STRIKE AN ARCHER’S POSE
Open your hips and stretch those hamstrings with this bold move by YuMee Chung,
Welcome to the Wild, Wild East! This is the Republic of Tuva in Eastern Siberia, home of the Genghis Blues, where cowboys, wrestlers and archers reign supreme.
We couldn’t dream up a better setting for a bold seated hip opener called Archer’s Pose.
This one asks a lot of hips and hamstrings, and also stretches the back while strengthening your upper body.
Sit on the ground with your legs outstretched.
Clasp your big toes with your “peacefingers” and thumbs, bending your knees as much as necessary.
Use your right hand to hoist your right foot and, as if drawing a bowstring, bend your knee and bring the foot as close as possible to your right ear.
Set your sights on a lofty goal and enliven your intention with at least five breaths before heading over to the second side. Tuva Tuva is a republic in Eastern Siberia. Located in the very heart of Asia, its borders meet Mongolia in the south and Krasno- yarsk in the north.
This remote locale is rather far off the tourist track, but it offers serious culture buffs an authentic travel experience like no other.
Nomads, shamans, throat singers and the annual Naadym festival (featuring horse racing, traditional wrestling and archery) await.
Tuva’s only official tour operator is SaiXonash Travel. YuMee Chung is a recovering lawyer who teaches yoga in Toronto. She is on the faculty of a number of yoga teacher training programs and leads international yoga retreats. Learn more about her at padmani.com