Stretch those Hamstrings

Downward Dog

I’ve added this pose to my post-run stretching routine after watching a clip on Yogamazing.

I have never practiced yoga but the Downward Dog looked easy enough to try. It stretches the neck and shoulder zone (where I carry all my tension), calves, lower back and really, really stretches the top of the hamstrings. This pose felt so good.
I’m not able to do it with straight legs (yet – maybe never). But it is still an effective stretch for the hopelessly inflexible.
You can watch Chaz do the full routine – "Yoga for Runners" Check Episode #144
Breathe…
O
Tips for the Hopelessly Inflexible

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Looking for Balance

I caught a few minutes of Martha Stewart yesterday. (I always have the TV on while I’m working in the kitchen.) One of her segments was on Yoga.
Martha and her yoga instructor did few rather quick stretching routines. What amazed me was the agility of her guest! She wasn’t a super thin or muscular woman - but she was incredibly flexible! (Wrapping leg behind head, etc...) All of her poses also displayed a skilled control over balance.
I run, bike, walk and lift weights. But what I really need to do is more exercises that promote balance, coordination and flexibility.
(I already tried Qigong but found it to S L O W = boring.)
Can you do a one-legged squat without falling over?



I’m looking for suggestions. Are there any videos or site material you can recommend? (When I Googled balance exercises, I got a lot of hits with senior workouts - no, no not yet...

Fresh ideas?
New Trends In Exercise
Workout on the swing set with Monkey Bar

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