POSE ~ Standing Forward Bend - Uttanasana

UTTANASANA (oot-tan-as-ahna)

ut = intense

tan = to stretch or extend

Another one of my favourite poses. You can relax and surrender to the stretch. Just fold yourself over your hips and let your upper body go limp. Relax your head and neck and let your hanging parts flow like a waterfall over your legs. If you have to bend your knees then please do. As you do this pose more frequently, you will find you can straighten your legs and fall deeper into the pose. It is a great stretch and I always feel wonderful after doing this pose.
- Namaste

POSE ~ Crane pose - bakasana

Bakasana (crane pose)

baka = crane

I love this pose. When I took a class a few years ago, it was the one pose that I became really great at. It strengthens so many parts of your body. It takes focus and concentration. You feel so accomplished after holding this pose, in so many ways. I have very weak wrists and this pose helps to stengthen them. It was very hard at first, but I kept at it and felt stronger each time. You use your abs and thighs and arms all in balance. I usually put a pillow in front of me to catch my head should I lose my balance. I try to hold it as long as I can, stretching the duration each time.

Everyone should try this pose !

Legs up the wall pose - Viparita Karani

(vip-par-ee-tah car-AHN-ee)

viparita = turned around, reversed, inverted

karani = doing, making, action

Restorative pose.

POSE ~ Bridge pose - Setu Bandha Sarvengasana

(SET-too BAHN-dah)

setu= dam, dike, or bridge

bandha = lock

This pose feels so good. I can feel the strength building in so many parts of my body. It is used to loosen the loser back and pelvis. It spreads the chest and opens the shoulders. Also great for toning your legs and buttocks.