Yoga for Flexibility And Strength

One of the most crucial factors in achieving flexibility in the body is through a healthy and flexible spine. According to yogic philosophy youth is defined by the flexibility of the spinal column. Most adults complain of pain in the lower back and upper back. Yoga philosophy claims that die to stress and strain in mental and physical body such pains occur as the energy that flows in the body gets trapped due to stress. One of the best ways to maintain good health and prevent backaches is to exercise the spine every day. Since there is no easy way out of getting rid of back ache maintaining a daily yoga schedule and an effective exercise plan can ensure you stay flexible for a long time.

In order to strengthen your legs and back and become more flexible, do the following:

• The Spinal Flex: Begin by taking a deep breath. Close your eyes and consciously slow down your breath and breathe deeply from the stomach. It is important that you are aware of your breathing pattern and use the time to calm yourself and get composed. Be seated in an easy pose. Hold your ankles firmly. Deeply inhale while keeping your shoulders in a relaxed mode. While inhaling flex your spine forward, and maintain a straight posture. Do not do any kind of movement with the head. As you slowly start exhale, relax the spine. Continue inhaling and exhaling with deep breaths. As you take in your breath feel your spine get energized. The spinal flex can be done for approximately 1 - 3 minutes. This exercise helps in stimulating and stretching your lower spine which in turn helps your back.
• The cobra pose is also useful in strengthening the lower back and the legs. It helps in removing stress and pressure from the back and helps to balance the flow of energy in the body.

In order to strengthen the legs practicing the alternate leg stretches are useful. To do the alternate leg stretches, spread your legs apart. Grasp the toes on either side without bending your knees. Take a deep breath and as you exhale move your body to the left leg. Resume the central position to inhale and as you exhale move yourself to the right leg. Do bend or arch the upper spine. Maintain a straight spine while stretching the back comfortable without any strain. Continue in the same manner for 1-2 minutes. The alternate leg stretches helps in opening up the pelvis and stretching the legs.