Get beautiful summer legs through yoga
For the legs you have always dreamed of!
As spring starts to heat up and we switch from winter clothes in favour of summer fabrics let’s not forget our legs and the amazing job they do for us. Try adding these three luscious-leg yoga poses to your fitness routine and give your pins the attention they deserve.
As with all forms of exercise, please check with your doctor for suitability first and exercise at your own risk.
Before we get started here are some of the benefits of stronger legs via yoga:
- Counteracts hours of sitting down all day
- Strong legs equal better posture
- Yoga builds mental endurance
- Supports the body
- Reduces stress
- Improves balance
- Makes the legs look leaner and more athletic
- Powerful legs, ankles, and feet
- Gives a sense of groundedness and direction in life
Make sure that you are fully warmed up first before doing the following poses.
Yoga pose one: Extended hand to toe pose
Stand up nice and tall. Bend the right knee towards you and either hook the fingers around the right big toe, or if you don’t have the flexibility, hook a yoga belt around the foot instead. Straighten the leg and lift the chest. Make sure the standing leg is straight too. It is better to have the leg that is off the ground bent than the other way around. Think to lengthen as you take 3-5 deep breaths.
Next, still holding the toe or belt bring the leg out to the side. Hold for five breaths and release slowly.
Repeat on the other side.
Yoga pose two: Low lunge to high lunge
Stand up tall and step the right foot forward between the hands, which should be placed either side of the foot so that you come into a low lunge. Lift the chest and shoulders away from the ears. Hold for five breaths.
Next, try raising the back knee off the floor and lift the hands and body from the ground so that you come up into high lunge, raising the palms up towards to ceiling. Now, keeping the legs and body where they are, breathing deeply for five to ten breaths.Slowly come out and repeat on the other side.
These two variations are fantastic for counteracting hours of sitting down.
Yoga pose three: Standing splits
From standing, raise the right leg up towards the ceiling as you bend at the hips and aim to bring the hands to the floor either side of the foot. Use yoga blogs if you can’t reach the floor. Lift the knee and remember to go gently. One day you may be able to hold the ankle of the standing leg with both hands. Baby steps first, though. Always extend compassion to yourself too!
A tip: Try exfoliating with a mixture of sea salt and olive oil. Buffs the legs up a treat! Don’t forget the sunscreen as legs, are often the place to show the first sign of ageing.
Good legs are about healthy legs, so be mindful of what chemicals you put on them! Here’s a quote to leave you with:
Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness. Louise Hart
Enjoy the sunshine!