Twist, but remember to breathe deeply

Add a twist to basic yoga poses such as this low and high lunge, but don’t forget to breathe. It’s very important that you only bring the twist to the point at which you can continue to take deep, even breaths. A common mistake is to over-rotate and end up holding your breath or taking quick, shallow breaths just to stay in the position.

-- Karen Voight

1 Starting with your feet together, bend forward at your hips and place your fingertips on the floor in front of your toes. Take a big step backward with your left foot and place your left knee on the floor (put a towel or mat beneath your knee for cushioning). Lower your hips as far to the floor as you can. Next, place your hands on your thighs and lift your chest away from your front thigh. Begin to rotate your upper spine to the right, moving your left upper arm across your right thigh. Press the palm of your right hand against the fist of your left hand. Look beyond your right elbow. Be sure to slide your shoulder blades down, lift your chest and breathe comfortably for three to six breaths.

2 Continue to lengthen your spine while twisting your torso to the right. Curl your left toes under and slowly straighten your left knee. Hold this position while you focus on taking three more full breaths. To release, lower your left knee to the floor and return your torso to the center. Switch legs and practice on the other side.

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