# 69 - It’s About Feeling Good

Unlike other measured workouts, where we count the number of reps or miles run, at the end of our yoga practice, we talk about how good we feel, not how many postures we have practiced today. The longer the holding times, the more delicious the stretch, greater the endorphin release, and higher the rush. Especially as we age, there really is no comparison for the steadying effect that a dizzying yoga practice brings to our daily life. So don’t just move – experience the simple joys of safe release; s.t.r.e.t.c.h.

# 68 - Daily Yogic Schedule

A typical day begins with six supine stretches, cold eyewash with eyelids open, three OMs of varying combos under a cold shower, and one uddiyana bandha routine that I attempt to hold for 30 seconds. Formal practice includes three rounds of sun salutation, basic breath control (lower abdomen/ chest/ throat) to revive and rejuvenate the insides, and a flowing circuit of simple stretches that consistently target major muscles, glands, and organs. At the end of it all, I treat myself to the queen of all yoga postures – the ubiquitous shoulder stand, holding times for which fluctuate between 2 and 20 minutes.

# 67 - Yoga Stretches for Gym Moves

Compacting of major muscles at the gym are typically followed by simple counter stretches, so that the body experiences a sense of balance at the end of a workout. There are simple stretches for various gym moves - ab crunch vs hasta uttana (standing)/ bhujanga (prone); leg curl (double) vs pada hasta/ paschimothana/ bala gopala; dumb bells vs trikona; low back extension vs kati chakra (standing)/ hala (supine); leg curl (single) vs uthita pada (standing)/ janu sirsa (seated); abductor crunch vs garuda; latt pull (upper body) vs parsva kona namaskara; leg extension (double) vs supta vajra; tricep press down vs gomukha; leg extension (double) vs kapota; wide squat vs baddha kona; chest press vs matsya; dead lift vs supta parivritta.