Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (set-uu bahn-dah sar-VAHN-GAHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: From a supine position, on your back, the hips are pressed up with the heels of the feet rooted into the earth close to the sits bones. The toes are actively lifted and the pelvis tucked. The thighs are parallel to the earth and the fingers are interlaced under the body with the rib cage lifted and the heart open. The back of the neck rests on the earth. The gaze is to the sky.

BENEFITS: Stretches the chest, neck, and spine. Stimulates abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroids. Rejuvenates tired legs. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Relieves menstrual discomfort when done supported. Reduces anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache, and insomnia. Therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sinusitis.

Cat Pose

Cat Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Marjaryasana (mar-jar-ee-AHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: The wrists, elbows and shoulders are in one line. The abdomen is pulled in and up with the spine arched in a strong Cobra spine. The crown of the head is towards the earth and the neck is relaxed. The gaze is between the arms towards the belly.

BENEFITS: Relieves the spine and neck. Energizes the body.

Chair Pose

Chair Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Utkatasana (Oot-kah-TAHS-anah)

DESCRIPTION: From a standing position, the feet are together and rooted into the earth with toes actively lifted. The knees are bent and the weight of the body is on the heels of the feet. The pelvis is tucked in and the ribcage is lifted. The neck is a natural extension of the spine. The arms are lifted up toward the sky with the elbows straight and the biceps by the ears. The hands can be together or separated and facing each other with the fingers spread wide. The gaze is forward.

BENEFITS: Strengthens the ankles, thighs, calves, and spine. Stretches shoulders and chest. Stimulates the abdominal organs, diaphragm, and heart. Reduces flat feet. Energizes the entire body.

Cow Face Pose

Cow Face Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Gomukhasana (go-moo-KAHS-anah)

DESCRIPTION: One arm reaches up and back from above the shoulder while the opposite arm reaches down and back from under the shoulder and around the torso into a bind at the center of the upper back. The gaze is forward.

BENEFITS: Stretches the ankles, hips and thighs. Stretches the shoulders, armpits, triceps, and chest.

Cow Pose

Cow Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Bitilasana (bee-tee-LAHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: The ribcage is lifted with a gentle sway in the low back. The tailbone lifts up into dog tilt. The eyes are soft and the gaze is to the sky.

BENEFITS: Removes fatigue. Improves breathing and the circulation of blood to the brain. Rejuvenates the entire body.