How do you usually start your day? Do you jump out of bed and get right to work, or do you take a little time to relax and ease into the day? If you’re looking for a way to start your day that will energize your body and mind, try this morning yoga routine. It only takes 10 minutes, and it’s perfect for beginners.
Benefits Of Morning Yoga
Yoga is a great way to start the day because it helps to energize your body. This is especially important if you tend to feel sluggish in the morning. Yoga also helps to improve your flexibility and strength, and it can even help to reduce stress levels.
If you’re new to yoga, don’t worry. This routine is designed for beginners. Just follow along and do the best you can. If you need to take a break, that’s totally fine. Remember, it’s not about how perfect your poses are, it’s about how yoga makes you feel.
Morning Yoga Routine For Beginners:
Childs Pose
It helps to stretch and lengthen the spine, and it’s a perfect way to release any tension you may be holding in your body from the night before.
To do Childs Pose, start on your hands and knees. Make sure that your wrists are directly under your shoulders, and that your knees are directly under your hips. As you inhale, lengthen your spine and press your hips back towards your heels. As you exhale, lay your torso down between your thighs and rest your forehead on the ground. Stay in this position for at least 30 seconds.
Cat-Cow Pose
This pose helps to stretch the back and neck muscles, and it’s a great way to wake up your body.
To do Cat-Cow Pose, start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. As you inhale, drop your belly towards the ground and lift your gaze upwards. As you exhale, round your back towards the sky and tuck your chin towards your chest. Repeat this pose a few times, moving slowly with your breath.
Downward Facing Dog
This is a great all-over body stretch that helps to energize the body.
To do Downward Facing Dog, start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. As you exhale, lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs and pressing your heels towards the ground. Your body should form an upside down “V” shape. Keep your arms straight and press your palms firmly into the ground. Relax your head between your arms and hold this position for at least 30 seconds.
Mountain Pose
It helps to lengthen and strengthen the spine, and it also brings energy to the body by toning the muscles and increasing circulation.
To do Mountain Pose, stand with your feet together and your hands at your sides. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, raise your arms overhead. Reach up toward the sky, and then bring your palms together in front of your chest. Take a few deep breaths here, and then slowly lower your arms back down to your sides.
Plank Pose
It helps to build strength in your arms, legs, and core, and it gets your heart rate up.
To do Plank Pose, start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower down onto your forearms and rest your elbows directly beneath your shoulders. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, and engage your core muscles. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.
Low Cobra
It helps to open up the chest and lungs, and it also stretches the abdominals.
To get into Low Cobra, start on your belly with your palms flat on the ground next to your shoulders. Pressing into your palms, lift your head and chest off of the ground. Keep your low back and pelvis on the ground, and only lift your upper body as high as you can without straining. Hold for a few breaths, then release back to the ground.
Thread The Needle Pose
It stretches and opens up your shoulders, which can get tight from hunching over a computer all day. It also helps to release any tension you may be holding in your upper back and neck.
To do Thread The Needle Pose, start on your hands and knees. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, thread your right arm under your left arm. Rest your right cheek on the floor, and close your eyes. Hold this pose for at least five deep breaths.
The Chair
It energizes the body and helps to open up the chest and shoulders.
To do Chair Pose, stand with your feet together and your hands at your sides. As you inhale, lift your arms up overhead and bend your knees, lowering your hips into a squatting position. Keep your back straight and your core engaged. Hold this position for a few breaths, then return to standing and repeat.
Salute Pose
Start in standing position with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, raise your arms overhead. Interlace your fingers, and press your palms together. Gaze up at your hands as you inhale deeply, then exhale and release your arms back to your sides.
Do this entire morning yoga routine two or three times to really wake up your body and mind. Remember to move slowly and breathe deeply throughout each pose. Yoga is a great way to start your day, and it only takes a few minutes out of your busy schedule. Try this morning yoga routine the next time you need a little boost of energy, and see how you feel!