Hi Friends!

Do you find that after a few hours seated or at your desk, your back slumps forward and your chest caves in? How about your shoulders? Do they endlessly try to ride up to your ears, crunching your neck all up? Do the backs of your legs continually ache as you sit for long periods of time? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! This month’s “Yoga with Penny” is a Crescent Lunge with an Eagle Arm position which is a total body stretch sure to wake up your body. As a side effect it lengthens and strengthens all of our muscles and helps us focus and concentrate as we hold this position with long, deep, energizing inhales and exhales.

It’s always a good idea to sit quietly for a few moments before we start to turn the focus off your cares and worries. Focusing upon each life giving inhale and exhale will help. That way we can have a moment to meditate upon this beautiful life giving truth…

“Those that trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint!” Isaiah 40:31

Now get ready to soar! I have separated the leg and arm portions of the poses so you can practice each one separately, then combine them when you feel ready.

For the leg position:

• Stand with your feet hip width apart, bending both knees.
• Place your hands on your hips and step your right foot directly forward.
• Ensure that your right foot sits directly under your right knee. Lift your back heel.
• Breathe deeply for a few moments.
• Step out farther for a deeper stretch.
• Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

For the arm position:

• Stretch both of your arms directly out in front of you.
• Ensure both your palms are looking down and your arms are straight out in front of you.
• Now, bend both your elbows up, making sure that both your palms are looking at you.
• Begin by sliding your left palm under your right elbow.
• Then, continue to wrap your left palm up your right arm as far as it will go.
• Continue wrapping your left arm around your right arm until your palms meet.
• Remain at the place that is comfortable for you and if you are able, clasp your palms together and breathe deeply.
• For an added stretch, lift your Eagle Arms position up.
• Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• For a deeper stretch, gaze upward and breathe deeply!
• And, don’t forget to include your left leg forward with your right palm wrapping around your left arm.

I hope you enjoyed this whole body stretch in a Lunge Pose with your Eagle Arms.

Thanks for joining me!

xxoo Penny