Getting Rid of Arm Fat With Yoga

Do you want to put flexibility back into your arms and make them firm and toned? Yoga is the answer! Tone your arms, look leaner and get flexible without owning a lot of fancy equipment.

Chaturanga

According to Women's Health magazine, the chaturanga is a classic yoga arm exercise designed to get rid of that flabby underarm fat that you have no idea how you got in the first place or how to get rid of. Lie flat on the floor, arms at your side. Bend elbows and place hands next to your chest on either side. Push up to a push-up position, then gently lower your body, which should be straight, until your elbows are right next to the sides of your back. Hold this position as long as possible. This move will strengthen the arms and provide stability.

Cobra

The cobra exercise works your arms and abs together for a dynamic duo of a workout. Begin by lying flat on the floor, face down, with your hands on each side of your face. Bend your elbows and push up until your arms are extended. Look towards the ceiling with a curved back and extended neck. Use your arm and lower abs to maintain the pose for 20 seconds. Release slowly and repeat three times.
In addition to strengthening your arm muscles, the cobra pose works your spine to be more flexible and stretches your ab muscles for more movability. Plus, it's a great exercise to perform when your shoulders are sore as well.

Fish

The fish exercise might look funny, but it will stretch your spine and give you a good yoga arm exercise at the same time. Lie flat on your back with your hands tucked flat beneath your bottom. Raise your head and chest and bend your head back until you see objects behind you. Your back should remained curved with arms bent in support of your body. Stick out the chest to hold the pose. Release the pose slowly after several seconds.

Inclined Plane

The inclined plane pose employs the arms to hold the upper body and stabilize the legs. Start by sitting down with your feet stretched out in front of you, hands behind your back supporting your upper body. Lay your head back, lift the hips, and stick out the chest. The head should hand upside-down between the shoulders with arms holding your body.

Bow

The bow stretches the arms, legs, and spine for an all over yoga arm workout. Lie on the ground with your head on the floor. Bend your knees so your feet almost touch your rear. Reach behind you to grab both ankles with your hands. Raise the ankles so only your hips and stomach are touching the floor. Your body should look a little like a rocking chair, with your head facing forward, arms extended behind you, and feet and legs up in the air.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/fitness/articles/75084.aspx#ixzz1MAEZigqD

5 Hip Stretching and Opening Yoga Poses

The hips respond to stress by becoming tense and tight. This can cause painful cramping during sleep as well as soreness that limits daily activities. Yoga provides some great hip opening and stretching exercises that will loosen those tight muscles and destress your whole body.

The Hips and Stress

Emotional and physical tension is greatly felt in the hips. If the hips are not stretched, long-term problems can be the unfortunate result. Yoga is one of the best exercises for reducing tension in the hips. Try the following five poses if your hips are feeling tight and tense. Better sleep and range of motion will be the result from a daily hip stretching routine. Try these moves before bed.

Happy Baby Pose

This is a great hip stretch that you can do from a lying down position. The happy baby pose will stretch the inner groin and back in addition to the hips, and this one has the added advantage of reducing stress and fatigue.

Fire Log Pose

The fire log pose stretches the hip and groin region. This is a fairly easy stretch. It's done from a sitting position. You'll be crossing one leg over the other and bending forward to the point that is comfortable, then holding the pose for at least one minute.

Marichi's Pose

The marichi pose is an easy stretch that will relieve hip and back pain. This is a sitting pose that simply involves lifting one leg and twisting the torso. You should feel an easy stretch in the hip area as well as the entire core.

One-Legged King Pidgeon Pose

The one-legged king pigeon pose is a challenging intermediate level hip opener. You'll also stretch the thighs, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and neck when you perform this pose. Don't forget to adjust this one to your own level, or it can be quite uncomfortable.

Side-Reclining Leg Lift

The side-reclining leg lift is a reclining pose involving a high leg lift that is held for one minute of longer. This pose stretches the thighs and groin as well as opening the hips.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/fitness/articles/27573.aspx#ixzz1M8p1ZQGk