Today we start working on the sides of the body. These asanas stretch and tone the sides of the body and remove excess fat. They tone the internal organs of the abdominal area and also increase the respiratory capacity of the lungs.
Caution: Do not hold your breath while holding these postures. Those with high blood pressure, vertigo or severe back problems should not do exercises 3 and 4.
Exercise 1
• Stand straight with your feet together and the arms by your side
• Raise one arm sideways up to your shoulder-level. Stretch your arm up
• Exhale, stretch the arm over your head while bending the body to one side
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds and inhale. Resume the starting position
• Repeat with the other side.
Exercise 2
• Stand with your feet apart and arms by your side
• Keeping both your arms parallel, raise them up and bend towards your side
• Exhale and stretch
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds
• Inhale and resume the starting position
• Repeat with the other side.
Exercise 3
• Stand with your legs wide apart and arms by your sides
• Raise one arm up to the ear. Exhale and stretch that arm over the head, bending your body to one side with the palm facing down
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
• Inhale and go back to the starting position• Repeat with other side.
Exercise 4
• Stand with legs wide apart and arms at shoulder level
• Point the right foot outward and raise your left arm above your head
• Exhale and slide the right hand down to touch the foot, bending your body to the side
• Keep your left arm straight and stretch your arm as low as you can
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds• Repeat with the other side.
