Cool Yoga Postures for Hot Summer Days

Do you want to stay cool while practicing yoga during those hot summer days? Since the body thrives on daily movement, let’s look at how that translates to a yoga practice during the summer. We tend to move more in the summer months, which is a great thing! But when the sun’s too oppressive or the day’s too muggy, outdoor activities drop off. Many poses generate heat and it is smart to observe this in your body. So, in the hot days of summer, you would do well to practice yoga postures that actually keep you cool. Generally speaking, forward extensions are the cooling yoga postures practiced during hot days. Find a nice breezy location near an open window or door. The fresh air helps. Don’t attack the poses. Remember to move into each of the yoga postures with deliberation and set up your alignment properly. The names of yoga poses that will give you a relaxing and cooling practice without overheating are Janu Sirsasana (Head-Knee Pose) and Marichiasana (Seated Twist with several variations). Along with these basic poses, more can be added, depending on the time you have available, your energy level, and how much experience you have had. You may add Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend), Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana (Three Limb Face Down Forward Bend), and Paschimottanasana (Full Forward Bend). There are so many variations on how they can be performed, yet that does not mean one can be sloppy! These five yoga postures translate into forward bends with a knee to the side, one leg in lotus, one leg in Virasana and twisting, with the final version of the pose looping arms around legs and the torso and using leverage. The final yoga pose is a plain forward extension with legs fully straightened. In seated poses, press your legs down into the floor, keep that action as you bend at the hip joint, not the mid-back. Then lengthen your front spine as you stretch forward. In Iyengar Yoga, yoga postures are supported with props like straps to catch a foot, or a bolster to support your torso. This way you should get the benefits of wonderful yoga by: 1) keeping yourself moving during hot summer days which is good for your lymph system that cleanses your tissues, 2) keeping yourself cool which is not only appropriate but satisfying, and 3) keeping your tissues toned, strong and alert. Practicing yoga postures is all about appropriate balance in the self, both in the moment and in life. So this summer, keep moving, stay cool, help your tissues stay cleansed and toned. Practice forward bends like Janu Sirsasana (Head-Knee Pose), Marichiasana (Seated Twist with several variations), Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend), Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana (Three Limb Face Down Forward Bend), and Paschimottanasana (Full Forward Bend) These yoga postures during hot summer days will avoid overheating. Enjoy the benefits and stress reduction that comes with practicing yoga postures in these busy times. Namaste