Rejuvenate muscles with yoga’s downward facing dog pose

This classic yoga pose, downward facing dog, increases the blood supply to the brain and stretches the muscles in the legs, torso and arms. If the backs of your legs are tight, bend your knees so you can lift your hips and lengthen your spine.

-- Karen Voight

Step 1: Lie face-down on a mat, placing your hands next to your chest with your fingers pointing forward. Bend your knees, raise your hips and come onto your hands and knees. Curl your toes under, press into your hands and raise your buttocks into the air, moving your thighs up and back. Continue to lift up with the front of your legs as you lower your heels to the ground. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute, breathing evenly. To release, return to all fours and sit back on your heels.

Step 2: For a variation on the standard pose, rest your head on a yoga block. It feels good -- and helps calm and soothe your mind.

Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.