THE BEST 5 YOGA POSES FOR SKIERS
There is nothing more relaxing, calming, and soothing than doing your yoga exercises and practices with Albergo Miramonti’s views of the Italian Alps. Despite its tranquil qualities, yoga is, also, known as an excellent form of exercise for the one true fans of skiing or snowboarding.
With today being 2019’s International Yoga Day, we couldn’t think of a better time to provide you with some useful yoga tips that will make your trip to the Italian Alps an unforgettable experience. Without any further ado, here are our top five pre-skiing yoga poses to help every skier or snowboarder stretch their hamstrings, hips, and backs after a day in the slopes.
DOG DOWN
The first yoga pose that will help relax your muscles after skiing is the Downward Facing Dog.
This position is ideal for stretching and strengthening the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and back while it’s highly reminiscent of the way that puppies pose after a nap.
Start in a tabletop position. Slide your arms forward until they surpass your shoulders and tuck your toes under. Press you palms into the ground and, as you exhale, lift your knees off the ground. Your stature will have an upside-down V form.
BRIDGE
The bridge pose is a gentle backbend - just the right exercise to align your body from a day spent skiing.
This pose strengthens the hamstrings, stretches the front of your body, and rejuvenates the legs.
Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your ankles just right under your knees. All your toes should point in the same direction while your feet should be hip-width apart and parallel. Your arms rest on the ground, palms down. As you inhale, press with the backs of your arms and feet until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. After 5 to 10 seconds, exhale slowly and roll back down to the ground.
RECLINING PIGEON
This pose will help any skier regain their balance when on the slopes.
The Reclining Pigeon position stretches the groin muscles, piriformis, glutes, and hip flexors and maximises flexibility and a speedy recovery.
First and foremost, lie on your back to the floor. Create an L with your legs so that your feet are even with your knees and your knees are right over your hips. Place your right foot over your left thigh. Hold the back of your left thigh and gently start pulling both feet towards you. Stay for 5 to 10 breaths and then switch sides.
RECLINING BIG TOE
Tight hamstrings are a common case with skiers. However, the Reclining Big Toe position will relieve any discomfort.
This pose lengthens and strengthens the IT bands, calves, and hamstrings.
Lie on the ground with your knees bent. Bring your right knee close to the chest and loop a strap or even a towel around the ball. Start inhaling while, simultaneously, pressing the right heel towards the ceiling. Keep your shoulder blades pinned to the ground as your hands are walking up the towel. After 5 to 10 breaths, change sides and repeat the process.
reclining twist
This gentle twist is the best way to refresh your body after a long day on the slopes.
The Reclining Twist position releases the low back and, at the same time, increases flexibility in the spine.
Once again, start by lying on your back. As you inhale, pull both legs towards you. Continue by dropping both legs to the left. Extend your arms in a T position and look towards the ceiling. Hold your position for approximately 5 to 10 breaths. After that, move slowly both legs to the centre.
Book your stay at Albergo Miramonti, one of the Best Boutique Hotels in the Italian Alps, today and live the full yoga experience. From outdoor yoga to doing your poses inside our well-equipped fitness and yoga studio, there couldn’t be a better place to relax and distance yourself from the big crowded city. Make sure to check more from our blog below: