Float your boat

I’ll be honest, Navasana (boat pose) does not come naturally to me.
Note to self, it’s a practice, not a perfect. Although it’s much easier than it used to be.
This practice draws attention to the hip, thigh and abdominal area, bringing with it strength and tone.
Please excuse my spelling mistake adha should have been ardha (half), you’ll hear it. As Homer Simpson once said “I am so smart, I am so smart , s m r t , s, m, a, r, t. ”
This sequence is not suitable for people with low back problems, menstruation or pregnancy.

Enjoy!
Lucy

Half moon in half an hour

Fly me to the moon
Let me sing among those stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
In other words…

I had this song running through my head during this practice, I love this pose! When you get it correct it resonates through out the whole body. In fact I reckon old blue eyes would have loved it too.
Body…. look after yours, it is the only one you’ve got.

Please be true,
In other words
Please love you!

Enjoy!

benefits

  • Strengthens the abdomen, ankles, thighs, buttocks, and para-spinal muscles
  • lengthens hamstrings, groins and spine
  • Opens up the shoulders and chest,
  • Improves  balance and coordination
  • Improves digestion
  • Helps relieve stress

Cautions

  • Headache or migraine
  • Low blood pressure
  • Hamstring issues

40 minute home practice number 1

This practice is to help develop confidence in building your own home yoga routine.
Start with this simple sequence of standing poses.
All you need is a mat, 2 blocks and a wall or a belt (it is always handy to have a blanket nearby too).
Hold each asana to your own capacity and regard your body with utmost reverence.
Enjoy
Shine bright
Lucy

Parsvottanasna in more ways than 1

25 minutes, one pose; It went really quickly.
The back leg is crucial to keeping balance. Often we focus on the front foot because that’s the one we can see. Get the back leg as your anchor, balance the front foot and hey presto, you can start to play in this wonderful hamstring lengthener.
Not really suitable if you are nursing your hamstrings or if you are having lower back problems.
As always, work to your body’s own unique own capacity.

Love and light,
Lucy

ps Lucy means light… soon i’ll sign off love and Lucy 😉

Tree pose variations

Tree pose, Vrksasana, is a fun standing balance. We prepare by working the shoulders…slightly left field I know, but it will become clear as you move through the sequence.
It is worth persevering with this posture, (even if you never make the full foot to thigh action) because as we age, our sense of balance can deteriorate.
Have fun and move within your own capacity.

Love and light
Lucy

Standing balances into twists

This practice follows me through the standing balances Arhda and Parivrtta Chandrasasana (half moon and rotating half moon pose), into sun salutes and Jatara Parivatasana (abdominal rotation).
Please be aware this is not suitable for practice during pregnancy, menstruation or for anyone with low back/neck problems.
Move with compassion, awareness and within your own capacity.
Love and light
Lucy