Yoga Pose of the Week:

Lizard Pose

Sanskrit: Utthan Pristhasana (OOT-ahn preesth- AHS – anna)

Utthan: stretch out
Pristha: page of the book; back of the body
Asana: pose

Step-by-step:
From Downward Facing Dog Pose, step your right foot forwards between your hands. Heel-toe your foot towards the edge of your mat, so that your foot is slightly wider than your shoulders. Place both hands to the inside of the right foot and lower the left hip down. Place the back knee down and gently lower the forearms to the ground. If you need to make room in the right hip move the front foot out to the right a little. Relax and come back to your breath. Repeat on the left side.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

Opens the hips, hamstrings, groins and hip flexors

Strengthens the inner thigh muscles on the front leg

ENERGETIC BENEFITS:

Opens and releases the chest, shoulders and neck

Prepares the body for deeper hip openers such as Pigeon Pose and Hanuman Pose .