YOGA FOR THE UPPER BODY - VIII

This is the last article focusing on the upper body. By now you should be feeling the difference and feeling your muscles more toned than when you started. Today's asana's strengthen the arms, wrists and upper body and leg muscles. They also help develop a sense of physical balance and nervous control. Remember, to see the difference, you need to practice regularly.

Caution:

• Those with high blood pressure, cerebral thrombosis, heart problems and weak wrists should not attempt these asanas.

Exercise 1
• Squat on floor, feet apart
• Come up on toes, place palms flat on floor in front of feet, fingers pointing forward, and keep elbows bent
• Lean forward, so that outer upper arms touch inner knees
• Lean forward shifting body weight to arms, keep feet together and, balancing on hands, lift them off floor
• Focus on tip of nose or point in front of you and hold as long as you can or 10-30 seconds
• Slowly lower feet and resume start position.



Exercise 2
• Stand with feet apart and bend knees
• Place right palm on floor between the feet, left palm in front of left foot
• Place right leg above right arm, resting thigh on back of upper right arm, just above elbow. Bring left foot forward between the arms close to right foot
• Press down on arms and lift both legs off the floor, place left foot on right ankle and interlock legs. Right arm should be between thighs, left arm straight
• Bend elbows, lower upper body and head until parallel to floor
• Hold for as long as comfortable, breathing normal
• Straighten arms, raise upper body. Release legs, lower them and return start position
• Repeat with other leg.