Feel Rejuvenated with Your Practice
The sun stretches out, clearing away winter shadows, blooms of kaleidoscopic color emerge from the earth and the world feels rejuvenated. We have all been patiently waiting for spring, and it is finally in the air! This new season is the perfect opportunity to awaken your body, shift into newness and embrace a fresh start. Here are some yoga poses and healthy foods that will make you feel light, motivated and fully awakened in your mind, spirit and soul as you embrace springtime.
Awaken Your Body on the Mat
Marichi’s Pose or Marichiyasana III
Revitalize your body with a nice twist. Sit up straight and hug your knees into your chest while you root down into your mat through your sitting bones. Straighten the right leg and keep the left knee bent, with your left heel on the floor as close to the sitting bones as possible. When you feel relaxed in your belly, wrap your right elbow around your left knee and look over the left shoulder. Inhale while you lengthen through your sitting bones and exhale, giving your body a nice twist. Repeat on the other side of your body.
Head-to-Knee Forward Bend or Janu Shirshasana
Shift into this pose to release built-up tension in your legs. Extend your left leg out and bring a small bend into your right knee, with the bottom of your right foot facing the inner left thigh. Extend your arms out to wherever feels comfortable or rest your arms along the floor. Relax your shoulders and head, and let your belly, chest and head fold forward. Stay in this position for at least 10 full breaths as you sink into total relaxation. Repeat on the other side.
Cow Face Pose or Gomukhasana
This pose will awaken your hips with a nice stretch. Fold your legs so that your knees are stacked on top of each other and bring your heels out to the sides. If you want to go further into this pose, stretch your arms forward. Stay here for a few breaths and release tension in your hips.
Energizing Springtime Foods
To awaken your body from the inside out, accompany your yoga practice with fresh foods for the season to help you feel rejuvenated and healthy. Berries are a great choice! They are rich in Vitamin C, which aids in proper blood circulation. Add them to your breakfast or eat them as a healthy sweet snack.
Arugula is a springtime green that is rich in Vitamin A, K and folate. This leafy green machine will help reduce inflammation while offering hydration and detoxifying benefits to your body.
Beets are another amazing food to incorporate into your diet. These deep colored root vegetables are great for your blood and circulation. They can lower blood pressure and support detoxification.
Start this spring season feeling your best on your mat and fueling your body with healthy food! Open your heart and mind to new possibilities and experiences as you flow into spring.
Get your body moving with a class! See our full class schedule here.
