How to do Balancing Stick Pose

This is one of my favorite yoga poses. It strengthens the back, abs, arms and legs, and even though it's a static pose, it really gets the heart pumping. I like adding this in the middle or beginning of vinyasanas. I'll start in this pose and then slowwwwwwwly lower the back leg down to high lunge. That's great for core strength! (Actually, the exact move I'm talking about is featured in this Slow, Sweaty YouTube video I did.)

The trick here is to make sure the kneecaps are lifted to engage the quads and protect hyperextension of the hamstring. Also, try to keep that lifted leg hip even with the standing leg hip. Reach back and feel your hips are even if you need to. Another trick for this is to point the toes of the lifted leg down to the mat. It looks like mine are a bit off here, but I think it was the angle of the camera...I hope so, anyway. :)

Hope this was helpful to you!

How to Step Forward From Down Dog

A lot of times I see people getting stuck when asked to step their foot to the front of the mat from downward facing dog. If you're one of those people, these few tricks will help. I normally go from downward facing dog to three legged dog and then step, so that is what I've shown in this video.  

Hope that helps! If you have any video requests or have any yoga questions comment below or tweet me. 

PS- Here's a video for yoga for back pain, and one for the morning. 

Yoga Tips: Healing Yoga

​Jet lag is a definite downside to travel, but luckily I don't have much to do the next few days so I can ease my way back into this time zone. I've found the best way to overcome jet lag is to hydrate like crazy, and eat and sleep at the normal local times. Doing a few stretches doesn't hurt either, especially after a long flight. Here are three yoga poses you can do to open up the body. 

The first, above, is rag doll pose. ​

How to do it: Keep a micro-bend in the knees so you don't hyperextend your hamstrings. Gently fold forward and grab opposite elbows. Release any tension in the neck by gently shaking your head. Feel free to sway side to side with the upper body.

Benefits: This releases tension in the low back, calms the mind, and stretches the hamstrings, calves and hips. It also improves fatigue and anxiety.

Next up, standing pigeon pose.​

How to do it: Stand on one leg. As you inhale, cross the other over the standing leg thigh. Bend the standing leg as if you're about to sit on a chair. Tuck the tailbone for a long, flat back. Bring the hands out in front and press firmly together. Gently come forward with the upper body until you feel a good stretch along the hip of the bent leg.​

Benefits: Stretches the hip, helps sciatica, and strengthens the thigh.

Last, urdhva hastasana, or upward salute. ​

How to do it: Stand with the feet together, spread the toes and root down into all four corners of both feet. Tuck the tailbone for an elongated spine. Inhale and lift the arms up overhead, pushing the hips slightly forward and engage the abdominals as you lean back.​ Breathe for a few breaths.

Benefits: Stretches the front body including abdominals and armpits. Gently opens the chest. Helps to relieve anxiety.​

Yoga Tips for Absolute Beginners

The other day a friend asked if I would make a video for absolute beginners. For this video I combine what to expect from most yoga classes with pointers on the poses that show up often like tadasana, downward dog, tree pose, etc. I hope this helps! If you have any suggestions or want to see something specific in a yoga video, please let me know! 

Don't forget about the Dr. Hauschka & Sante giveaway going on! Be sure that you comment in the blog post so your entries are counted!! ​

Have a wonderful weekend.​