4 yoga moves TO ENERGISE BODY AND BRAIN!

Yoga isn’t all Om and relax – it can be an energy-boosting wonder! ‘A great sequence of postures will open up the body, stimulate blood flow and give an oxygen boost that makes you glow,’ says yoga expert Emma Harding. Try her nifty Energy Boosting Sequence – it’s a great way to power up!

Warrior II

After a stretch to warm up, step into the first pose. Stand with your feet apart and your arms out to the side, turn your right foot towards your right, bend that knee and lean into this stretch. This energising hip opener strengthens legs, opens the chest and tones the core. Breathe deeply as you look along your outstretched fingers. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Cobra

Lie belly-down, lengthen legs from the hips and open the front of the body as it rests on the mat. Relax your jaw and face, and relax shoulder blades down the

spine, with forehead on the mat, back of neck lengthened, palms by shoulders. Breathe in, expanding your abdomen into the mat. As you breathe out, using back strength and hand support, lift head and chest, energising the spine. Hold for 5 breaths and feel the elation. Lower and repeat

3 times.

Supported bridge

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Lengthen the back of neck and relax the face. Using leg/ thigh/butt strength, peel spine up from the floor bone by bone. Pull up your pelvic- floor muscles, tuck in chin, and push shoulder blades back under the body towards the spine. Clasp hands under butt. Lift abdomen and chest and lengthen neck. This is medicine for the spine and its nerves, plus it aids flow of oxygen to the body and mind. Stay in this position for 5 to 10 breaths. Repeat 3 times.

Child pose

Lie with knees bent and feet on the floor. After a few breaths, move into the relaxed child’s pose for a few minutes’ switch-off time.

The result? You’ll feel peaceful, composed and revitalised!