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Kitchen Yoga

Many of my yoga students tell me that their work or family obligations interfere with their ability to either attend regular yoga classes or establish a home practice. Not an uncommon problem. Today’s blog is dedicated to you.

In my classes, I am “famous” for talking about what I call “kitchen yoga.” Put simply, kitchen yoga is a great way to multitask, taking the opportunity to seize those moments while you are waiting for water to boil or to turn over a piece of fish in the broiler and putting them to good use.

This is one area that I actually practice what I preach, and find the results immeasurable.

If your physician agrees that you are healthy enough for a physical yoga practice, you can try some of the following ideas . . . integrating yoga into your downtime; helping your body feel relaxed and your mind invigorated.

1)      Supported forward bend: Placing your rear end against the refrigerator with your heels a few inches forward, bend over gently from your hip joints with a back flat. Support your spine by walking your hands down your thighs as you go. To modify for your body, either hang with your arms dangling, your hands and arms supported by your calves or thighs or your hands on the floor on either side of your feet.

2)      Counter back bend: Using your kitchen counter (depending on your and its height) as a support, bend backwards from a standing position. Either hold the edge of the counter, or, if you are very flexible, lie your torso on the counter (this takes awhile to master; don’t be hard on yourself!).

3)      Supported squat: Place your back torso against your refrigerator or a convenient wall. Squat down to a comfortable height (depending on your knees and your back). Relax as much as you can in this position, allowing your spine to elongate and the front of your thighs to stretch.

4)      Tree pose: This is a balancing pose that takes awhile to master. This is why it is such a great kitchen pose--the concentration you expend will make it seem as though the water for your pasta boils in no time at all. Stand firmly on one foot, toes facing forward. Spread your weight evenly over the foot of the standing leg. First, bring your palms together in front of your chest. Second, bring your heel to your inner calf, ball of the foot firmly on the floor. Test your balance by edging the foot up the leg, stopping either at the limit of your flexibility, or bringing it all the way up to your inner thigh. Keep your bent knee pointed out to the side, hips and standing knee facing forward. Press your foot into your thigh and your thigh into your foot. Focus your eyes on an unmoving point on the floor and bring your weight onto the foot of the standing leg. Once you have achieved this balance, see if you can bring your palms up above your head, arms straight alongside your ears. Maintain the focal point you have established with your eyes.

There are so many more kitchen poses you can try . . . ask a yoga teacher you know or send me an email. I’ll give you as many ideas as I can. Happy practicing!