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Saddlebags Be Gone
We all have our problem spots that we would love to alter, from love handles at the waist to the dreaded saddlebags at the upper thigh. I sometimes refer to them as my "lower love handles" because I really don't like the word saddlebag. Gravity has a way of shaping our bodies as we age, but there are a few ways to battle those dreaded saddlebags.
Yoga Video: Stretch Those Hips and Hamstrings
Need to open up and stretch those tight hips and hamstrings? Not only is this a wonderful sequence to start out with before moving onto deeper poses like backbends, but it's also a great way to warm up before or after a run, hike, or bike ride.
Music: "Om Namo Narayana" by Deva Premal
By the way, I'm wearing the Simplicity Pants made by be present.
5 Stretches: After a Run
We all know how important it is to stretch out our muscles, especially after a run, so here's a series of five stretches I like to do.
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch - From a Down Dog position (this is a great stretch for your calves too), step your right foot forward between your hands. Lower your left knee onto the ground (make sure it's a padded surface - fold up a towel or use a thin block if you're on bare floor).
Yoga for Fertility
I call it the conception conundrum. As women, it seems like we spend much of our adult lives trying NOT to get pregnant, and if we have trouble conceiving when we do decide to start a family, it feels like an evil cosmic joke. Getting pregnant when you finally decide you are ready to become a mom can be more complicated than just forgoing the birth control.
Stretch Those Tight Hips and Lower Back
Chances are if you are reading this, you have the ever popular "office job" that involves sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. This can wreak havoc on your precious body creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like 2 for the price of 1.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Warrior 2
You can't go to a yoga class and NOT do this pose. It's called Warrior 2 and it's great for opening tight hips and shoulders and strengthening quads, calves, and shins. It also works your core muscles, because when you're in this pose, you really have to concentrate on elongating your spine and drawing your belly in.The Hula Chair
Check out the Hula Chair. Basically, you plant your feet flat in front of you, press the button, and start moving your hips and core in a circular motion. The makers say it will improve your balance and coordination as it gently aligns your spine and improves blood circulation.YOGA CHALLENGE: Goddess
Are your ready for the next Yoga Challenge? The last one, Eagle pose, was all about balance, and this one is all about power and strength. That's why it's called Goddess.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Downward Facing Dog
We've reached the last pose in the Sun Salutation A. Downward facing Dog, or Down Dog as I usually call it is one of the toughest poses to hold in yoga. It works every part of your body, and when you first begin to do yoga, you have a hard time holding this pose for more than 2 breaths.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon
Everyone can benefit from opening their hips - whether you are a runner, biker, a mom-to-be, or someone who sits at their desk all day - stretching out your hips can help prevent lower back pain, or knee or hamstring injuries.
Our hips tend to be really tight because our everyday activities require hip strength, but not hip flexibility. Not only does it feel good physically to stretch them out, but it is said that people hold a lot of stress and tension in their hips, so it is emotionally opening as well.
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