Relaxed Down Dog, step both feet together so your big toes are touching. Keeping the left heel on the mat, raise your right leg in the air coming into Three-Legged Dog, and then bend the knee. Actively squeeze your right heel in toward your hip, lifting the knee high.Lift your head up and turn to look over your left shoulder, arching the spine. Hold for five breaths.

Wild Thing

From Arching Three-Legged Dog, keep your left foot where it is. Bring your right knee into your chest, raise your left hand up, and simultaneously rotate your torso 180 degrees so your belly is pointing up toward the ceiling as you plant your right foot on the ground about a foot and a half to the right of your left foot. Deeply arch the spine, and reach your left fingertips toward the floor. Actively press into your feet and right hand to lift the hips as high as you can, breathing here for five breaths.

Arching Pigeon

Lift your right foot and arm into the air, and rotate your torso 180 degrees, pivoting on your left foot. Plant your right hand in Down Dog position, and bring your right knee between your hands, coming into Pigeon. Plant your palms beside your hips, and gently arch back, releasing your head between your shoulder blades. Hold this pose for five breaths.