CHAIR POSE Utakatasana Begin in mountain pose. Raise arms over head, bend knees and bring together and sit as if sitting in a chair. Benefits Strengthens ankles, calves, inner thighs, back. Stretches the shoulders. What it looks like A princess with a puffy dress, a chair, a lightening bolt.
Dhanurasana Begin lying face down. Bend knees. Bring shoulders on the back and grab ankles. Tuck the tailbone and arch up. Rock side to side for variation. Benefits Stretches the spine and keeps it flexible. Tones the abdominal organs What it looks like A bow, a circle, a bug, a ship.
Trikonasana Spread legs wide on the mat, left foot turned in at 60 degrees and right foot pointing straight out. Inhale arms up to shoulder height. Bring muscular energy to the legs and arms, then extend trunk over to the right leg and bring the right hand toward the right shin, ankle or mat. Left arm extends straight up. Look at the fingertips. Switch sides. Benefits Strengthens leg muscles and ankles. Builds and opens the chest. What it looks like Traveling places, a triangle, a magic wand.
Upavistha Konasana Sitting on floor with legs straight in front, open legs to the side, toes pointing up if possible, and bow forward. Benefits Stretches the hamstrings and legs. What it looks like Wide Angle Pose A lazy princess, a doorway to another world.
Urdva Navasana Lying on stomach with both arms extended out front, arch back and lift off arms and legs from ground. Extend out through hands and feet. Benefits Good for the back. Tones the abdominal organs. What it looks like A magic carpet, a flying fish, a boat, Superman, Superwoman.
Vrksasana Begin in mountain pose. Put weight onto left leg and then lift right foot to the left thigh, toes pointing downwards. Balancing, lift arms up over Table Position head, palms together. Flower the tree by opening the hands and bring arms down to the sides again. Switch sides. Benefits Develops balance and concentration, and tones the leg muscles. Tree Pose What it looks like A tree, a rocket ship.
Begin on hands and knees, toes untucked, fingers spread wide, wrist joints straight across. Back with natural curve.
Beginning in table pose, inhale. Exhale and arch back up like a cat. Inhale again and drop down like a cow. Benefits Good for the spine. Develops the wrists and arms. What it looks like A cat, a cow, a moving vehicle, a bumpy road, a bicycle pump, waves.
Parsvakonasana Begin with legs wide apart on the mat. Turn left foot in 60 degrees, and extend right foot out straight. Bend right knee to about a 90 degree angle, bring arm and elbow either down to the right knee or down to the outside of the right ankle. Extend left arm up over head, pinky pointing down. Reverse. Benefits Side Angle Pose Builds stamina. Good for toning ankles, knees and thighs. Develops the chest and opens the shoulders. What it looks like Traveling up and down hills, going places, … Continue reading
Begin in table position. Place hands on ankles, then arch the back and tuck head under. Place gentle weight on head. Benefits Stretches the back, arms and neck. What it looks like A rabbit, a butter ball, a bomb, a seed.
