Yoga
Lee Kennedy
These yoga poses are great for reducing extra weight carried around the stomach area. They are especially beneficial for those with digestion issues, constipation and gastro-intestinal ulcers. The vertical position of the legs can help improve blood circulation, and also strengthens the muscles of the buttocks, hips and waist. If you have back problems or high blood pressure, however, check with a yoga professional before attempting these poses.
Pose 1
- Lie on your yoga mat, flat on your back
- keep your inner knees and feet together, big toes touching and heels extending
- Arms by your side on the floor, palms facing downward
- Exhale, keeping your legs absolutely straight, raise both legs together until they are at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees from the floor
- Hold your legs here without bending them for as long as it is comfortable to do so – do not strain
- Keep your eyes fixed somewhere down towards your toes, keeping your palms resting comfortably on the floor, facing down
- Your buttocks and upper and lower back should also rest on the ground
- To release, exhale and lower your feet to the floor
- Rest for a couple of deep breathes and repeat three to five times
Pose 2
- Lying flat on your back on a yoga mat, inhale and slowly draw the right knee in towards your chest
- Wrap your hands around the knee and gently pull it towards your chest, while at the same time drawing your head, leading with the nose
- Hold this position for three to five breathes, breathing in a relaxed way
- Exhale and slowly straighten your leg and relax your head back to the floor
- Repeat this action on the left side
- Finish with double-legged variation, drawing both legs towards the chest at the same time
Lee Kennedy qualified with The BKS Iyengar Yoga Association UK, the YTTC and Ana Forrest of Forrest Yoga. She specialises in pregnancy-related yoga and also studied with Janet Balaskas, founder of the Active Birth Foundation, UK. Visit Yogadara.com or call 0863906343 for more information.
