PHOTOS: JAY SULLIVAN. HAIR: LAURA NAKAMOTO. MAKEUP: STEFANIE SYAT. GAP BODY TANK TOPS AND SPORTS BRA. COUTURE ACTIVEWEAR BY JA N IS SAFFELL PANTS.

BETTERHEALTH

Snooze

control

Just before bedtime,

try these 5 calming

poses from our sister

magazine

Fitness.

Kay Kay Clivio, an

instructor at Pure

Yoga in New York

City, says sweet

dreams will follow.

1

S L E E P IN G S W A N

Targets neck, shoulders, back, hips, legs

• Sit on floor with pillow in front of you. Bend left knee,

bringing sole of left foot to right inner thigh. Lift butt and

extend right leg behind you.

• Staying centered, gently hinge forward from hips, placing

head on pillow. Extend arms forward, elbows

•

Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Roll back

up. Switch legs; repeat.

WHAT YOU’ LL NEED: A PILLOW

TIP: WITH EACH POSE, BREATHE IN AND

OUT THROUGH YOUR NOSE TO SOOTHE

THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

2

H A P P Y B A B Y

Targets back,

hips, hamstrings

• Lie faceup. Bend knees into

chest and grab inside edges of

feet with hands, palms out.

• Bring knees out to sides,

then lower toward

armpits, keeping

heels above knees,

feet flexed.

• Hold for 8 to 10

breaths, gently

rocking from side to side.

3

B R ID G E

Targets hips, legs

• Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat on floor,

arms extended by sides, palms up.

• Keeping shoulders down, engage abs and press into

heels to lift hips and back to form a diagonal line from

shoulders to knees.

• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths; lower.

4

S E A T E D S ID E B E N D

Targets neck, shoulders,

back, obliques

• Sit on pillow in a cross-legged

position. Place left hand on floor to

side of hip, left elbow slightly bent.

Extend right arm by ear.

• Lean to left, keeping butt on

floor, shoulders down.

• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths.

Switch sides; repeat.

R A G D O L L

Targets neck, shoulders, back, hips

• Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.

Place right hand on left elbow, left hand on right elbow.

• Bend over from hips, letting arms and head hang down.

• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Gently roll back up. ■

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS | DECEMBER 2010 | BHG.COM

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