After a long run or a good leg workout, my hamstrings always feel tight. This is one of my favorite stretches for hamstrings called the Lying Hamstring Stretch. Here's how to do it:
- Lie on your back and lift your right knee up.
Got a tight back? Here's a fun way to open your spine and stretch your hamstrings too. I call this Backpack.
If you work at a desk all day and your
lower back is not too happy about all that sitting, here's a great stretch to get you on your feet and relieve some of that tightness.
- Place your right foot up on your chair, or all the way up on your desk if you're a little bit more flexible. Place your hands on the chair or desk, or somewhere on your leg.
- Keep both legs straight, lengthen your spine, and gently fold your torso over your right thigh.
The
jump through vinyasa is one of the toughest moves to master in Yoga, but it's an important move to learn since it brings an amazing sense of fluidity to your practice. If you've tried it a million times, and are constantly kicking your hands or crashing your booty into the ground, then you are probably frustrated.
Here's a trick to make your attempts successful and to strengthen your core muscles, which are vital for mastering the jump through.
Now that you've had a chance to practice
Beginner's Gate, you're hopefully ready to try the full expression of the pose. Not only does this posture loosen tight hamstrings, but it also works on stretching the sides of your torso as well.
Sanskrit Name: Parighasana
English Translation: Cross Beam of a Gate Pose
Also Called: Gate
To hear the description of how to get yourself into this awesome pose, read more
- Sit on your mat and straighten your right leg out to the side.
- Now bend your left knee and bring your lower leg behind your thigh.
