Every year in the United States, roughly 600,000 people die from heart disease. High blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol are key causes of heart disease. Stress, anxiety, poor diet and lack of physical activity are key culprits to heart disease. Yoga builds cardiovascular health, increases lung capacity, and improves respiratory function and heart rate. It also boosts blood circulation, builds muscle, and decreases inflammation.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Align your feet and heels so they touch each other.
Rests palms on the side of your body in a comfortable position.
Inhale deeply.
Lift your hands and join palms in a prayer position in front of chest.
Lift your body and bend over to create a “mountain”.
Close eyes and concentrate while holding pose.
Exhale slowly while bent over.
Return back to original position.
Repeat 5-7 times.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Start in a straight pose.
Bring hands to front of chest.
Join palms in prayer position.
Stretch hands upwards.
Bend left knee and place left foot on interior side of right thigh.
Keep right leg straight.
Look straight
Relax.
Repeat with other side.
Repeat both sides 3-5 times.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie on your stomach.
Rest face on chin.
Close your eyes.
Rest palms on floor next to your body.
Exhale deeply.
Lift up chest and face off floor.
Inhale and close eyes.
Remain steady and relax.
Release to original position and exhale.
Repeat 5-7 times.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Lie on your back with hands stretched sideways.
Bend knees with feet touching floor.
Spread knees apart.
Raise body up from pelvis area.
Keep support from your hands.
Hold position.
Repeat 5-7 times.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Lie on back with eyes closed.
Arms by side of body and palms facing up.
Legs outstretched.
Let ankles relax and fall outward.
Slowly start breathing.
Relax and allow your body to “melt” into the floor.
Stay in pose 4-5 minutes.
