Healthy Hollywood: Try It On Tuesday – Just Relax & Breathe!

Healthy Hollywood is a huge fan of yoga! It is my “go to” workout to keep fit and unwind.

I recently learned of a festival on Nantucket Island that is the perfect summer getaway for yoga enthusiasts.

For the second year in a row, more than 20 well-known yoga teachers will lead classes outside with an ocean view – plus there’ll be plenty of wellness lectures and healthy eating.

“Designed as a community event, the Nantucket Yoga Festival will bring together world-class yoga instructors, wellness experts and healthy living guides, to give participants a unique and fulfilling experience they are sure to remember for a lifetime, “states festival producer Joann Burnham.

While, the July weekend sounds divine, unfortunately most of us won’t be able to make it to the festivities. So, Joann shared with Healthy Hollywood some cooling postures that’ll bring the festival’s spirit into your own practice. These poses are believed to lessen anxiety and help cool down our bodies in the summer heat.

Easy Seated Position (Sukhasana): Close the eyes and focus the attention inward. Taking a moment of pause is one the most cooling actions we can take. Allow yourself the opportunity to slow down your practice this summer. After 10 full breaths extend your legs out in front of you moving into (see below)

Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana): Sit on a folded blanket with your legs straight in front of you. Bring your right heel close to your seat. Take a slight bend in the left knee Inhale the arms up overhead and exhale reach the heart for the toes. Be mindful to maintain the connection of chest to thighs at all times as this will prevent any low back injury. Remain here for 10 full deep breaths. Inhale the arms overhead and exhale release them. Repeat on the left side.

Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend (Upavistha Konasana): With the seat remaining on the blanket, extend the legs to a comfortable wide leg stretch. Keep the kneecaps facing up and reach through the heels. Inhale the arms up overhead and exhale bend the body forward moving forward from the hip joints. Release the head resting it on a block if necessary and allow the body to surrender in this posture for one full minute.

For more on the festival, visit www.nantucketyogafestival.com.

— Terri MacLeod