For those of us who sit in an office all day glued to a computer, we often come home with aches and pains and generally feel anything but relaxed. The answer to these problems is a yoga session. Not only will the niggling aches disappear but the mind will become calm and you will be ready to enjoy an evening of relaxation with loved ones. So, nip to your special space, put on your yoga leggings and yoga top and enjoy.
- Neck Stretches
Sitting at a computer for hours on end usually results in a stiff neck. Remedy this with some gentle neck stretches. Tilt your head to the right, take a deep breath and hold and then go back to centre. Repeat to the left and then perform the same exercise tilting the head gently forwards and holding, and then backwards. You will feel the tension in the neck disappear.
- Cat/Cow (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana)
Sitting all day causes the back muscles to become stiff and slowly weakened. Slowly performed cat/cows will fix any muscle tension and bring back flexibility in the back.
- Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Downward facing dog has it all. It lengthens the spine, opens up the shoulders and chest, stretches the hips and legs and improves circulation all in one movement.
- Wide Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana)
These forward bends help release all the tension and stress of the day and any negative emotions that might be lingering.
- Seated Side Stretch (Parivrtta Janu Sirasana)
This seated stretch gives the lower back and torso a much needed workout.
- Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Too much sitting can cause stiffness and back pain such as sciatica. The bound angle pose provides a great stretch for the lower back, hips and inner thighs and helps to relieve any pain in these areas.
- Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
Many yogis believe this is the best stretch for tight hips and back pain such as sciatica. As an added benefit, it is also extremely relaxing.
- Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana)
This pose counteracts the stiffness caused by sitting all day by gently bending the back in the opposite direction.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This simple pose releases any tension which is still held in the body by opening up all areas. It is also extremely relaxing.
- Savasana
The final pose. Relax and meditate to rid yourself of the day’s worries and stress. You are now ready to enjoy your evening with loved ones.