Since low-carbers need to be careful not to hit sugar lows, yoga is an excellent movement program. Yoga conserves energy, in contrast to many exercise programs such as aerobics, weight training and bicycling that expend energy. Yoga helps you tap into reserves of energy in the body and prevent the depletion that increases cravings. Furthermore, yoga postures teach us to expand into our own energy without
judgment or criticism — or stress. A practice of relaxation and meditation (either seated cross-legged or lying on your back) when you have completed your postures is key; in fact, this relaxation is one important way that yoga helps regenerate energy.
8 Yoga Postures to improve enegy while low carb dieting
Here are eight postures to get you started. Do them every three to four days
and familiarize yourself with the movements.
Mountain pose
Stand with feet together or hip distance. Imagine roots growing out of your feet into the earth. Feel your spine lengthening as the crown of your head lifts toward the sky. Inhale and exhale; feel the
oppositional movement of feet planted firmly on the ground while the crown reaches upward. Keep your gaze focused at the horizon line. This posture prepares the body for a yoga practice.
Forward-facing warrior
Stand in mountain pose and lift your arms by your ears; take a few breaths and center yourself. Take a step forward on your right foot and bend your knee over your ankle. Focus your gaze at the horizon. Lengthen the torso and drop your shoulders. Repeat on the other side. This pose strengthens the thighs and brings in warrior energy. Forward-facing warrior with a forward bend: Repeat the above posture. Slowly straighten the front leg and extend the spine over the front leg. Relax the arms beside the leg. Repeat on the other side. This pose opens the spine, stretches both legs and soothes the mind.
Tree balance
Stand in mountain pose and become centered. Slowly transition your weight onto the right leg. Bring your hands into a prayer position over your chest and position your left foot on your calf. Balance on your right leg while you breathe and focus your gaze at the horizon. Allow your body to move with the flow of your breath — balances are never static. This pose develops balance and confidence. Downward-facing dog: Get on your hands and knees, legs hip-width apart and arms shoulder-distance apart. Tuck your toes and lift your tailbone up toward the ceiling into an upside-down V position. Fan out your fingers and press them into the floor. Keep moving your tailbone and elongate your spine. Bring your ears between your arms. Return to your hands and knees slowly and rest. This pose cleanses the mind and strengthens the upper body.
Bridge
Lie on you back and bend your knees, legs hip-width apart. Lift your hips and spine toward the ceiling as you move through the front of the knees. Bring your arms underneath your body on the floor and interlace your fingers. Keep your gaze at the chest. This posture increases energy and spinal flexibility.
Seated twist
Sit with both legs extended in front of you. Bend your right leg, keeping the left in front with the foot flexed. Place your left hand below the right knee and bring the right hand around the back of
the body close to the spine. Lift and rise through the crown of your head on the inhale; on the exhale, twist the spine to the right, moving around the axis of the spine. Move from the lower to the upper spine; the head is the last to twist around. Slowly release from the base of the spine and come back to
center. Repeat on the other side. Twists flush and balance the nervous system.
Reclining bound pose
Now it’s time for relaxation. Lie on your back and bring your feet together. Allow your knees to splay apart. You can also extend your legs and come into corpse pose if bound pose is too much for your hips. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Let go of any stress and allow your body to release into the floor. Stay as long as you like.
Yoga points to remember
Express yourself
Your yoga postures should express who you are — you shouldn’t look like someone else performing the same pose.
Awareness
While you’re in the pose, try to become as aware of your body and thoughts as you can.
Breathe
Breathe a simple breath pattern that’s based on your own rhythm. Take four or five breaths for each movement. Notice where and when you hold your breath.
Yoga Mat
Purchase a yoga mat, available in most health food and sports stores.
More Information
Christy Jones
Latest posts by Christy Jones (see all)
- The Best Way to Find Life Balance in a Chaotic World - April 6, 2016
- BEER BRAISED BEEF IN CROCK POT | Wellness Recipe - March 27, 2016
- Beef Salad | Wellness Recipe - March 13, 2016
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.