Twist

Twists are not only great at improving digestion, but they also help increase flexibility in your spine. This Seated Spinal Twist will also stretch your chest and shoulders. It's similar to the 1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist, but a little more advanced.

Sanskrit Name: Ardha Matsyendrasana English Translation: Half Lord of the Fishes Also Called: Seated Spinal Twist

To learn how to do this relaxing pose read more

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Spinal twists are one of those stretches I love to do just about whenever. Twisting is great in the morning, after a workout, after eating, at your desk, or even right before bed. I'd like to share a twist variation with you known as the eagle spinal twist; it deepens the twisting motion of the spine and stretches the back more than a regular twist.

• Lie on your back and cross your left knee in front of your right knee. If you can, wrap your left toes around the back of your right ankle, just like in Eagle pose.
• Now extend your arms out in T-position, palms facing down.
• Slowly lower both knees to the left. Rest them on the ground and turn your head to the right.
• Stay like this for 30 seconds or more, feeling your spine lengthen and twist. You may even hear some "cracks."
• Then use your abs to lift your knees back to center. Untwist your legs and cross them the opposite way, with your right knee in front now. Slowly lower both knees to the right, and look over your left shoulder.
• Stay here for at least 30 seconds and then lift your knees back up. Untwist your legs and hug both knees into your chest to release your lower back.

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Photo courtesy of the CW

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So how are you feeling after that enormous Thanksgiving meal? Not so good? If your belly is feeling less than perfect, try some of these "wind releasing" stretches (that's really what they're called).

Nothing gets things moving along like a great spinal twist. This one is called 1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist or Marichyasana.

Want to see the other stretches? Then

If you're bloated or constipated, bend both knees into your chest and give yourself a big hug. It'll help to massage your abdominal organs.

You can also do this pose by alternately hugging one knee into the chest, holding for five breaths, and then switching sides.

Does your body need a little bit more stretching? Why not bring along a gentle yoga DVD and pop it in. Get your family members to do it along with you. It'll help you relax from the stress of traveling and also help with digestion.

The Pilates Twist is a great antidote to any weight gain you might be experiencing in your middle, post holiday season. The Twist will definitely whittle your waist since it targets the abdominals, especially your internal and external obliques.

Watch it, then try it.

You should do The Twist 8 - 10 times on each side.

After a big meal, it's great to plop yourself right down on the couch and let yourself digest. But here's a gentle twist you can do to ease your digestion and keep your tummy happy.

1. Start seated in Hero pose, sitting on your heels.

2. Bend your right knee and plant your foot on the ground beside your left knee. Pull your left foot in towards your right hip. If that hurts your knee, just straighten out your leg.

3. Press your left elbow against the outside edge of your right knee, lengthening your spine, and opening through your chest. Hold here for 5 deep breaths then do the other side.

Yoga poses help increase blood flow and stimulate the intestinal action known as peristalsis so digestion is more efficient. Yoga also helps to calm you which relaxes your digestive tract and helps pass things along, which makes you feel a lot better. Then you'll have more room for extra dessert.