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Do you want to lose weight, firm up the ‘flab’, or get stronger? What about helping organ circulation, decreasing stress, increasing white blood cell production and balancing your nervous system? Hot yoga is the latest yoga trend that’s here to stay with its offering of bountiful health benefits.
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 oga is 5,000 years old. This newest, hot yoga craze began 30 years ago by Bikram Choudhury, a Hatha yoga master and the creator of Bikram Yoga, a 90 minute, 26 posture, sweat-induced class; created when it was discovered that students’ flexibility increased with heaters on in the yoga room. Moksha yoga, an offshoot of Bikram, has varying postures and class lengths. 60 minute Moksha classes may be better for beginners and is offered at most studios. Practitioners recommend a daily practice, however, I prefer practicing once a week to balance the body from other sports and resistance based activities. The following postures apply to both disciplines. For the best results do this series of poses in a hot room, hold each pose for a 30 second to a minute stretch. Or, supplement your stretching routine at the end of workouts.
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 Half moon series Ardha-Chandrasana
Increases flexibility + strengthens abdominals, gluteals, shoulders and trapezius muscles. Stimulates pituitary gland, helps with sciatica, increases flexibility and elimination of spine pain. Begin by stretching each side; next, bend at the waist, do alternate knee bends to stretch back and legs; finish with the counter-back bend. Hold each pose for a nice, unforced stretch.
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 Eagle pose Garurasana
Involves 12 major body joints. Relaxes nervous system; improves balance; increased leg circulation helps decrease varicose veins. Cross arms and legs, slowly lower to a sitting pose and hold. Stretch each side. |
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 Standing separated leg pose
Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana
Strengthens adrenals, reproductive system; relaxes lower back and can relieve constipation; + increases blood flow to the brain. Slowly get into posture as shown, hold the stretch.
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 Dancer’s pose Dandayamana Dhanurasana Stimulates cardiovascular system, lung and heart function; improves balance + frozen shoulder issues; balances ovaries and prostate gland. Slowly move into shown posture, hold the stretch. Stretch each side.
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 Triangle pose Trikonasana
The ‘master pose’ is a challenging cardio workout; helps hip flexibility; stimulates adrenals, thyroid, and kidneys; regulates hormone levels; strengthens legs and waist. Once in posture hold
for stretch. Stretch each side. |
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 Bow pose Dhanurasana
Excellent postural pose to improve spine flexibility and tone; opens shoulders; increases oxygen delivery; strengthens abdominals; balances hormones especially ovaries and prostate gland. Lift chest and legs by pulling towards each other, hold the stretch.
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 Double leg hurdler stretch
Pada-Hasthasana
Increases circulation to all abdominal organs to improve digestion; helps balance blood sugar by stimulating pancreas; stretches hamstrings and back; helps alleviate sciatica. From sitting position, bend forward to grab big toes, keep back straight as you bend forward. Hold the stretch. H&L
Visit Cherilee at envisionwellness.ca |
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NB: Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine if you’re pregnant or have any injuries such as herniated discs that should be monitored. |
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