SNOWGA! And why you should do it...

I live in a little mountain town in Canada- and so skiing and snowboarding are naturally two of the most popular sports. In fact, they're actually considering more of a lifestyle here in Golden, BC than just a sport. As we approach the winter months, it's important to make sure you stretch a lot. My practice changes pretty dramatically in the wintertime as the coldness tenses my muscles and snowboarding stiffens my joints. But I still practice every day! 

Yoga is a perfect match for skiers and snowboarders for so many reasons! It helps to prevent injuries, increases your flexibility, improves your circulation, gives you a greater range of motion, stabilizes your joints, improves concentration, relaxes the body and mind.... I could go on forever, but I'll stop there. Try a few of these poses after a day on the slopes to feel great and stay healthy and strong!

Adho Mukha Svanasana | Downward Facing Dog

Downward dog stretches the hamstrings, calves, shoulders and back. It boosts the immune system, relaxes the mind, and calms anxiety. It's great for skiers and snowboarders because it stretches the primary muscles used in the downhill sports.

Virabhadrasana 1 | Warrior 1

Warrior 1 strengthens the hips, knees, and thighs. It stretches the thighs and the hip flexors. This pose is great for building the strength you need for skiing and snowboarding and is also a perfect counter pose for all the carving you do.

Balance Poses | Vrksasana | Tree Pose

Any type! This image is of Tree Pose, but simply standing on one foot helps to strengthen and stabilize your ankles which is so important to help prevent injuries. 

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana | Upward Facing Dog

Heart, chest, and shoulder openers are perfect and quite necessary after a day on the slopes. Skiers and snowboarders tend to hunch over so it feels super good to open up the shoulders.

Baddha Konasana

Releases tension in the inner thighs, hips, and lower back. A great stretch apres-ski pose. Improved flexibility helps to prevent injuries and also improve circulation in the body.

Marichyasana 3 | Marichi's Pose

A great twist! This pose strengthens your spine and back; helping to prevent injuries. It also stretches the sides of the body which gives you a better range of motion. It can be beneficial to spins, tricks, or just simple turns.

Viparita Karani | Legs Up The Wall Pose

This is hands down my favourite pose to practice after any physical activity- I also believe it's the most important one too! A very rejuvenating pose; it releases tension from the legs. Activating the parasympathetic nervous system, it relaxes the whole body and mind. It brings more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the brain which helps improve your concentration, cognition, and retention power.