The weather outside is frightful.... Why not have a little indoor winter-inspired fun with Winter Yoga?! These poses are great for the entire family, so find a comfortable carpeted floor, yoga mat, or beach towel and find a location with space to move.
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Blow on an Imaginary Cup of Hot Chocolate
Begin seated on the floor in a cross-legged or other comfortable position. Hold an imaginary cup of hot chocolate in front of you, just under your chin. Take a big breath in through your nose, hold it for just a moment, and then blow it out through your mouth. As you blow out through your mouth, pretend that you are blowing on your hot chocolate to cool it down. Repeat as many times as you would like. As a fun challenge, see how slowly you can blow out on your last cycle.
Spread Your Arms and Legs Far to Make a Snowflake (Five-Pointed Star)
Stand up and spread your legs out as far apart as you can while still standing comfortably. Reach your arms out to the side, reaching all the way through your fingers. Stand tall and strong, or flow from side to side as you imagine floating down to Earth on a wintery day.
Pretend to go Sledding (Boat Pose)
Begin sitting on your bottom with your feet on the ground and your knees towards the sky. Reach your arms behind you and place them on the floor as you lean backwards, just a bit. Lift one foot at at time, up to a table-top position. Then lift one arm at a time, reaching towards your toes. Fun extra: Sing Jiggle Bells!
Stand Tall Like an Evergreen Tree (Tree Pose)
Begin in Mountain Pose. Stand with your feet under you hips, just a few inches apart. Arms come to the side as you stand tall and strong. Begin to shift your weight into one foot as you spread your toes for balance. Pick up your foot and point your toe as you place your foot on your ankle, calf, or thigh. Point your knee to the side as you stretch your arms overhead to create branches. Next, try on the other side! Fun Challenge: Close your eyes and try to maintain your balance!
Snowboard Down a Mountain (Warrior II Pose)
Spread your legs out as wide as you can, while still maintaining a comfortable standing position. Pick the toes up on the left foot and rotate them out to the side 90 degrees. Lift your arms to a T and bend your left leg, so that your knee is over your ankle. Keep your right leg straight. Then try again on the other side! Pretend that you are snowboarding down a mountain in your imagination.
