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this ancient art reduces stress and tones muscles - and it's a lot easier than it looks. |
| What’s the first thing that comes to mind when somebody says “yoga”? For many people, it is intimidating, pretzel-like poses, New Age jargon and those hideous unitards people wore back in the ‘70s. If that’s your impression, get over it, because yoga can be a great way to stay in shape. “It improves your posture and flexibility, strengthens your muscles and reduces stress,” says Molly Fox, creative fitness director at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City. There are many kinds of yoga, but most people looking for a real physical workout try hatha yoga. Through a series of poses (asanas), meditation and breathing exercises hatha yoga can help you realign and tone your body, and let go of built-up anxiety. Worried that you won’t work up a sweat? Don’t be, says Fox. Done properly hatha yoga can be an incredibly challenging workout. To get an idea of how great yoga can make you look and feel, try the series of beginner poses shown below Start by doing the entire set two to three times a week, holding each pose between 10 and 30 seconds. In no time, you’ll feel stronger, slimmer and more serene. |
standing forward bend |
the triangle |
the cobra |
the bridge |
seated spinal twist |
the warrior |
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html by sid somar. for further info email e55ential@lycos.com |
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published 12 02 99 updated 01 25 03 |
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