How did you get those arms? Do you lift weights everyday? You must do a million squats to get that booty! Yogis get a lot of questions and assumptions made about how they’ve been able to achieve their strong bodies. People are always surprised by the simple answer, “Nope, I just do yoga.” Yoga requires nothing but you. No weights, no machines, just the ability to lift and hold your own body weight.
While some yoga classes are gentle and relaxing, yoga can provide a heart-pounding, cardio-burning and muscle-toning workout. What I love the most about yoga is the variations with every pose. Just when you’ve mastered a pose, you’ll learn a new transition that will take your mind and body to the next level. This kind of training creates a long, lean body that shows flexibility and strength without bulking you up. The bonus is, it doesn’t matter how young or old, big or small you are, yoga is great for anyone.
Do these four muscle-toning yoga poses as a sequence 3 to 5 times a week to tone your entire body.
Plank
Begin on all fours with your arms straight and shoulders stacked over your wrists. Have your palms flat and shoulder width apart. Curls your toes under and step both feet back until your legs are straight and your feet are hip width apart. Bring your shoulders, hips and heels into one straight line with your core and quad muscles engaged. Distribute your weight of your knuckles evenly and slightly look past your fingertips. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths.
Chaturanga
15 Minute Total Body Toning Yoga Sequence was originally published on blackdoctor.org
