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Yoga & Pilates

5 Energy-Boosting Yoga Poses To Kick Your Ass Into Gear This Winter

Sick of the short dark days already? These yoga poses will help you beat the winter blues

Have you been feeling a little run down lately?

The long, dark days of the winter months are usually when our motivation starts to wane. The temptation to stay inside instead of hitting the gym is at its strongest.

People tend to eat and sleep more and feel more tired as our body clock thinks that it’s nighttime as soon as it gets dark. Working out after a long day in the office is definitely a whole lot harder.

If you find you are less active in the winter, try exercising in the morning instead and starting your day with these five yoga poses. They’ll help keep you feeling strong and calm in the run-up to Christmas.

It’s a good idea to warm up with a few sun salutations first.

P.S. If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, you might want to read this.

1) Lord of the Dance Pose

Lord of the Dance is known as Natarajasana (a reference to Shiva’s cosmic dance), this pose will open your shoulders, chest and stretch your abdomen in one invigorating move.

2) Warrior II

When doing this pose, think of all the characteristics that make up a warrior such as strength, resilience and courage and embody them.

With a combination of back bending and leg strengthening moves, it will give you enough power to battle through the longest, coldest days.

3) Half Lord of the Fishes

There is no better way to re-energise than to do this effective little seated twist.

The Half Lord of the Fishes pose will stretch your spine to increase energy flow in your body, flush out toxins and improve your digestion to leave you feeling healthier and happier.

4) Half Moon Pose

Photo: practiceyoga.la

The Half-Moon pose is known to lift your mood by reducing stress hormones and relieving fatigue.

With your arms in line with each other, the left one raised towards the sky, open your chest and hip to bring what the yogis call prana or “life force” to all areas of your body.

This pose will stimulate your tired limbs and help you find your inner balance.

5) Camel Pose

This simple stretch which can be done with your hands on your lower back or heels, will activate your core muscles and lengthen your torso, so that your lungs can expand and bring more oxygen into your body.

In case you want something a bit more in-depth, Yoga With Adriene have a great video sequence you can practice at home – especially for the winter blues.

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