These yoga poses will warm your body from the inside out to help you prepare for the cold weather ahead. Trust me, these movements will make you feel like you’re wrapped up nice and tight in the warmest, coziest blanket ever.
Breath Of Fire (Kapalabahti)
Start your yoga practice with the breath of fire, which is a warming form of pranayama (or breathing technique).
Kapalabahti breathing stimulates the solar plexus, which lights up your internal flame and releases natural energy from your head to your toes.
Breathe rhythmically, and pull your naval toward your spine while practicing a breath of fire. Don’t worry if it feels weird at first; once you practice it a few times, you’ll get the hang of it, and it’ll feel amazing.
Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
For many, winter is about turning inward. Just look at all the animals around us in nature, hibernating and taking a breather from life.
Forward folds are introspective, calming, soothing, and grounding, all while warming your body from the gentle hug you’re giving yourself.
Be gentle at the beginning of your practice if your hamstrings aren’t warmed up. You can take a generous bend in your knees to help you fall into the pose, and rest your upper body on your thighs, like a comforting shelf.
High Lunge (Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana)
High lunge lengthens and warms up the hip flexors, while also creating heart space and vibrant energy throughout the body.
If you’re feeling extra chilly, you can begin to pulse your back leg to cultivate extra warmth. You’ll get in some booty building and work up a sweat.
Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)
In warrior III, combining focus, balance, and strength will be sure to warm you up in the best way possible.
Find a focal point to set your gaze upon, and keep your breath steady and even. Then focus on flexing your back foot and really grounding and strengthening throughout the legs and thighs.
Peace out heater, see you never.
Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
The Eagle pose will be the peak of your warming sequence because it requires tons of focus and endurance.
Garudasana flushes out your body’s circulatory system, meaning that the pose uses your own hardworking heart rate to move blood throughout your body after you release the bind.
This fresh flow of blood and all the muscular power required in this asana will keep you even warmer than your favorite cable-knit sweater.
Crow Pose (Bakansa)
Crow pose is an arm balance that is, quite honestly, challenging as hell. Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll be hooked on this bad boy.
The incredible core strength required to find the optimal point of balance will literally make you drip with sweat. Attractive, I know. But hey, at least you won’t be shivering, amirite?
Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Wind down from your heated sequence with a seated spinal twist.
This yoga asana stimulates both the middle and lower parts of your body, detoxifying, soothing, and warming your entire being all at once.
As you inhale, lengthen your spine and grow taller. As you exhale, twist a bit deeper into the pose.
Your body will be so warm & cozy.