Edgewater | Wellness Wanderer Yoga Booklet

Wellness Wanderer Yoga Is As Yoga Doe s – E lvi s Presley

e d g ewa te rhote l . c o m · 2 0 6 .7 2 8 . 7 0 0 0 · 2411 Ala skan Way , S ea ttle, WA 98121

Mountain Pose Tadasana H igher G round ¡ S tev ie Won der

W H A T T O K N O W This two-footed stance is the foundation for many others you’ll encounter that require awareness and balance.

H O W T O D O I T Stand with feet together and arms at your side.

Ground your feet, making sure all four corners are pressed down. Next, straighten legs, then tuck your tailbone in as you engage your thigh muscles.

As you inhale, elongate through your torso and extend arms up, then out.

Exhale and release your shoulder blades away from your head, toward the back of your waist as you release arms back to your sides.

Child’s Pose Balasana Teach , You r Child ren Well · Crosby , S tills & N a sh

W H A T T O K N O W Consider this your reset moment. Simple in design, this pose relaxes your nervous system and is a great place to take a breather during class if you need one. Got knee problems? Make sure to lower into this position with extra care.

H O W T O D O I T Start in a kneeling position with toes tucked under.

Lower your butt towards your feet as you stretch your upper body forward and down with arms extended. Stomach should be comfortably resting on thighs, with your forehead resting on the mat.

Cat·Cow Pose Marjaryasana to Bitilasana Ca t People · D av id B owie For All The Cows · Foo Fighters

W H A T T O K N O W Cat/Cow is a great way to warm up your back, explains Ingber, and get your body ready for downward facing dog. It also helps address mobility (hello, desk jobs) and work your core without the extra stress down dog places on your wrists and shoulders.

H O W T O D O I T Begin with hands and knees on floor, with a neutral spine and abs engaged. Take a big inhale, then, as you exhale, round your spine up towards the ceiling and tuck your chin towards your chest, releasing your neck. On the next inhale, arch your back and relax your abs.

Lift your head and tailbone upwards, being careful not to place any pressure on your neck by moving too quickly or deeply.

Downward Facing Dog Adho Mukha Svanansana B lack D og · Led Zepplin

W H A T T O K N O W One of the most recognizable poses of the bunch, down dog is a great way to stretch your back, shoulders, arms, hamstrings and well, just about everything, as well as get you calm and centered.

H O W T O D O I T Come onto hands and knees with palms just past your shoulder, fingers pointing forwards. Knees should be under your tips and toes tucked. Press back into a V-shape position with your body. Feet should be hip-width apart, and if you can’t get your feet to the floor, it’s OK as your hamstrings are likely tight. Spread through all 10 fingers and move chest towards legs.

Warrior I Virabhadrasana I Alive ¡ Pearl J am

W H A T T O K N O W The first in the Warrior series, this pose strengthens your legs and opens your hips and chest, while also stretching arms and legs. Plus, you’ll see an increase in your concentration and balance — both essential qualities to carry through your own yoga practice.

H O W T O D O I T Start in mountain pose. As you exhale, step your left foot back about four feet, so you’re in a lunge position with the right ankle over the right knee. Raise your arms up to be in line with ears and turn your left foot about 90 degrees to face the left wall. Align your left heel to be perpendicular with your right heel. Expand your chest and shoulders back, then slide down, and make sure your hips are square as you continue to breathe.

Warrior II Virabhadrasana II S old ier O f Love ¡ D onny O smo n d

W H A T T O K N O W Similar to Warrior I, Warrior II is just a slight variation on the former, with your body externally rotated to the side instead of facing forward. You’ll still reap the same quad-strengthening benefits of Warrior I, but also open up your hip flexor muscles for greater flexibility, too.

H O W T O D O I T Begin in mountain pose. Exhale and step your left foot back about four feet, making sure the heels are in line. Turn your back foot 90 degrees so that it’s now perpendicular with the front one. Raise your arms out to the side to shoulder height, parallel to floor. Bend your front knee so it’s directly over ankle and sink hips low until the front thigh is parallel to floor. Look straight ahead, eyes in line with your front-facing arm.

Corpse Pose Shavasana D ream O n · Aerosm ith

W H A T T O K N O W Lying around may seem pointless, but this is one of the most meditative moments in any yoga practice. Corpse pose calms the mind, relieves stress and induces a relaxed state.

H O W T O D O I T Lie down on your back and let your feet fall to their sides. Bring your arms alongside your torso, but slightly separated with palms facing the sky. Relax the entire body — your face included. Usually the final pose in a class, you’ll stay in this pose anywhere from 30 seconds to five or 10 minutes.

e d gewa te rh o tel . c om · 2 0 6 . 7 2 8 . 7 0 0 0 · 2411 Ala skan Way, S ea ttle, WA 98121