february pose: office lunge

alanasana variation

Our offices just went through major renovations and our desks are now programmable 'work center" stations which allow them to move up and down to the height we desire. This is great for the yogini like me since I like to be moving all the time! Sitting all day in a chair can cause a lot of strain on the body especially the low back, neck and shoulders. If you have the time, get up often and move your legs.

Here is a twist on a lunge:

How to do it:

1. Start standing in mountain pose.

2. Bring your hands to your hips and step back with your left foot coming into a lunge

3. Bend your right knee until it stacks directly over your ankle.

4. Keep your back leg strong, pushing back through your heel and lift up from your thigh

5. Engage your core, relax the shoulders and breathe deeply in and out through your nose.

Hold for 5-10 breaths then step your left foot forward and switch legs

Benefits:

• Better balance and posture
• Strengthens the legs
• Improves hip flexibility