Technique Tuesday — Yoga for Athletic Recovery (Athletes for Yoga Legs Up the Wall Tutorial Video)
By now you’ve probably heard us encouraging you to “hit reset.” What the hell does that mean? This pose pretty much sums it up. When you work hard — in your sport or at your desk — you can’t just go 60 to 0. Both the body and the mind need some time to unwind, and even just a few minutes in a restorative posture can help you transition from effort to ease. Fail to wind down, and you risk creating a state of chronic tension and stress. Try it: Yoga for Athletic Recovery — Athletes for Yoga legs up the wall tutorial video
In this 6-minute video, Athletes for Yoga Head Coach Erin Taylor coaches explains the benefits of this powerful pose for recovery, and coaches you how to set it up for optimal “reset” so that you’ll be recharged and ready to go!
To watch the video, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmtku9843Sg&feature=plcp, or follow the instructions below post-workout, before bed, or on a rest day to help you hit reset…
Lie down and straighten your legs up the wall
Get as close to the wall as you comfortably can, with your butt still on the floor
Bend your knees a little and turn your feet away from each other
If it feels like hard work or your leg muscles are engaging, back up a bit
Open your arms to a “goalpost” shape with your palms facing up — if the backs of your palms don’t easily rest on the floor, bring your arms forward along your sides instead
Close your eyes and make any other adjustments you need until you are comfortable so that you can be still for a few minutes
Allow your whole body to relax into the support of the wall and the floor
Breathe deeply and stay for 5 – 10 minutes
…sit up slowly, notice how you feel, and try to find a few minutes to put your legs up the wall everyday!