BE A TREE Did you know that a lot of yoga poses are named after plants ? Yoga is a great way and animals you can find around you? to stretch and move your body — and these nature poses are even more fun outdoors! Try breathing slowly and deeply as you make these shapes with your body.
Downward-facing Dog TREE Stand up tall. Pick a spot in front of you, keeping your eyes on it to help keep your balance. Lift your left foot and place it flat against against your inner thigh (anywhere but your knee), with your left knee bent out to the side. Bring your hands to your heart, palms together and fingers pointing straight up. Stretch your arms straight over your head. You can keep your palms together or move your arms out a bit wider, like the branches of a tree. Now repeat on the other leg. Is one leg steadier? How long can you stay standing?
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Stand up tall, reaching your hands up to the sky. Bend forward to put your hands on the ground on either side of your feet. Step both feet back so your bottom is up in the air, legs and arms straight. With your head hanging down, keep your neck relaxed. Do not lift your head or look around as this can hurt your neck. Imagine there is a rope around your hips pulling them back and up – so your back stays straight and long – and feel a lovely stretch in your back and legs!