If you’re based in the US, you’ll share my excitement that Summer is here! As the days get longer and warmer, my schedule is becoming more and more full. Between long work days, summer travels, pool parties, days in the sun and long summer nights, I truthfully find the excitement of summer to be a bit exhausting. During times when my life is buzzing, I make sure to incorporate a vibrant yoga flow into my daily routine. Just 20 minutes of yoga helps boost my natural energy and keep it high for the entire day. Sound familiar? If you’re burning the proverbial summer candle at both ends, try getting in the habit of practicing a short, energizing flow before heading to work or before an event or party. Here is my favorite energizing yoga flow for sustained vibrance and energy:
Boat Pose
Start seated on the ground with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale. On your exhale, activate your core and lift your legs up into a 45 degree angle. Extend your arms straight out in front of you. Keep your spine straight and your chest lifted as you balance on your sit bones. Hold this pose for 10 breaths before you release.
Crow Pose
Start in a squat position. Place your hands on the ground, shoulder width apart, fingers spread wide. Place your knees on your upper arms, keeping your feet together. Gaze forward and activate your core. Begin to lean forward and lift one foot at a time towards your tush. Touch your toes together, draw your belly in and breathe. Hold this pose for 30 – 60 Seconds.
Plank Pose
Begin in a push-up position on your hands and toes. Lower onto your elbows. Keep your neck straight and your core drawn into your spine. Hold this pose for 30 – 60 seconds.
Dancers Pose
Start in Mountain Pose. Release one foot and grab the ankle from the outside with the same arm. Kick slowly into your hand and allow the movement to arch your back and lift your chest. Extend your opposite arm toward the wall in front of you. Balance here for 30 – 60 seconds.
Warrior 3
Start in Crescent Pose with your hips squared. Engage your core and begin to lean forward. Extend your arms forward. Actively reach through your arms and legs as though they are touching opposite walls. Keep your gaze a few feet in front of you. Remember to breathe. Try holding this challenging pose for 30 seconds.
Half Moon Pose
From Warrior 3, release your left hand down to the mat. Twist your upper torso, opening your right arm toward the sky. Extend through your back leg as though you are pressing into a wall behind you. Pick one point to hold your gaze and stay here for 30 – 60 seconds.
Standing Split
From Half-Moon, place your fingertips on the floor on either side of your front foot. If you can’t reach your foot, use blocks or rest your hands on your calves. Square your hips and extend your back leg to the sky as high as you can while keeping your hips aligned. Relax the crown of your head towards the floor. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds.
Shiva Squat
From Standing Split, bend both knees to cross your extended leg behind your standing leg knee or calf. Lowering your hips towards the floor. Extend the leg and straighten to return to Standing Split. Repeat this motion 5-10 times.
You can find more energizing yoga flows, along with recipes, mindfulness practices and self-care tips in ENERGIZE by Celebrity Yoga Teacher Claire Grieve, a 98-page ebook dedicated to bringing a natural vitality back into your life. Follow @claire_grieve.
