Hands up, who wants toned legs? Everybody, right? Chair pose, although it sounds lazy, is anything but — and it is one of the best leg-toning poses going around! It also stimulates the abdominal organs and strengthens the core. If you’re familiar with our Hot 26 sequence, you will know that chair pose is where the heart rate lifts quite dramatically, providing a spike in your workout! Ps: Once again, our pose photos were invaded by Heidi, but as you will see, she is also working on her chair pose…
Benefits:
Strengthens and tones the leg muscles
Builds the glute muscles
Strengths the hip, ankle and knee joins
Works the core
Stimulates the abdominal organs and digestive system
Improves heart function
Increases lung capacity
Common mistakes
Incorrect feet placement
Curving through the spine
Lifting the heels from the ground
Instructions:
Standing up straight, engage the core and place the feet shoulder-width apart.
Stretch the arms forward, hands either level with the shoulder or reaching upwards.
Squat down as low as possible without lifting the heels from the mat.
Keep the back straight. The torso may tilt a forward slightly, as long as the back is straight, but aim to remain as upright as possible with the upper body. Tuck the pelvis in.
Hold the pose for 5 slow breaths, working up to longer hold times each practice.
To release, straighten the legs slowly and with control, engaging through the core. Release the arms.
