Find your zen with hot tub yoga

Namaste.

There’s nothing quite like yoga class for helping you find inner peace. First you pack your gym bag, then you drive to the gym and change in the locker room, and finally you try to nail your poses in a room full of other people who all seem better at it than you.

Hmm. Maybe not so zen-like after all.

But that’s OK. There’s a new trend you might really like, that combines two of your favorite things – yoga, and your hot tub!

Many yoga poses (OK, probably not the downward facing dog) can be easily done in your hot tub. Not only will you get the benefits of yoga – you’ll get the benefits of the warm, soothing water of your hot tub, too.

The natural buoyancy eases the strain on your joints, and the warmth from the water will relax your muscles. Plus, you get to skip the yoga pants, the drive to the gym and the audience – and as soon as your workout is done, you can relax and enjoy a soothing hydrotherapy massage. Can’t do that at the gym!

Sound good? Try these poses to get started:

The Half-Boat

Take a seat, keeping your legs half-bent and lift them so they’re parallel to your hips. Hold the pose, and then slowly lower your legs to the starting position.

The Diver’s Pose

Similar to the half-boat. Extend your feet out, and touch your toes with your fingers. Hold the position, then relax.

Tree

Stand with your feet together. Place your right foot on your inner left upper thigh. Place your hands in a prayer position. Hold the pose, then switch sides.

The Breakwater

Stand up straight, and simply twist from side to side.

Experiment with other yoga poses that you’re comfortable with, and that the space in your hot tub will allow. And, as always, talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise program.

Now, say: “Om …”