An Experience Sports yoga session held at Singapore Sports Hub.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
Besides improving balance, flexibility, mobility and strength, yoga has been proven to improve one’s mood and alleviate stress. This ancient form of low-intensity exercise can also help with chronic ailments, aches and circulation. Practitioners vouch for yoga’s ability to enhance one’s energy levels during the day too, along with facilitating quality sleep at night.
If you haven’t tried yoga before, here are five simple poses that you can try at home on a yoga mat.
Child’s pose.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Child’s Pose
Assume a kneeling position. Rest the top of your feet on the mat, then breathe out as you reach forward with your hands and flatten your torso onto your thighs. Rest in this position as you let your hips and shoulders spread and relax. If you’re a beginner, start with your knees wider apart and don’t push yourself too hard when stretching forward.
Cat and cow poses.
PHOTO: FREEPIK
Cat and Cow Poses
Rest your knees on the ground and press your palms on the mat shoulder-width apart. Assume the cat pose by rounding your back and exhaling as you draw your belly in. Next, move into the cow pose by breathing in, lifting your chest, drawing your shoulders back away from your ears, lowering your belly toward the mat and looking to the ceiling.
Downward-facing dog pose.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
With your knees and palms on the mat, point your tailbone to the ceiling. Try to keep your feet flat on the mat while straightening your legs. Push with your arms, but keep your shoulders and head relaxed.
Cobra pose.
PHOTO: FREEPIK
Cobra Pose
From the Downward-Facing Dog pose, rest your hips, thighs, shins and the top of your feet on the mat as you look to the ceiling. Also called the Upward-Facing Dog pose, the Cobra Pose also requires you to expand your chest and shoulders.
Standing backbend.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Standing Backbend
Standing with your arms and legs shoulder-width apart, lengthen your torso and raise your arms, with fingers pointing to the ceiling and palms facing each other. Keep your arms straight and behind your ears, then bend backwards as you engage your core muscles and keep your breathing steady. Although experienced yogis can bend very far back, beginners shouldn’t push themselves too far.
Yoga Vibes and Wellness Day
Organised by Singapore Sports Hub, the second edition of Yoga Vibes and Wellness Day is scheduled to be held on 20th November 2021 at the OCBC Square from 8am to 6pm. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to try different types of yoga, priced at just $5 per session. Each participant will also receive an exclusive ‘yogi pack’. Visit the Yoga Vibes and Wellness Day website for more information and available slots.
