Christmas yoga
Monday 21 December 2009
By the time you read this, you'll probably have sat down for one of your Christmas meals, or will be just about to - and chances are, it'll be a pretty big meal!
But Christmas is a time of year that you're excused from over-indulging, though, so it's okay if you don't feel like going for a jog straight after.
If you still want to undo a bit of the damage without over-exerting yourself, why not stretch it out and try a bit of yoga?
Yoga can help to relieve that bloated, full feeling you get after a big meal thanks to it's gentle movements, and as you work to support your body weight, so it's a great calorie-burner, too!
Here are our favourite post Christmas moves:
NB: If you have any problems with back or knee pain, either give these moves a miss or take it VERY slowly and gently so as not to injure yourself.
Spinal Twist
This is great for allowing your digestive system to get moving - the twisting motion is reportedly great for getting blood circulating towards your stomach and bowel.
Lie on your back with your shoulders flat on the floor. As you breathe in, bring your left knee up to your chest, and cross it over your right side, allowing your shoulder to lift off the floor and your spine to twist slightly.
Breathing out, bring your leg back to your chest, and stretch it back out again. Repeat with your right leg.
Kneeling Twist
If you'd like to feel the twist a little more, try this position - it works your arms as well as your spine and abs!
Sit in a kneeling position with your heels under you, making sure your hips, heels and shoulders are all in line.
Breathe in, and stretch your spine upwards. Breathe out, and twist your shoulders around to the left, allowing your spine to follow the movement.
Take a few deep breaths in this position, and then on an exhale, untwist and relax your spine. Repeat, twisting to the right this time.