Five feel-good poses for a healthier you, inside and out
By Tara Huff
With warmer temperatures and longer days ahead, springtime is the perfect season to start taking your yoga practice into the great outdoors. Practicing yoga in nature can be an incredible experience that will awaken your senses and increase your mental wellbeing. According to a study in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal, participants who exercised in a natural outdoor environment reported a decrease in tension, anger and depression, and an increase in enjoyment, satisfaction and energy compared to performing the same activity indoors.
Taking your yoga practice onto natural surfaces and uneven terrain will intensify a posture, challenge balance and encourage you to focus during unusual distractions. If you live in a more urban area, you can find outdoor yoga classes at a nearby beach or park. If you crave something a little more intimate or adventurous, yoga will compliment many of the outdoor activities that you already enjoy. (There is something spectacular about waking up before daylight to hike to an alpine lake and perform sun salutations on a granite boulder as the sun rises.) You can enjoy the benefits of yoga while hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, camping, etc.
Here are five feel-good poses to compliment your next adventure. You can select one or try them all. Hold each pose for five to eight full inhales and exhales – repeat the movement for the same length of time on the opposite side when it applies. You can search online for in-depth descriptions of each pose, if needed.
Please remember to be safe, dress appropriately, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and bring an old beach towel or blanket for comfort.
~View magazine link above to see photos~
1.) Downward Facing Dog
2.) Low Crescent Lunge (hold for five to eight breaths per side)
3.) Tree Pose (hold for five to eight breaths per side)
4.) Warrior 2 (hold for five to eight breaths per side)
5.) Seated Position – Sit in any comfortable seated position. Did you just push yourself hiking to a mountaintop? Or a waterfall and the rocks are slippery? Don’t risk injuring yourself standing on your hands or balancing on one leg. Sit down, take a few deep breaths and just enjoy the scenery!
Tara Huff lives in the mountains of northern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys ranch life, outdoor adventures, yoga and more. To follow Tara on her next adventure, visit her on Instagram @tara_huff_.
