Shelly Wickwire Shares Fat-Blasting Yoga Poses

PHILADELPHIA, PA, January 22, 2013 (Press-News.org) Yoga is gradually overcoming its reputation as a slow activity for people who wish to stretch to an aerobic exercise that gives bodies a lean and strong appearance. Popular women's fitness magazine Shape recently shared some top yoga poses designed to burn calories. Educator and yoga enthusiast Shelly Wickwire took note of the recommendations.

Poses as simple as a squat or a low lunge can rapidly build strength when they are held for long durations of time. To increase the intensity of a squat, the article explains one should rise to the balls of the feet while keeping the legs and the toes close together. Add a balance exercise by bringing each hand together at the center of the chest as if in prayer.

The article also suggests lunging one leg to a 90 degree angle while keeping the opposite leg pressed back on tip toes builds strength and balance. While in this position, dip the knee of the back leg and raise the arms high overhead. Then raise the back leg and twist the arms so they face opposite sides of the room.

Shelly Wickwire is dedicated to her personal yoga practice. She agreed the poses identified by the article can have a profound effect on the body. In a statement about the benefits of yoga, she commented: "After I began practicing yoga, I noticed a definite difference in my body. Not only did my flexibility increase, but I also felt stronger. Yoga has definitely helped my performance in other sports as well."

The article suggests a number of yoga positions that use the weight of the body to build strength. One of those poses is known as plank. In this position, one hovers over the mat on hands and toes. Shoulders are stacked over wrists and the body is held in a straight line.

As this pose becomes less challenging, one can begin to incorporate variations. For instance, the article recommends lifting the opposite leg and arm while in plank. Five to 10 repetitions on each side will soon build strength. As individuals master this pose, they can increase repetitions for an ongoing challenge.

ABOUT:

Shelly Wickwire is a lifelong teacher and administrator who enjoys practicing yoga and traveling the globe in her spare time. She has focused her professional efforts on establishing the Garden Variety International Academy focused on international studies. Ms. Wickwire visited a number of countries in Latin America while studying for her doctorate degree. Through this experience, she developed the belief that a well-rounded education complete with international studies better prepares students to solve the problems faced by an increasingly global society.