Yoga For Relaxation, No Matter Where You Travel

Yoga workouts offer not only the benefits of increased flexibility and muscle strength but of relaxation as well. Unlike other exercises that are based on high intensity and quick movements, yoga is a more natural system focusing on slow movements, long stretches, and proper breathing. A quality yoga workout leaves you feeling energized, refreshed, and deeply relaxed.

To experience the benefits of a quality yoga workout no matter where you go, you can utilize the advantages of YogaPaws.  Convenient little mats for your hands and feet, they are so small and lightweight, you can take them with you everywhere you go!

Begin your yoga workout with relaxation postures like Savasana, or Corpse Pose. Try lying flat on the ground, facing up with your hands directly at your sides, palms down. Close your eyes and feel your entire body. Starting at your feet, at the tips of your toes, relax your muscles. Then relax your ankles, followed by your calves, then knees, thighs, buttocks, lower back, and all the way up to the top of your head. As you relax each part of your body, feel the tension flowing out.

As you relax, pay special attention to your breathing. Proper breathing technique is crucial to achieving total relaxation. Breathe in deeply, using your abdominal muscles to expand the lungs as you open your shoulders to fill the lungs completely. As you exhale, pull the abdominal muscles in toward your spine to fully expel the air from your lungs. Perform this relaxation exercise (or other similar posture) for at least two minutes at the start of your routine. Then, strap on your YogaPaws and you’re ready for a total yoga workout.

Here are three more relaxation poses to practice, while you travel:

	Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) Benefits: This pose massages the internal organs to aid in detoxification. It helps with spinal rotation and flexibility.  It stretches the muscles in your hips, your shoulders, and neck.  How it's done: Sitting on the floor in Staff pose, inhale and lengthen your spine, neck, and head toward the ceiling. Bend your right knee Exhale and twist to the right. Bring your left elbow to the outside of your right knee, fingertips to the sky. Place your right hand on the floor near your hip. Starting in your hips, twist your body to the right. Look over your right shoulder. Extend through the crown of your head as you inhale, twist deeper as you exhale. Hold here for five to ten breaths. Inhale, return to center and repeat on the other side.
	Supta Dandasana (Reclined Staff Pose or Legs Up the Wall Pose) Benefits: Many people use this pose as a sleeping aid because it helps in blood circulation. Shown here with legs in the air, it can also be done with legs against a wall.    How it's done: Lay flat on the floor, face to the ceiling Raise both legs straight up, pushing your heels to the ceiling Toes should be pointed to you Hands resting at your sides
	Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) Benefits: This delightful pose will make you feel long and strong as it stretches your knees, thighs, spine, shoulders, and arms.  How it's done: Begin from a sitting position with legs extended.  Bend legs back until you are in Hero Pose As your ability allows, slowly recline onto your palms, and then elbows, and then shoulders If you are able to go all the way down, clasp your hands or arms

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