Happy New Year!
These poses create heat in our core and strengthen our shoulders.

Forearm plank:
Starting on all fours, bring forearms to mat with elbows under shoulders.  Interlace fingers and energetically draw arms towards each other.  Lift belly button towards the spine and extend right leg back with toes tucked.  Extend left leg back moving into forearm plank.  

Dolphin:
From forearm plank begin to slowly walk toes toward head, lifting the hips into downward dog type position.  Head stays lifted off the mat!  Belly draws up and in while arms push into the mat moving shoulders away from ears.  Knees can remain as bent as needed.

If you are in mid-Michigan and would like to learn more about Yoga, please contact Kris at:
www.redbloomyoga.com

POSE FOR STABILITY 
 
Eagle Pose - Garudasana:
 
1. Standing tall with feet hip distance apart and parallel with each other, bring hands to hips or heart.

2. Slightly bend knees, as if starting to sit back in a chair (Don't go too far!) shift body weight back into heels.

3. Bring weight into left leg, lifting right knee into air and then crossing legs at the knee (inner thighs together). 
    -For balance, place toes of right foot on a block placed to the outside of left foot. 
    -To deepen, wrap right leg even deeper around left, hooking right foot behind left calf.

4. Keeping legs where they are, open arms wide at shoulder height, palms facing forward.

5. Cross arms over each other, right, under left. Arm placement options include:
   -Place hands on shoulders
   -Bring backs of hands together
   -Continue to wrap arms around each other, bringing right pinkie, towards left thumb with palms together.

6. Lift elbows towards shoulder height and continue to sink hips back, lengthening tailbone towards the earth. 

7. Breathe and find balance and increased focus. Notice as the mind wanders, the balance wavers. Return to that still quiet space deep withing where there is stillness.

8. Repeat other side.

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*YOGA DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. If you feel dizzy, light-headed, faint, or if you experience any other discomfort, stop exercising immediately and consult a medical doctor. You are responsible for your condition during your practice and your health.
 
This blog is considered introduction education into basic Yoga Poses. It is not intended for usage without a teacher. Please take a class under a certified teacher and enjoy all the benefits of the Yoga experience! And if you are in mid-Michigan, check out the classes at Red Bloom Yoga Center with Kris and the other amazing teachers! 

​www.redbloomyoga.com