Strike a pose

Strike a pose

Make the most of your time in front of the fire by adding in a gentle workout routine. When paired with deep breathing, these beginner-friendly simple yoga poses go a long way toward easing stress and increasing calm.

Warrior II pose

1. Step or lightly jump your feet 3-1/2 to 4 feet apart. Raise your arms parallel to the floor and reach them actively out to the sides, shoulder blades wide, palms down.
2. Turn your right foot slightly to the right and your left foot out to the left 90 degrees. Align the left heel with the right heel. Turn your left thigh outward so that the center of the left kneecap is in line with the center of the left ankle.
3. Exhale and bend your left knee over the left ankle. 
4. Stretch the arms away from the space between the shoulder blades, parallel to the floor. 
   
   

Tree pose

1. Start by standing straight with your feet aligned and touching. Your arms should be straight along either side of your body.
2. Take a few breaths and find a place or object in the room to focus your attention. Slowly shift your weight to your left leg and begin to raise your right foot off the floor. Align the sole of your right foot with the inside of your left thigh. The toes should be pointing down and your pelvis should be completely straight.
3. Stretch your arms straight up toward the ceiling with palms pressed together forming an inverted V, then lower to the center of your chest.

Firelog pose (yep—that’s really what it’s called!)

1. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended, spine straight, and arms resting at your sides. Bend your right knee and hug it to your chest. Then bring your right ankle to rest just above your left kneecap.
2. Bend your left knee. Slide your left shin beneath your right shin, bringing your left ankle directly underneath your right knee.
3. Work toward bringing your shins parallel to the top edge of your mat, keeping your right shin stacked directly above your left shin.
4. Flex your feet and press through your heels. Spread your toes.
5. Sit up straight. Keep the front of your torso long.
6. Rest your fingertips on the floor at either side of your body or palms up on your knees.
   
   

Low lunge pose

1. Start in Downward Dog.
2. Step your right foot in between your hands, drop your left knee and release your back foot.
3. Come up and rest both hands on your front thigh. Relax into the pose.
4. Check that your front knee is directly over your front ankle and draw your lower abs in to protect your lower back.
5. Extend both arms straight upward alongside ears with palms facing one another.