Supported twist

Yoga twists are a great way to relieve stress and tension in the body, resulting in a sense of peace and calm when combined with slow, deep breathing. Try this supported yoga twist and enjoy your own results!

Benefits: Twisting poses open the chest, shoulders and upper back where stress and tension are held. Twists help relieve back pain; keep the spine flexible; stimulate digestion and circulation; tone core muscles; detoxify internal organs; and reduce stress and anxiety.

How to: Rest on your back and hug the knees in toward the body. Keep the knees drawn in as you release your arms and hands out to the side. Take a deep breath in, and on your exhale allow your legs to fall to the right onto a bolster or stack of blankets. You can use your right hand to hold the top knee if you’d like, or leave both arms extended. Turn your head to look to the left, close your eyes and breathe deeply for 1-3 minutes. Avoid staying in a twist too long if you are new to the practice. Draw your belly in to stabilize your core, then lift the knees back to center and rest for a couple of breath cycles before twisting to the other side.

Mantra: “I slow down, calm down, and relax completely.”