As a runner, there are several reasons why I love this pose. To begin, its a balance pose so it requires concentration, breath awareness, and strength. Its challenging, yet calming, teaching us to quiet our mind, be still, and breathe when we just want to come out of the pose. Not only does Figure 4 offer these mental benefits, but it also opens the hip and knee and strengthens the standing leg and ankle.
Begin in Mountain pose.
Inhale, raise your arms overhead.
Exhale, bend both knees and sit your hips down into chair pose. Keep your weight in your heels and your core strong. You should be able to see your toes in front of your knees.
Bring your right leg up and place your right ankle above your left knee on your thigh.
Bring hands to heart center. You can stay here or sink down further, bringing your arms to rest on your right leg and deepening the stretch in your right hip.
Hold and breathe 8-10 breaths.
Repeat on other side.
No comments:
Post a Comment