Do you ever feel that need to stretch your back – like when you first wake up in the morning, or after a long tramp when you finally take your pack off? A few simple standing movements can help bring
Standing twist and stretch for the back
Supported restorative child’s pose with spinal twist
I teach a weekly restorative yoga class at HealthFit Collective and occasional month ultra-indulgent restorative yoga class at Urban Yoga. If you haven’t tried restorative yoga, you have no idea what you’re missing! Here’s on of my favourites. It would
Simple lunge and twist
Sometimes the simplest poses give the best stretch. They are easy to get in to, accessible to most people and give you a chance to pay attention to the small changes in your body that can affect the stretch.
Options for seated spinal twists
This version of a seated twist can be difficult if you have tight hips, so grab a folded blanket or towel to sit on. Make sure your hips are both evenly down on the floor or whatever you’re sitting on.
Seated twists
As summer approaches we tend to get more active and sometimes overdo it, whether it’s weeding in the garden, a weekend walk or a tramp. Practicing yoga poses that are seated or lying can be a great way to rest and
Spinal twist combined with cat and cow pose
Yoga has been evolving since it was first conceptualised, and western practitioners are often introducing new poses or ways to move, including this pose often called ‘thread the needle.’ It’s a gentle and accessible way to start your yoga practice
Chair pose with a twist
Utkatasana, or chair pose, is rarely anyone’s favourite yoga pose, but it is an excellent way to build strength in your legs. If you’ve spent much time in this pose, you’ll understand why it’s also known as powerful pose. This
Lunge with a gentle twist
One of my favourite variations for the lunge is adding a twist. It can be a gentle option to move your upper spine. Start from standing with your feet hip-width apart. Step your left foot back to the lung keeping
Wide leg forward bend with a twist
I’ve featured this pose before but thought I would show this one with the optional twist. Prasarita paddotanasana (wide legged forward bend). Good for hips, hamstring and groin stretch and when you add in the twist – great for spine
Seated spinal twists
Spinal twists can help relieve back pain and sometimes help even out muscle tension in the back – here are a couple of variations that might be familiar. Sit down on the floor with both legs extended in front of