Another sure sign of aging is an aching lower back. We spend so much time sitting and holding the back in a straight position that it never gets to twist and move. To strengthen the back muscles we need to stretch them. Using the weight of our body we can stretch the lower back muscles and thus relieve pain.
Exercise #3
Lie supine (on your back) on a mat and hug your knees to your chest. Bring your arms up shoulder height, palms of the hands facing up. Keep the shoulders on the mat and the face looking up towards the ceiling. Now close your eyes and, from the lower back, drop the knees to the left side. Hold and take a few deep breathes. Pull the knees back to your chest and repeat on the right side.
More: Pose of the Month: Straddle Forward Bend Twist
Exercise #4
Pull the knees back to your chest and then take in a deep breath; release the breath letting the body stretch out onto the mat in a relaxed position. Bring your arms to your side and take in a deep breath and smile.
Yes, smile! Nothing makes a person look and feel younger than a warm smile. The muscles we use to smile are some of the most underused muscles in the body. A smile makes the eyes appear brighter and the chin stronger. It lifts the face and leaves a glow of energy that holds a spark of mischief, which as everyone knows, is part of the essence of youth.
The new buzz is to mature with a positive attitude, stay active, and focus on being pro-aging. By taking five minutes out of your day to do some simple exercises, like the ones above, you might just discover the fountain of youth.
More: Why Savasana Is Important to Your Yoga Practice
Focus on active aging in a yoga class.
- 2
- of
- 2
About the Author
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article