summer pose : dancer!

I know, I know..I've done this pose already but I can't help but repost it. This is my ultimate favourite pose...can't you tell?! This summer has flew by, and I swear I'm not trying to be lazy. I just wanted to give something people can do that makes them feel good and also put a smile on your face this summer.

Check out 'how to do it' here, and give it a try!

Have a wonderful and safe summer everyone 

xo

may pose: monkey

How to do it: 

1. From downward dog, look towards your hands and step your right foot forward. Drop your left knee down.

Hanumanasana

2. Start to walk your right foot forward, straighten your leg and flex your foot. You may stay here and fold forward over your leg.

 3. Root down through your right heel and keep your hips squared.
 4. To go deeper, slide your left knee back and begin to straighten your back leg. Keep your pelvis levelled and energize both of your legs. Go to your limit until you feel the stretch.
 5. You may stay on your fingertips, or use blocks as support.
 6. To go deeper, reach your arms overhead or fold over your front leg.

Stay for 15-30 breaths and slowly press into your palms to come up, bending into your front knee to push back into downward facing dog. *Repeat on the left side

Benefits: 

• Stretches the thighs, hamstrings and groins. 
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Helps to open the hips and increases overall flexibility, balance and alignment 

april pose: pigeon

How to do it:

1. Starting in downward dog, lift your right leg up into the air, bend your knee and open up the hip. 

2. Look forward, and bring your right knee behind your right wrist, keeping your thigh parallel to the mat.

3. Try to keep your back leg straight, and slowly slide your right shin and foot forward until its comfortable for you. 

4. Work towards keeping your hips squared and release your pelvis closer towards the floor. 

5. Press your fingertips into the floor to lengthen the spine.

Hold for a minute, and if you feel stable, walk your hands forward to fold over your front leg. To come out, slowly press into your palms to lift your hips up and come back to downward dog. Repeat on the left side

Benefits:

• Stretches the hips, thighs, groins and psoas
• Stimulates the abdominal organs 
• Opens the shoulders and chest 

march pose: wheel

Urdhva Dhanurasana

How to do it:

1. Start lying on your back with your knees bent. Separate your feet hip distance apart and start to walk them back towards your hips so you can touch the back of your heels.
2.  Bring your hands behind you, bend your elbows back, palms flat on the floor, and fingers pointing towards your shoulders.
3. Press into your palms as you lift your hips to bring the crown of your head to the floor
4. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale firm your legs, press into your feet and hands to lift your head off the floor then straighten the arms.

Relax the head, soften your glutes and keep your feet parallel to the mat. Stay for 5-10 breaths then slowing tuck your chin in, bend your elbows and slowly lower down to the floor. Hug your knees into your chest and rock side to side to massage your low back.

Modification: bridge pose

Benefits:

• Strengthens the arms, legs, abdomen and spine
• Stretches the chest and lungs 
• Increases energy 

my little yogis!

Introducing the first footage from Rogers Television YRL, check it out HERE

let life's rhythm find you!

"There is purpose, meaning, and rhythm to each step, each beat of your life. Each step, each feeling, each beat of your life is another mile traveled on your journey, your journey to your heart. 

If you've lost your way and can't find life's rhythm, don't worry. Keep your heart open and it will find you." -Melody Beattie 

february pose: dolphin

How to do it:

1. Begin on all fours. Lower onto your forearms. Grab opposite elbows to measure up the distance, then interlace your hands in front of you.
2. Make sure your elbows stay shoulder width apart.
3. Start to curl your toes under, lifting your knees off the floor. Straighten your legs and walk your feet in a bit closer towards your face.
4. Press your forearms into the floor, lengthen the spine and pull your shoulders away from your ears.
5. Let your head hang from the floor, no pressure in the neck.

Stay for 10-15 breaths, then drop your knees and rest in child's pose.

Benefits:

• Strengthens the core, arms and legs
• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue
• Improves digestion