Yoga: What better way to tone up your body than to hold poses that your muscles must adjust to? Really though- Yoga is an incredible way to get the tone in your body without doing an incredible deal of cardio! Essentially you are isolating different muscles in your body as you go through the poses, and this creates a muscle tolerance (and toning).
Not only is it a toning method, but it is also used to created extreme flexibility throughout the body. Yoga increases blood flow throughout your body creating a higher oxygenated blood stream to the heart. Yoga also boosts levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues. It is a natural relaxant for the body and promotes a state of calmness.
Common Yoga poses that help with everyday body function
Child's Pose: fully on knees with hands and body tucked over- this is a spine stretch and is considered a natural resting position.
Chair pose: bend legs and stretch spine as though you were going to sit in a chair- this is especially beneficial for calf muscles.
Downward dog: Considered the bread and butter of yoga, this pose consists of hands and feet doglike position with the glutes brought into the air along with an arched back. This pose opens the shoulders, stretches the torso and hamstrings, and does not put unnecessary pressure on the upper body.
Revolved triangle: primarily a shoulder opener, it also stretches the hamstrings and the outer hips. This 45 degree twist helps increase flexibility of the spine and spinal fluid.
Not only is it a toning method, but it is also used to created extreme flexibility throughout the body. Yoga increases blood flow throughout your body creating a higher oxygenated blood stream to the heart. Yoga also boosts levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues. It is a natural relaxant for the body and promotes a state of calmness.
Common Yoga poses that help with everyday body function
Child's Pose: fully on knees with hands and body tucked over- this is a spine stretch and is considered a natural resting position.
Chair pose: bend legs and stretch spine as though you were going to sit in a chair- this is especially beneficial for calf muscles.
Downward dog: Considered the bread and butter of yoga, this pose consists of hands and feet doglike position with the glutes brought into the air along with an arched back. This pose opens the shoulders, stretches the torso and hamstrings, and does not put unnecessary pressure on the upper body.
Revolved triangle: primarily a shoulder opener, it also stretches the hamstrings and the outer hips. This 45 degree twist helps increase flexibility of the spine and spinal fluid.