Did you forget to work out today?

Don’t be embarrassed. I did too. With all the things we do as moms each day, the first thing that gets pushed to the backburner when things get hectic is usually our own fitness.

So what should we do now? The day is pretty much over and I’m in no mood to hit the gym after dinner!

YOGA! Ah yes, my old friend Yoga. Yoga is there for us when we’re tired, sick or lazy. Yoga is great for toning and strengthening the body while being gentle enough to keep us happy.

We checked out Fitness Magazine and found a few cozy ways to get a bit of movement in, without getting too sweaty – from the awesome book Yoga In Bed: 20 Asanas to do in Pajamas!

Upside-Down Relaxation

Minutes:0:00-2:00

• Sit facing a wall (or your headboard) with your butt about 6 inches away from it.
• Lie back and extend your legs up the wall.
• If this is too intense a stretch for your hamstrings, slide your butt farther away from the wall.
• If it’s not enough, scoot closer.
• Sit cross-legged on the bed and exhale as you place your right hand on your left knee and left hand on the bed behind your tailbone.
• Gently twist your torso to the left.
• Allow your gaze to follow, looking over your left shoulder. Breathe deeply, then return to center and repeat on opposite side.
•  Let your arms rest by your sides, palms facing up, and breathe gently, feeling the stretch in the backs of your legs.

 

Winding Down Twist

Minutes: 2:00-3:00

• Sit cross-legged on the bed and exhale as you place your right hand on your left knee and left hand on the bed behind your tailbone.
• Gently twist your torso to the left.
• Allow your gaze to follow, looking over your left shoulder. Breathe deeply, then return to center and repeat on opposite side.

Nighttime Goddess Stretch

Minutes: 3:00-5:00

• Lie on your back with knees bent.
• Place the soles of your feet together, then let your knees fall open, forming a diamond shape with your legs.
• Rest your arms on the bed.
• If you feel any strain, elevate your legs by placing a pillow underneath each knee.

 

Child’s Pose

Minutes: 5:00-7:00

• Sit up comfortably on your heels.
• Roll your torso forward, bringing your forehead to rest on the bed in front of you.
• Lower your chest as close to your knees as you comfortably can, extending your arms in front of you.
• Hold the pose and breathe.

 

Rock-a-Bye Roll

Minutes: 7:00-8:00

• Lying on your back, hug knees in to chest.
• Cross your ankles and wrap both arms around your shins with clasped hands.
• Inhale and rock your body up to sit; exhale as you roll back.
• Continue for 1 minute, then roll back, extend arms and legs, and drift off to sleep.

Now wasn’t that lovely? Chances are, if you weren’t ready for bed already – you are now!

GOOD NIGHT!