In yoga, as we've mentioned here before, all postures have multiple benefits. There are no "too easy"' or "unimportant" postures. Some postures that look deceptively simple are in fact some of the most beneficial. Consider the Stretch-Lift, also referred to as the Standing Mountain. Before doing any posture that stretches the spine, you may want to consider doing this pose first.
Begin by standing with your toes spread and you feet a comfortable distance apart. Roll your shoulders down the back, standing straight and tall, reaching toward the ceiling with the top of the head. Inhale and reach your arms toward the ceiling. If you can touch your hands together over the top of your head, then do so. Adjust your spine and lift higher. Exhale, gently bring the arms back to your sides.
Begin by standing with your toes spread and you feet a comfortable distance apart. Roll your shoulders down the back, standing straight and tall, reaching toward the ceiling with the top of the head. Inhale and reach your arms toward the ceiling. If you can touch your hands together over the top of your head, then do so. Adjust your spine and lift higher. Exhale, gently bring the arms back to your sides.
Benefits: The Stretch-Lift aligns the spinal column prior to attempting any flexing or stretching. This exercise protects spinal muscles and nerves by adjusting the vertebrae and discs, thus assuring that the muscles and nerves of the spinal area will not be pinched. It is also a great pose to do any time during the day to correct spinal alignment and decrease back pain.
Shanti,
S.
Shanti,
S.
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