If you’re a mom who’s feeling like you’re stuck in your post-pregnancy body, don’t despair. There are plenty of yoga poses that can help you lose weight and get back into shape. And the best part is, you can do them at home with your baby by your side. So there’s no need to find a babysitter or haul yourself to the gym. Just grab a mat, put on some comfortable clothes, and let’s get started! Here are four yoga poses to help you slim down and feel great again.
Start with basic stretches to open up your muscles and joints
Starting your exercise routine with basic stretches is a great way to get the body prepped and ready for the workout ahead. Not only does this open up the muscles and joints, but it also gets your heart rate going and engages other muscles you might not think about as much, like those in your neck, shoulders, and back.
Spending a few minutes stretching at the start of your session can help warm up your body in anticipation of what’s to come while giving you an extra dose of energy to power through it. Plus, there’s nothing better than that feeling of accomplishment when you finish an intense set after taking it slow and steady at the beginning. So don’t skimp on those stretches–get limber and go get ’em!
Work your way into some standing poses to help improve your balance
Balance poses are a great way to help steady both the body and the mind. To really get the most out of your practice, start by working your way into some standing poses. Not only will this help improve bodily and mental awareness, but it can also give you an overall sense of improved balance.
If you’re just starting out with balance work, focus on poses like the warrior one and tree pose until you get more comfortable with posture and studying your environment. Once you have these basics down, then feel free to move onto more difficult postures like eagle or dancer for an added challenge!
Try some gentle twists to detoxify your body and release tension
Detoxifying and releasing tension can often feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! To start, try some gentle twists to give your body the refreshing support it needs. Twisting stretches help relax tight muscles, stimulate digestion, and even restore energy levels. A few simple twists can make a big difference in how your body functions.
For instance, the bridge pose is a great way to align the spine, while the spinal twist revitalizes the internal organs. Consider adding balance with an occasional standing side stretch; this will help release stress from shoulders and hips. Results may vary from person to person, but even just giving yourself a few minutes of gentle twisting can leave you feeling relaxed and reinvigorated every day!
Get down on the ground for some strengthening poses that target the core
Core strength is an essential base for many other exercises and activities, so it pays to spend some time nurturing it. Forget about crunches – the best way to strengthen your core is by getting down on the ground and trying out some poses.
Even if you are completely new to yoga or pilates, there are plenty of simple poses you can do anywhere which will target the deeper abdominal muscles while also engaging your legs and your glutes. This sequence of postures could be just what your body needs to take your exercise regimen up a notch and get those muscles really working!
Finish up with some restorative poses to soothe the mind and body
At the end of a yoga session, don’t forget to do some restorative poses as they can be incredibly calming and help in settling both your body and mind. Restorative poses are held for a much longer period of time than many other poses – sometimes up to five or more minutes – but the calming benefits they bring can be incredible.
Taking some time to be still with yourself and doing gentle stretching, breathing, and meditating will have you feeling at ease and can be great for getting ready for the day ahead or winding down for the evening. Yoga is an incredibly beneficial practice that can be enjoyed at home or in the studio.
From stretching your muscles and joints to strengthening your core, the possibilities are endless when it comes to finding poses that suit your body’s needs. With this guide, you now have the perfect starting point when it comes to practicing yoga at home. Working with patience, consistency, and breathwork will ultimately help you unlock the powerful benefits of yoga, from a stronger body to a calmer mind. Remember to listen to your body’s signals and focus on what works for you. So go forth, stretch, strengthen, and enjoy!