Yoga Sequence For An Energy Boost

Use the following routine whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yoga practitioner. It's one of my own personal favorites that gives you a feeling of increased energy, sharper mental focus, and helps relieve any stress you're battling against.

Remember to begin with a simple exercise first:

From Mountain, take five deep breaths. Inhale, raise your arms up; exhale lower them back down. Then continue on:

First, move into Warrior 1
Strengthens: Legs, Glutes, Core; Stretches Back

How:

* Stand with feet 3 to 4 feet apart.

* Turn left foot out 90 degrees, pointing to left side, and pivot right foot toward left.

* Bend left knee 90 degrees, knee aligned with ankle; turn hips to face over left thigh.

* Place hands on hips (easier) or raise both arms overhead, palms facing each other (more challenging).

* Hold for 7 to 10 breaths. Go back to Warrior I.


Second, Tuck and Extend
Strengthens: Arms, Chest, Glutes; Stretches Hips

How:

* From Warrior I, sweep arms down to touch floor on either side of left foot.

* Step both feet back behind you.

* Inhale, then exhale as you lift right foot off the floor and sweep knee under body (not shown).

* Straighten right leg behind you, lifting it as high as you can, then bring knee back toward nose.

* To make it easier, bring right knee to floor before straightening leg.

* Do 7 to 10 reps. From this asana, go directly to Slow Kick.


Third, Slow Kick
Strengthens: Glutes, Chest, Shoulders; Stretches Hamstrings

How:

* You're already in Tuck and Extend. Now lower right foot and walk hands back, rolling up to standing position.

* Lift right leg, knee bent 90 degrees; bend elbows 45 degrees, palms down (not shown).

* Slowly kick forward with right foot, leading with the heel; at the same time, slowly push palms forward.

* Lower and repeat.

* Do 7 to 10 reps.

* To make it easier, keep standing leg slightly bent and hands on hips.

* Repeat entire series on opposite leg.

To finish this sequence:

Go to Table Pose (on all fours), then stand and return to Mountain Pose. Once again, take five deep, cleansing breaths, raising the arms on the inhale, and lowering them on the exhale.

Take care and live well!