Last month’s blog offered a short yoga sequence to try on skis. Here are two more poses for anyone who likes to play on skis and also has a strong sense of balance. The first pose could be called Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana). The second pose is a variation of King Dancer, Dancing Shiva or Natarajasana. These poses are an effective way to warm up for skiing because they stretch your hamstrings and quadriceps respectively.
To practice these poses on skis, begin on a flat surface. If you’re on any kind of slight slope, stand at an angle so your downhill ski can get an edge. Plant your poles and lift your uphill ski to place your ski tail into the snow. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and fold forward, bringing your nose toward your knee. Reach your arms toward your feet and breathe here as your hamstrings relax. Come out of the pose by raising your torso and releasing your ski.
Next, plant your poles on your uphill side and shift your weight to your uphill ski. Balance here as you lift your downhill ski behind you so that your tip is facing backward. Grab the tail of your ski with your downhill hand and leverage your ski so that you lean forward with your uphill pole arm outstretched. Breathe here as your quadriceps relax.
Be sure to turn around and try Monkey Pose and King Dancer Pose on the other side, too. Happy winter!
Image: The Letter K from Yoga Teddy Bear A-B-C. Video by K. Mae Copham, shot by Robert Oakley, Dec 2019 in Vail, CO.
No comments:
Post a Comment