1. Yogi toes:
Yogi toes is a popular brand of yoga towels and accessories that are designed to enhance your yoga practice. These towels are made from high-quality, absorbent materials that help to keep you dry and prevent slipping on your yoga mat. Yogi toes towels come in a variety of designs and colors, making them both functional and stylish.
Yogi toes also offer other yoga accessories such as mat bags, blocks, straps, and water bottles. These products are designed to help you stay comfortable and focused during your yoga practice, while also allowing you to easily transport your gear to and from class.
Many yogis swear by Yogi toes products, citing their durability, functionality, and eco-friendly materials. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Yogi toes have something to offer to help you take your practice to the next level.
2. Ankle pumps:
Ankle pumps are a type of exercise that involves moving your ankles up and down to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. They are commonly used during periods of inactivity, such as when recovering from surgery or when on a long flight or car ride.
To perform ankle pumps, you simply move your feet up and down, flexing your ankles so your toes point towards your knees, and then pointing your toes away from your knees. It’s important to move slowly and smoothly, avoiding any jerking or sudden movements.
Ankle pumps can be done while lying down, sitting, or standing, depending on what is most comfortable for you. You can do them for a few minutes at a time, several times throughout the day.
In addition to promoting circulation, ankle pumps can also help improve ankle flexibility and reduce swelling. They are a simple and effective way to keep your feet and ankles healthy, especially during periods of inactivity.
3. Inversions and eversions:
Inversion is a movement where the sole of the foot turns inward, towards the other foot. This means that the lateral (outer) edge of the foot lifts up and the medial (inner) edge of the foot moves downwards. Inversion is often used in activities such as ballet, where it is used to create a “turn-out” position.
Eversion is the opposite of inversion, where the sole of the foot turns outward, away from the other foot. This means that the medial (inner) edge of the foot lifts up and the lateral (outer) edge of the foot moves downwards. Eversion is important in activities such as skiing, where it is used to control the direction of the skis.
Both inversion and eversion are important movements for balance and stability. They are controlled by muscles around the ankle joint, such as the tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior (for inversion) and the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis (for eversion).
In some cases, injury or weakness in these muscles can lead to problems with inversion or eversion, which can affect balance and stability. In such cases, physical therapy may be necessary to help strengthen the muscles and improve function.
4. Cat-Cow:
Cat-Cow is a yoga pose that is often used as a warm-up exercise or as part of a yoga flow. It involves alternating between two different postures known as Cat Pose and Cow Pose.
Cat Pose is performed by beginning in a tabletop position with hands and knees on the floor. The hands should be placed directly under the shoulders, and the knees should be hip-width apart. From here, the spine is arched upward, and the head is tucked in, creating a rounded shape with the back.
Cow Pose is performed by beginning in the same tabletop position. From here, the spine is arched downward, and the head is lifted up, creating a concave shape with the back.
The two poses are alternated between, with each inhales bringing you into Cow Pose and each exhale bringing you into Cat Pose. This creates a gentle stretching and releasing of the spine, helping to open up the chest and increase mobility.
5. Bound angle:
Bound Angle, also known as Baddha Konasana, is a seated yoga pose that stretches the inner thighs, groins, and hips. To practice this pose, sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Then, bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees drop out to the sides. Clasp your hands around your feet and gently bring your heels as close to your groin as possible. Use your elbows to press your knees down towards the floor, keeping your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply and releasing any tension in your hips and inner thighs. This pose can help improve flexibility, relieve tension and stress, and stimulate the reproductive and digestive systems. It’s important to listen to your body and not force yourself too deeply into the pose, especially if you have any hip or knee injuries.
6. Tree pose:
Tree pose, also known as Vrikshasana in Sanskrit, is a popular yoga pose that improves balance and strengthens the legs, ankles, and core. It is a standing pose that can be done by almost anyone, regardless of their fitness level.
To perform the tree pose, start by standing straight with both feet on the ground, hip-width apart. Shift your weight to your left foot and lift your right foot off the ground. Place your right foot on your left inner thigh, with your toes pointing downward and your knee pointing out to the side.
Bring your hands to your chest in a prayer position or extend your arms overhead, keeping your palms facing each other. Keep your gaze forward and focus on a steady point to help with balance. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, then switch sides.
Tree pose not only strengthens the legs and core but also improves posture and concentration. It can also help with stress relief and calming the mind.