The Weekly Reset: Stop and Balance
When's the last time you stood on one leg? Consider this: All your forward motion is a series of single leg balances. And yet, when we halt our usual pace and search for balance in stillness, it can feel illusive—we often wobble, shake, sometimes fall.
Standing balance poses make a great addition to your daily routine because they're simple and grounding. They immediately call your focus back to what's happening right here, right now and force you to navigate toward equilibrium while confronted with the imbalance of standing on only one leg—an uneven foundation. Plus they activate and strengthen your core and the muscles that stabilize your ankles, knees, and hips, making for an ideal pre-game to your workout.
This action of intentionally stopping and balancing—literally and physically—and anchoring your focus back into the present will help you find balance, whether you're standing on one leg or managing a heavy workload. Practice...
Photo: Claire Pepper
Warrior 3
Stand with your feet parallel and hip's width apart, and bring your hands to your hips as a reminder to keep your hips level.
Engage your core and lift one knee up to waist-height, bending your knee to a 90-degree angle.
Lean your body forward and extend your lifted leg long behind you, bringing your body and leg parallel to the floor.
Try to keep your hips squared toward the floor, flexing the foot of your lifted leg so that your toes point down.
For added challenge, reach your arms out in front of you.
Hold for 5+ deep breaths before switching to the other leg… Put a hand on the wall to help you balance if needed.
For yoga for athletes videos to help you make 2016 your most balanced year yet, subscribe to Athletes for Yoga Video at video.athletesforyoga.com.