| Part 1 and 2 demonstrates how movement and a | | | | finger tips towards you and stretch your fingers |
| greater capacity for oxygen can help to sustain | | | | high up in a vertical position. |
| comfort in prolonged sitting. Part 3 adds to this | | | | Then as the hands begin to move down to each |
| combination and shows you how by incorporating | | | | side, exhale slowly and feel all the tension melt |
| stretching into the formula; you will further | | | | from your muscles, as you return back to the |
| energize your body, making you feel more | | | | prayer position. |
| comfortable in prolonged sitting. | | | | Try the Sunrise Salutation a few times and you |
| Stretching exercises are all part of Yoga routines, | | | | will find that your body will love this form of |
| which people may consider only to be of value | | | | exercise. It stretches and energizes all your upper |
| for flexible people. Yet how did they get to that | | | | limb muscles and back that you will be using when |
| state, without practice? Yoga is not just a | | | | sitting; as well as improving the oxygen supply to |
| religious philosophy, but a crucial combination of | | | | our bodies, before starting to perform productive |
| skeletal stretches for the purpose of creating a | | | | activity. |
| relaxed body that calms the mind. Does this | | | | If you like doing these movements and want to |
| make sense? | | | | experience more; then try attending a Beginners |
| A good stretch to start the day is my 'Sunrise | | | | Yoga Class. You will learn a series of stretches |
| Salutation': | | | | and poses that may seem impossible to begin |
| - Begin by sitting in the chair with your feet | | | | with; but as your body learns to move and |
| placed firmly on the ground and your hands in the | | | | stretch, you will notice greater improvement and |
| prayer position placed in front of you. | | | | have fewer discomforts in your body, particularly |
| - Bring your finger tips towards your body, but | | | | your back. |
| still keeping your hands together. | | | | Stretching movements are quite safe and normal |
| - Now lift both hands and arms upwards and out | | | | to our body. We have just never practiced them |
| for creating the opening of the sunrise. | | | | before. The Sunrise Salutation can be used any |
| - Really stretch them up and out into a wide arc | | | | time during the day, for giving your body that |
| and slowly bring back to the prayer position. | | | | boost of energy before you start on any |
| - These are the movements, now I want you to | | | | productive project. By learning to practice a |
| combine this procedure in combination with a deep | | | | combination of movement, stretching and |
| breath | | | | breathing; you will enhance your body's capacity |
| Begin by starting with your hands in the prayer | | | | to remain comfortable for prolonged sitting on a |
| position. Take a slow inhalation as you point your | | | | daily basis. |