In this brief yoga flow, author and fitness instructor Eloise Skinner takes you through six easy poses to start your day off in the right way. No equipment needed: just roll out a mat and get moving.
Warrior 1
After a few moments warming up your body and stretching out, take a Warrior 1 stance by placing your front foot forwards, and your back foot at the back of the mat, typically at a 45 degree angle. Your hips should be moving towards square to the front of the mat, and your front knee is bent, while your back leg straightens. Lifting both arms to the ceiling, try to relax your shoulders and breathe deeply.
Reverse Warrior
From this position, place your back hand gently on your back leg, and lean your upper body backwards, opening your chest and lifted arm to the ceiling. Try to keep the weight of your body in your muscles (legs and core), rather than leaning too heavily on your back leg. For stability, you can turn your back foot slightly more parallel to the back of the mat.
Side Angle
From here, place your front elbow on your front thigh gently, and stretch your back arm up and overhead, towards the front of the room. Here, you can think about opening your chest towards the ceiling, allowing for a stretch down the side of your body. Hold for a few breaths before returning.
Repeat this sequence on both sides before moving on.
Forward Fold
With wide legs, fold forwards towards the ground, bending the knees if you need to. For a variation, you can try walking your hands inbetween your legs, towards the back of the room. Make sure you don’t feel any pressure in your knees or any pain in your hips – remember to only go as deep as feels comfortable for you.
Twisted Forward Fold
From here, place one hand towards the centre of the mat, and turn your upper body, extending the other arm towards the ceiling. You can bend one knee or both, depending on what feels most comfortable.
After repeating the twisted forward fold on both sides, slowly roll back up to standing.
For the final part of the sequence, find a comfortable seated position on your mat.
Seated Hip Opener
Bring the soles of the feet towards eachother, allowing the knees to open. Make sure you don’t feel any pain in your knees – you can use blocks or pillows to support your knees if helpful.
Forward Fold Hip Opener
Keeping the same alignment as above, take a gentle forward fold over your legs. Stay for a few deep breaths before rolling back up.
Try this sequence in the morning, or as a way to reset during the day – especially on WFH days!
Find Eloise on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/eloiseallexia
Photographer: Robyn Halliday
