Endless hours at temporary work spaces or on the sofa, and if you’re like us, reaching for the snacks - is probably not doing the body good. It’s not doing the mind much good either, despite our positive mantras and manifesting. Yoga could be the key to get you moving glad during isolation. With our new ‘at home’ routines, it’s no surprise that ‘how to lose weight’ is one of the highest searches right now, but we’re less focused on the extra pounds, we want to shift that extra weight on our shoulders. Luckily, River Island’s own yoga guru Soho has the moves that can help get our body and mind in shape... Ready to move glad?
Easy pose
SUKHASANA
This simple cross-legged posture is most commonly used for meditation and pranayama (breath control) practices.
SOHO SAYS
• Good for grounding and spine lengthening
• The external rotation of the hips is great relief for hours spent at desk chairs
• Connecting with the floor and practising stillness brings a sense of calm
TOP TIPS
Focus on staying grounded on both sit bones, drawing the belly in towards the back, shoulder blades towards one another to keep the chest proud and open.
*Place a block or book under your seat, a cushion under the knees or just come onto your knees in hero pose for any knee injuries.
Half lord of the fishes pose
MATSYENDRASANA
This is a dreamy pose to strengthen and improve the overall health of the spine.
SOHO SAYS
• Stimulates the digestive system and organs
• Helps to release any back pain and stiffness
• Practice at the end of the day to release tension after long periods of sitting
TOP TIPS
Inhale as you lengthen the spine up through the crown of the head and exhale through the nose to draw you deeper into the twist. This variation of hugging the knee in towards the chest helps keep the spine tall and engages the inner thighs.
*Be more cautious if you have back/shoulder injuries or if you’ve recently had any operations to the abdominal area or are pregnant.
Extended puppy pose
UTTANA SHISHOSANA
This pose can will help bring a sense of calm to the body and with 4 points of the body touching the earth, it can feel really grounding.
SOHO SAYS
• Known as “heart-melting pose” as it provides a deep heart and chest opening
• Do this in the morning to start the day feeling grounded and connected
• A delicious way to stretch out the length of the spine and alleviate stiffness
TOP TIPS
Try coming onto the fingertips to allow you to draw the chest towards the earth and to encourage an opening to the upper back. Focus on drawing the belly in to activate the core and keep drawing the ribs down to avoid putting pressure on the lower spine.
*Place a cushion or roll up the mat under the knees for any discomfort here
Sphinx pose
SALAMBA BHUJANGASANA
This is a really gentle backbend that can be taken in preparation for more challenging postures.
SOHO SAYS
• Great for opening the lungs, chest and shoulders
• Truly accessible, it can be done anytime and anywhere
• Strengthens the spine and helps firm the booty
TOP TIPS
Focus on actively drawing the elbows in towards one another. If you’re ready to take the pose further, come onto the balls of the feet and into a forearm plank.
*Avoid if pregnant or have any back injuries
Tree pose
VRIKSASANA
A classic balancing posture that helps build a strong foundation before you tackle the rest of your physical practice and other balances.
SOHO SAYS
• Ideal for improving focus and concentration from within.
• Builds strength in the ankles and calves
• Helps tone up abs
TOP TIPS
Simplify the pose by placing the raised sole of the foot by the ankle and drawing the hands in at the front of your chest. Or, to strengthen the posture, try to close the eyes and raise the arms.
*Practice with caution if you suffer from any hip or knee issues or high/low blood pressure.
Lord of the dance pose
NATARAJASANA
A beautiful pose that really works all areas of the body, just don’t forget to do both sides!
SOHO SAYS
• Encourages greater flexibility in your spine, shoulders and hamstrings
• Strengthens the legs and stretches almost everything
• Improves overall balance (it helps to try to keep the gaze at a fixed point)
TOP TIPS
Focus on drawing the leg up and the foot back against the hand, whilst using your hand to draw the foot closer to the body in this two-way resistance.
*Practice with caution if you suffer from low blood pressure if you have any hip injuries
Eagle pose
GARUDASANA
This is another great balancing posture that’s slightly more challenging than the previous options but one that is truly satisfying once mastered.
SOHO SAYS
• This pose twists you up in knots whilst loosening the mind
• Increases circulation to all other joints and improves balance
• Helps to aid digestion
TOP TIPS
Simplify the pose by tackling the upper body and arms separately before trying the full pose. Take a strong bend in the legs to help wrap the top leg around the base leg.
*Practice with caution if you have or have had any recent any knee or shoulder injuries or if you suffer from low/high blood pressure
Garland pose
MALASANA
This gorgeous squat pose is ideal for stretching through the groin whilst actively lengthening the spine.
SOHO SAYS
• Helps tone up abs
• Improves colon function
• Can regulate sexual energy
TOP TIPS
Focus on drawing the palms together at heart centre as your elbows draw the knees further apart. Try placing a cushion under the knees if your feet don’t touch the ground.
*Careful of the lower back and avoid if you suffer with any knee injuries