You might not know just how good yoga is for your mind and body while you’re at school or uni. At a time when you may well find going to the gym a bit pricey, it’s good to know there’s something healthy out there you can do for basically nothing!
So we’ve said before that it’s impossible to deny uni is a stressful time in your life (as well as probably the greatest!). And that goes for the final years of school too. We know it’s often anxiety-provoking – that feeling of not quite knowing where you’re going to be over the next 3 years and dealing with exam stress on top. Well a great way of dealing with some of that unwanted anxiety or stress is through yoga, which not only keeps you fit and healthy, but releases serotonin which makes you feel good.
Quick to do and without the hefty cost of some gym memberships, we reckon yoga’s the perfect student work out. So here are 4 yoga poses that can make you feel great in less than 10 minutes:
Dolphin
- Start off in a straight arm plank with your wrist underneath your shoulders, keep your legs and back straight.
- Point your tail bone to the ceiling. Keep your shoulders away from your ears and relax your head.
- Press your chest towards your thighs. Spread your hands wide and keep your core tight.
- Hold for at least 5 deep breaths.
Warrior 2
- First, stand with your feet apart. Turn the right toes out and left toes in. Bend your right knee so it’s parallel with the ground, while keeping your left knee straight.
- Extend both arms out and look past your right finger tips. Hold your core in tight and keep your legs low.
- Hold for 5 deep breaths on each side.
Triangle
- Stand with your feet just wider than hip-width, turn the left toes out and right toes in, keep both legs straight. Bend your torso as far to the right as you can, but keep your spine long.
- Place your right hand over the knee and extend your left arm upward. Spin your right hip forward and your left hip backward.
- Breathe deeply for 10 counts.
Camel
- Start in a kneeling position with your hips over and lined up with your knees. Support your weight by the shins and the tops of the feet.
- Hold the soles of your feet and with your tail bone reaching down, draw your elbows together.
- Raise your chest to the ceiling, release your hands to your ankles and arch your spine
- Hold this position for 5 deep breaths in and out.
Sport and Recreation Centre
On Coventry University campus, the Sport and Recreation Centre offers a wide variety of exercise that is fitted to every person. Coincidently they have a yoga class that improves joint flexibility, tones and shapes and enhances mental wellbeing!!
