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Unlocking Energy and Wellness at the Start of your  Day

Practicing yoga at any time of the day can be incredibly beneficial, but there are specific advantages to rolling out your mat in the morning. Not only does a morning yoga routine invigorate and energize you for the day ahead, but it also helps to alleviate any physical discomfort or tension that may have accumulated overnight.

Energising and Awakening the Body

person doing outdoor yoga

Starting your day with yoga sets a positive tone and provides a natural energy boost.

 

As you engage in various postures and stretches, oxygen-rich blood flows to your muscles and brain, enhancing your alertness and mental clarity. This heightened state of awareness can lead to improved focus and productivity throughout your day. My Sunrise Yoga in Birmingham is designed to awaken your body, boost your mood, and set a positive tone for the day.

Relieving Overnight Stiffness

To maintain optimal health and physical well-being, it is crucial to move our bodies at the beginning of the day. During sleep, muscles rest and remain still, causing layers of connective tissue and bodily fluid, affectionately known as 'fuzz', to build up between them.

 

The instinctive morning stretch serves to release this fuzzy buildup. Neglecting to stretch and move can result in the thickening of this layer, leading to stiffness, chronically tight muscles, and common aches and pains.

meditating person
outdoor yoga pose

Counteracting Sedentary Lifestyles

For those who spend most of their day sitting at a desk or in a car, a morning yoga session is the perfect antidote. Postures like backbends are particularly effective in counteracting the hunching and slouching that often occur unconsciously throughout the day.

 

Additionally, these poses help to open the muscles around the hips, a common area of tension due to prolonged sitting.

 

By practising yoga in the morning, you also cultivate an awareness of healthy posture, making you more likely to notice and correct slouching, thereby preventing back pain before it starts.

Morning Yoga Routines: Incorporating Key Postures

A well-rounded morning yoga practice includes a variety of postures that target different muscle groups:

·       Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): A dynamic sequence that warms up the entire body, increases circulation, and builds strength and flexibility.

·       Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): A gentle flow between two poses that warms the spine, releases tension in the back and neck, and improves posture.

·       Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): A foundational pose that stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine while strengthening the arms and shoulders.

·       Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): A powerful standing pose that enhances balance, stability, and concentration.

·       Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): A backbend that opens the chest, stretches the spine, and stimulates the thyroid gland.

·       Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): A calming pose that stretches the hamstrings and lower back, promoting relaxation.

yoga meditation
  • Can I Attend a Class If I’ve Never Done Yoga Before?
    I have never done yoga before and I haven’t exercised for many years. Can I still participate in the classes? I would advise you to check with your health professional before you start to exercise. I will also ask you to disclose any health conditions that you may have. This information will allow me to be aware of any difficulties that you may have and enable them to adapt the exercises to suit you. All of my classes are mixed ability so there will be women and men who have practiced yoga for many years and others who are new to it. I am able to demonstrate ways that poses can be altered to suit you. I also support a non judgemental approach to yoga so no one will make you feel uncomfortable. I provide a safe space for you to practice.
  • What Type Of Mat ?
    A yoga mat is the most important accessory that you will need. It is important that you ensure that you purchase a yoga mat, not an exercise mat. An exercise mat is usually thicker. Whilst you may think this will be more comfortable and generally cheaper, for the purpose of yoga it may make your practice more difficult. If the mat is too spongy it will have an affect on your balance and posture. Therefore, the thinner yoga mat, and one that sticks to the floor will aid your practice. Some mats have markings on them and this serves as a guide for positioning your hands and feet.
  • What do I wear?
    The simple answer is anything that makes you feel comfortable. I suggest leggings and t-shirt. It’s useful to have a pair of socks and a warm top to put on for the relaxation element of the class.
  • Can I book a private class?
    A Personal Touch….. I also offer one to one classes, both on line or in the comfort of your own home. I also offer a Covid secure private studio. Situated at the bottom of my garden. A peaceful, uninterrupted, tranquil space. Please contact me for more details lisa@happymatyoga.co.uk 07568 374132 xx
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