The triangle: Spread your feet evenly, turn your left foot so your toes face outward. Raise your arms to be level with your shoulders, then raise your straight right arm above your head. Look at it and slide down, leaning toward your foot. Keep it there for 30 seconds and do the same for the other side.
MBOMBELA – More than 190 countries will participate in the first-ever International Yoga Day on Sunday June 21. Even in our city, Zenists and aspirant yogis will gather at St Peter’s School on Sunday for the special occasion. However, the thought of having to stretch and bend to the best of your body’s ability is a frightening idea to many… Not to worry. Lowvelder has your back. And legs. And arms.
Deidré Donbrak of Serendib Studio in Van Wijk Street shared with us why yoga is so important to her.
“Yoga allows you to listen to your body. It teaches you strength, discipline, control and balance. It starts with your body, but soon you realise how it applies to your whole life. You start to realise what a beautiful human being you can become – inside and out.”
Deidré is over 70 years old (she did want to disclose her real age), vibrant, healthy and extremely flexible.
Here are her five simple, yet effective yoga moves to prepare yourself for Sunday’s event.
Downward-facing dog: Place your hands in front of you at a comfortable distance from your feet. Straighten your legs and push your backside upward. Remember to keep your head tucked in to your chest at all times. Keep it there for at least 30 seconds.
The Warrior II: Place your feet about a metre apart and turn your left foot outward and lean toward it. Raise your arms to be level with your shoulders. Stop leaning when your knee is perpendicular with your foot. Hold it for 30 seconds and repeat with the other side.
Sitting pincers: Straighten your legs in front of you and flex your feet. Grab your ankles and, from your hips, lean forward until your nose touches your knees. Keep it there for 30 seconds.
The rabbit: Place your knees and the top of the bridge of your foot on the ground. Lean backwards until you sit on your feet. Stretch your arms out in front of you, tense up your fingers and relax. Keep it there for 30 seconds.
The triangle: Spread your feet evenly, turn your left foot so your toes face outward. Raise your arms to be level with your shoulders, then raise your straight right arm above your head. Look at it and slide down, leaning toward your foot. Keep it there for 30 seconds and do the same for the other side.
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