YOGA - WEST OF THE NARROWS
WHEN THE HEAT GETS YOU DOWN, SHAKE YOUR PRACTICE UP!
Here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we've just gotten a taste of heat that's sure to be upon us as summer knocks at our door. Does the thought of a sweaty Yoga practice in 90 degree weather (and a stuffy indoor setting) sound about as enticing as adding sriracha to your kale smoothie?
Here at yoga - West of the Narrows, we encourage you to keep up with your practice, no matter what the weather brings. Here's a few tips to get you through to Svasana without the agitating outpour of sweat (unless that's your bag, baby!) and some suggestive poses to cool things down a bit.
TIPS:
1) CHANGE UP YOUR WARDROBE. That skin-tight lycra/spandex mix may hug you just right, but doesn't leave much room for your skin/body to breathe. Try cotton blends and looser garments.
2) ALTER THE TIME OF DAY YOU PRACTICE. Just like those shades you draw during the day, and windows you open only at night in the summer, take a cue with your pratice. Avoid practicing when the heat is at its peak.
3) SLOW IT DOWN. This is a great time to practice mindfulness, embracing movement that is slow, controlled, and centered. Nothing like flying through 5 rounds each of Sun Salutions A, B and C to make the uncomfotable heat even more so!
7 POSES TO STAY COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED (Not familiar with any of these poses? Check out a reputable online Yoga site to safely guide you to your pose perfection.)
1- 1/2 Sun Salutations (Ardha Surya Namaskara) instead of the full version. These keep you on your feet and reduce the heat that builds up in the full expression, while still loosening the body and spine.
Crave a bit more movement? Try Cooling Moon Salutations instead.
2- Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana); Stretches tight hips to keep the energy flowing evenly. If you're able to fold forward in this posture, resting your forehead on the ground or tops of your hands adds a calming, restorative benefit.
3- Camel Pose (Ustrasana); Opens the solar plexus to release the heat in your fiery core.
4- Bow Pose (Dhanurasana); Supports healthy thyroid function, responsible for regulating your internal temp.
5- Half Lord of the Fish Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana); Relieves fatigue from the heat and energize your spine.
6- Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana); Grounding forward folds calm the nervous system, lending to a cool state.
7- Corpse Pose (Svasana). No need to explain! This restorative posture will wind you down for sure. If your legs and feet and swollen from the heat, try Legs Up the Wall Pose instead (Viparita Karini) to reverse the bloodflow, drain excess fluid and relieve puffiness.
Tip: Before Svasana, try Sitali pranayama (Cooling Breath) to turn on your own internal air conditioning and set the tone for a restful (and comfortable) final relaxation.
ENJOY, FELLOW YOGIS!
