Yahoo Lifestyle Yoga for energy
Amanda Bisk Bow Pose. Photo: Adam Dunne.
Put down the coffee and forget the power nap. These poses will get you more energy.
Studies show that some of your sun salutations reduce fatigue and adjust the hormone cortisol—too little of which can zap your energy.
Pro bendy bodies, former pole-vaulter and our March cover star Amanda Bisk and Flow Athletic’s Kate Kendall shared theirs as hosts of the Blackmores #BeAWellbeing Yoga event, on Bondi Beach, over the weekend. Try holding these yogi-approved poses for 10 breaths for an instant pick-me-up better than your morning flat white.
BOW (Dhanurasana), Amanda Bisk @amandabisk
Amanda Bisk Bow Pose. Photo: Adam Dunne.
“Bow Pose is an invigorating and energising posture. It stimulates the entire body, improves digestion, increases circulation, opens the chest and lungs, realigns the spine and releases the whole front of the body (quads, hips, abdominals, shoulders, neck).”
Tip: Grip the inside of your ankles/feet with your thumbs pointing up. From there, kick your feet into your hands nice and hard using the strength from your legs to lift you up. Open your chest and shoulders while lifting your head slightly. Remember to breath!
EIGHT ANGLE, Kate Kendall @activeyogi
Kate Kendall
“This pose is a super sweet core and arm strengthener. It also encourages you to be present and focused.”
Tip: It all comes back to your core. Make sure you're lifting your pelvic floor and pulling navel to spine as you hold this one.
WARRIOR II, Kat Lee @kitty_katlee
Kat Lee Warrior II
“Warrior II is an entire body vigorous posture demanding strength and steadiness while challenging concentration and increasing body awareness.”
Tip: This pose has numerous health benefits for all yogi levels. Warrior II stretches your hips, groin and shoulders, while opening your chest and lungs. It energises tired limbs, and stimulates your abdominal organs. It can help relieve backaches and improve circulation and respiration, and also be therapeutic for sciatica, osteoporosis, and infertility. Boom!
BACK BENDS, Duncan Peak @yogidunx @powerliving
Duncan Peak Back Bends
“Backward bends promote a yang energy in the body, they stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and are dynamic. This can make sleeping difficult at night so I would suggest practising them earlier in the day to get the full benefit of the energy they can produce.”
Tip: If the opposite is true and you’re struggling with sleep and relaxation, forward bends promote a calming yin energy as they usually stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relax). Better prep for a good nights rest.
CAMEL , Lola Berry @yummololaberry
Lola Berry Camel Pose
“A a great heart opener. It's can be uncomfortable because we spend our days hunched in front of a computer screen. This is a great pose for flaming energy and brilliant for your spine.”
Tip: Stick at it. This pose is a great one for self-belief and self-confidence!
