It’s dark, cold and rainy outside, certainly not the ideal weather for moving off the couch, yet maintaining a regular warming yoga practice through winter has a number of advantages and is possibly the single most powerful choice you could make to help your mind and body as you move through the colder months of the year.

Keep glowing through Winter by doing these warming poses daily.

Immune Strengthening – A strong, heated vinyasa practice is an essential part of keeping the body warm and supple throughout the colder months, it is also important to recognise that a passive and relaxing  yoga practice will support your immune system. When your nervous system is rested, the immune system has a better chance of attacking bad bacteria and viruses.

Wide-Legged Forward Bend

Headstand 

 

The Yoga Winter Glow  – The benefits of sweating during a warming winter yoga practice is the body’s natural way of cleansing the skin, supporting your skin’s hydration. As you sweat and move your body through practice, it has to work harder during the colder months and therefore, increases your cardiovascular and respiratory use, keeping you healthy and fit.

Sun Salutation Series 

 

Yoga Breathing – The winter air can aggravate your sinuses and provoke allergies. Try this breathing exercise to help boost oxygen throughout the body…

Ujjayi Breath
This breathing technique will warm you from the inside out. Breathe through the nose, while engaging a light constriction in the back of your throat as you breathe gently in and out through your nose. The compression and retention of the breath allows you to build internal heat. Continue for 10 to 20 breath cycles and use this breath when practicing vinyasa flow.

Once you finish any practice remember to rest.  

 

Want more? Head over to Move + Fitness for more articles on yoga and moving the body.