Dru Yoga: Balance and focus exercises
TREE
BENEFITS: Improves balance and focus, opens the hips and strengthens the core.
TECHNIQUE:
- From standing, bend your right knee outwards and rest the toes of the right foot on the floor
- With your instep resting on the left ankle. Keep your hips facing forward.
- Draw in your low abdominals, separating our hips from the ribs.
- Inhale and stretch your arms up and over your head, with palms together.
- Breathe naturally as you hold the position.
- Release on an exhalation and repeat with the left leg.
If you would like to progress the move, bring your foot higher up the opposite leg. Rest it on your shin or by your knee but don’t push into your knee joint.
DO: A couple of rounds on each side. Perfect your balance before moving the foot higher.
BACK STRETCH
BENEFITS: Stretches the latissimus dorsi – the broad sheet of muscle across your back.
TECHNIQUE:
- Begin in an all four position, with your hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
- Press your hands fully into the earth and keep this firm connection as you slowly lower your bottom towards your heels and allow your head to rest.
- Keep pushing your hands into the earth and your bottom and feet away from you; this will create a lovely stretch across your back.
DO: Breathe naturally and hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
This yoga instruction has been brought to you by Inside Out who use Dru Yoga to help your well being. Inside Out are based at the Acanthus Golf Centre, Tingley, West Yorkshire. You can learn more and follow Inside Out on Facebook.