Yoga for the Winter months
With Winter and colder weather approaching it is very tempting to hibernate inside, slouch on the couch and move less and less.
Winter is actually a good time of the year to keep active and be mindful about your body and practicing yoga can help to keep warm and energised; yoga practice creates an internal heat that keeps us healthy and warm.
Just as we adapt our diet to the seasons, we learn to adapt our poses and approach to practice according to the changes throughout the year. When it’s cold outside, there are few things we can do to increase heat that may not be best during the hot summer months.
Warm Up With Hot Water
If you are feeling cold in your practice space, sip a cup of hot water right before your start. That will start to warm you on the inside and you can pick up the warmth with your upcoming movement. Add some lemon if you don’t like the taste.
Pranayama - Breathing Techniques
If Kapalabhati is not already in your practice give it a try!
This practice removes carbon dioxide from the lungs and can begin to bring some energy to the body.
First, sit crossed legged and close your eyes and keep the spine straight.
Now take a deep breath (inhale deeply) through your both nostrils until your lungs are full of air.
Now exhale through both nostrils forcefully, so your stomach will go deep inside.
(If you have high blood pressure or asthma, this will not be appropriate for you.)
Maintain Ujjayi Breathing
No matter which technique you choose, maintain Ujjayi breathing at a steady, even pace on both the inhale and exhale, throughout the whole practice. Ujjayi is a heated Pranayama that also helps us develop concentration and discipline.
Remember that yoga works the inner body as well as the outer body, so as you practice, ensure that your inhale and exhale are the same length and elongated comfortably. This strengthens the diaphragm and internal organs while also toning your mind’s focus.
Sun Salutations
Sun Salutations are designed to cultivate heat. If you are practicing in a cool room, start slow to ensure that your body is open to the movements, moving to more complex poses as you warm up.
Keep Those Arms Up
Raising the arms upwards in line with the ears in poses is a technique that can increase heart rate and body heat. So, next time you are in Warrior Two, raise your arms towards the sky instead of stretching them horizontally. Bring your arms up in Tree Pose, Warrior Three, and Triangle (extend the top arm in line with your ear, parallel to the floor. Includes inversions and backbends in your practice.
Activate Your Manipura Chakra - Solar Plexus
The solar plexus chakra is not only the key to a healthy self-esteem and personal empowerment, but on a physical level is also linked with digestion, immunity, diabetes, or hypoglycaemia.
Balanced third chakra, means balanced energy, healthy immunity, healthy digestion and strong personal power.
Heat is created in the belly centre. In yoga, this centre is connected to the Manipura Chakra, the Third Chakra, which is connected to the element of fire. So, any work here can ignite the physical and energetic fire to give you more warmth:
Practice poses like Boat, Locust, standing twists like revolved triangle, Warrior I & II & Lion pose.
For all classes please check my website
No yoga during the Christmas period. I will spend the holidays in Thailand where I am planning to attend a few yoga classes. I hope to bring back some new, refreshing ideas for our classes!
Last class will be on Wednesday 19th December and classes will resume on Monday 7th January.
