yoga beginner positions

Photo by CMHmommy

I'm not flexible. At all. In fact, I'm pretty sure a wooden 2x4 is more flexible than I am.

That's why I have yet to try yoga, even though nearly every single one of my friends raves about it.

But then I read about these three beginner yoga moves in Fitness magazine (they also have intermediate and advanced versions):

Downward Dog

  • Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders, knees under hips.
  • Walk hands a few inches forward and spread fingers wide, pressing palms into mat.
  • Curl toes under and slowly press hips toward ceiling, bringing your body into an inverted V, pressing shoulders away from ears. Feet should be hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.
  • Hold for 3 full breaths.

The Crow

  • Get into downward dog position (palms pressed into mat, feet hip-width apart)
  • Wwalk feet forward until knees touch your arms.
  • Bend your elbows, lift heels off floor, and rest knees against the outside of your upper arms. Keep toes on floor, abs engaged and legs pressed against arms.
  • Hold for 5 to 10 breaths.

The Lunge

 

  • Start in downward dog position. Step your right leg forward to the inside of your right hand.
  • Drop your left knee to the floor and lift your chest up. Keeping your right knee in line with your ankle and your back straight, place hands on your knee. Hold for 10 breaths.
  • Return to downward dog; switch legs and repeat.

Hmm...they seem easy enough. Maybe, just maybe, I'll try these in my living room. But don't expect me to run out and buy a yoga mat just yet.

Do you do yoga?