Spice Up Your Yoga: Variations

For this holiday, I thought I would give you a few variations for your basic postures. Something to play with in between the chips and guacamole. (Sidebar...Consider a chip variation: slices of cucumber. Feel free to eat the avocado. It's healthy fat!) Advancement in yoga is not always about moving on to a new pose, but about the mastery of the most simple posture. However, it can be fun to spice up your practice by adding a variation to your basic pose. Here are some for you to try. Variety is the spice of yoga!

Triangle Pose

Triangle Variation: Wrap (shoulder opener)

Triangle Variation: Extended Arms (core work)

Tree Pose

Once you are all set in your Tree Pose, cross your ankle over your knee and settle back into an imaginary chair. This is like a Seated Pigeon, or a Half Chair. Make sure that your hips are even. It's a great balance pose as well as a great stretch for the IT band. 

Half Chair

Side Plank Variation: Leg Up

Bridge Variation: Extend Leg

Remember to enjoy all that you do today. Whatever you put into your body, do it consciously and wholeheartedly. Then start fresh! Have a great day.