Our lives seem to be more and more hectic every day. We’re bombarded with social media messages that raise our hackles. We are stuck in traffic. We deal with poor customer services. We are simply worn out by the end of the day.
We need to recharge our batteries. We can swim laps and let the world’s stresses slide away. We can also practice mindfulness, meditation and poolside yoga.
Why yoga poolside?
It is more peacefull to be out of doors. When you add in the beauty and peacefulness of being poolside the mindfulness comes much easier. When we are outside and poolside we are also not surrounded by tasks that need to be done — laundry that needs to be folded, carpet needing vacuuming, dinner that needs to be cooked.
Give yourself the gift of poolside yoga and mindfulness and meditation. Your mind and soul will thank you!
Yoga is a practice that is becoming more mainstream. It is an exercise that stretches both mind and body and puts you in touch with your inner self. And it’s a great workout! When you practice yoga you’re working your core without any of the jarring or pain that comes from jogging or other workout routines.
Mindfulness, Meditation And Poolside Yoga
Don your swimsuit and ease into the swimming pool for your workout. You may decide to meditate and slow your mind before you get into the water and that’s fine, too!
Keep in mind that whether you’re swimming laps or practicing yoga poses in the pool you’re working your heart and lungs and all your core muscles. You’re getting a full body workout without putting any stress on your joints.
In pool yoga poses to practice
Boat Pose
Grab two pool noodles and lay them lenghtise along side of you. Stretch your legs out straight.
Push the noodles into the water. Engage your core and lift your legs while your arms push the noodles down.
If possible, get into a “v” pose. The water will provide support to your legs and your core will work to keep your upper body steady and upright.
With this pose you will want to grab some pool noodles to help you. Plase the noodles lengthwise on either side of you. Stretch your legs out in front of you.
Hand to toe pose
Even if you haven’t been able to master this pose on land, never fear, it is easier in the pool. Here’s how to practice this pose:
- Stand in the shallow end of the pool and hold onto the side
- Lift your outer leg
- Bend your knee to your chest
- Grab your big toe and straighten your leg as much as possible. If you cannot fully extend your leg, let go of your toe and grab behind your knee to support your leg as you lift it.
- When you feel steady, rotate your leg, out from the hip as far as you can
- Stop if you feel pain
- Switch sides and perform the same action
Don’t despair if you can’t fully extend your leg at first. Practice will help you become more flexible and you will eventually be able to grasp your toe and extend your leg.
Warrior II
This is a classic yoga pose. Even if you feel unsteady when you practice this pose on land, you will be pleasantly surprised to find it’s easier to keep your balance in the water.
In pool Warrior II
- Stand with your feet, hip distance apart
- Turn your right foot out so it’s facing forward
- Lift your arms out of the water so they are perpendicular to your body
- Keep arms shoulder height
- Lean toward your right, bend your right knee (make sure it doesn’t bend beyond your toes)
- Sink your hips into the water;
- Try to get your right thigh parallel to the floor of the pool
- Engage your core to keep you upright and to hold the pose
- Breathe slowly through the pose
- Switch sides and bend your left leg
This pose will be easier to hold if your arms are floating on the surface of the water. Breathe deeply throughout.
Floating Savasana
No matter if you’re in a group of people practicing yoga or if you’re enjoying the solitude of your swimming pool, the final pose is the Savasana or resting pose. When you practice Savasana you’re returning your mind and body to the present and easing yourself back while still keeping your meditative mentality.
Lie back and float in the water. If you feel more comfortable, you can use a pool noodle to stay afloat. Float until you’re relaxed and ready to rejoin your life. Use your hands to help keep you afloat whiel you’re lying back in the water.
A Yoga Practice Can Be For For Everyone
Aqua yoga is ideal for anyone who is out of shape or recovering from an injury. When you practice yoga in the water, your body is still healing and you’re still able to exercise and retain your active lifestyle.
Look online for aqua yoga or take a class at a local swimming pool so you learn how to do the poses correctly for maximum effect.