Yoga....Wall Sit

I'm supposed to be running now :'( , but....holy moly, hamstrings!!! They were begging for some TLC!! Hammer & Chisel instead....and a little runner's targeted yoga. Legs Up the Wall currently in progress. Creative name, eh?? ;)

 Want to try it?? WELL, it's SUPER hard & complicated, but I'll tell you how........lie on your back with your sit-bones as close to the wall as is comfortable for you. From there, you extend your legs up the wall, so that the backs of your legs are resting fully against it. BOOM, there it is. ;) If you're not very flexible, you won't be able to get super close to the wall at first. That's ok....if you keep at it, you'll get closer & closer as time goes by! It's recommended to practice this pose for at least 10 to 15 minutes, but even just hanging out for a minute or two will do.

 Great for runners....my hamstrings say "thank you"!! Great for non-runners, too. Why, you may ask??? It's #NationalYogaMonth, so I'll tell ya!!

 1. It reduces edema in the legs and feet. By reversing the effects of gravity on your legs and feet, you can help to move any stuck or stagnant fluids that may build up there if you have low blood pressure, or spend a lot of time on your feet during your day.

 2. It relieves tired leg muscles. Hanging out with your legs up the wall is one of the best ways to help drain tension from the legs, feet, and even the hips, if you have them elevated on yoga blocks.

 3. It gives you all the benefits of inversion, without the effort. Inversions can help to reverse the effects of gravity on the whole system, help regulate blood pressure, help move stuck fluids, and even help to improve your digestion....but sometimes some of the inversion methods can be too much for some people. With Legs Up the Wall, you will still be getting many of the benefits of practicing an active inversion.

 4. It is super calming for the nervous system. This posture is really intended to be a deeply relaxing pose. When combined with slow, rhythmic breathing, you'll be tapping into your “rest and digest” nervous response. In this state, your body will be actively digesting anything you have eaten, as well as working to heal and repair your body. When you do these kinds of poses consistently, you may notice that your body feels healthier overall, and that you are better able to find a calm state of mind.

Basically, it helps ya chill out!! That IS what we're supposed to do on a Saturday, or at least for part of it, right?? ;)