Yoga can improve flexibility, balance, increase core strength, and tone your muscles while relaxing the mind, body and spirit. When you perform Yoga, you should concentrate on slow deep and even breaths while contracting each individual muscle. Hold each pose for about 5 to 6 breaths. Yoga can be incorporated into a workout routine to complement resistance training and cardio activity. Here are a few basic poses and short video routines. by: Mary Ahn Sun Salutations Begin in Child’s Pose, come up into a downward dog, lower into plank pose, finish in crocodile. Plank to Warrior 2 (From the Sun Salutions or by itself) Start in plank pose, swing one leg forward keeping back leg straight, swing arms up over head into Warrior 2 Warrior 2 pose into triangle 1 then 2 (more difficult) Twist body from triangle 1 into triangle 2 by bringing the opposite hand down by the foot, try to look up toward the upper hand. Tree Pose – Great for Core and balance Bridge Pose – keep hips up, back straight Reverse Tree Pose – more difficult: try to keep legs straight up in the air Please contact me if you would like to learn more! Mary Ahn Fitness Professional [|]