Celebrate International Yoga Day with Poses That Complement a Climbing Program
Did you know that June 21 is International Yoga Day? Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength and endurance. It can also improve concentration and creativity as well as create a sense of well being and calm. In fact, practicing yoga can also help make you a better climber! Whether for you, your kids or the kids you teach, yoga is perfect cross-training for climbing. Here are three poses to help get your yoga practice started.
CAT/COW
How to:
- Place your hands and knees on the floor.
- Your hands should align directly under your shoulders.
- Exhale and round your back like a cat. As your chin goes to your chest, look back at your belly button.
- Inhale and arch your back so your belly button is pushing towards the floor like a cow. Your chest is pointing forward and your “tail” bone and chin point up to the ceiling.
- Repeat cat then cow.
Climbing Benefits:
- Increases spinal flexibility
- Stretches forearms and fingers
- Improves abdominal strength
- Improves balance
BUTTERFLY
How to:
- Sit on your bottom with your feet in front of you and bring the soles of your feet together, bending your knees.
- Press your knees towards the floor with your elbows, if you can.
- Lean slightly forward, holding onto your ankles.
Climbing Benefits:
- Increases flexibility in hips, groin, feet, ankles and knees
UP DOG
How to:
- Lie on stomach with hands on floor next to your chest with elbows bent.
- Push up through hands, keeping elbows bent and close to your body.
- Your hips and legs stay still on the floor.
- Push your shoulders away from your ears, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- If this hurts your lower back, place your forearms on the floor. Keep pushing your shoulders away from your ears.
Climbing Benefits:
- Strengthens spine, arms and wrists
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