The TOPS groups in my area have been given a challenge this summer ... each week one group member had the responsibility of bringing in and exercise that (1) the group can do together at the beginning of the meeting, (2) is "do-able" by all group members and, (3) can easily be done at home throughout the remainder of the week.
My members have been great about bringing in ideas ranging from yoga stretches to exercises you can do at your desk to relieve stress. I came across this one in my treasure trove of things I have "filed to use at a future date". That's kind of my junk drawer of ideas. I thought it would be perfect for our challenge. It's called "The Breath of Fire" and it is considered an invisible exercise, meaning one can do it without others being aware ... so its perfect for that afternoon tension release or taking advantage of being stuck in a traffic jam during rush hour.
From Molly Fox's Yoga Weight Loss Program
Clear your mind and tone your abs with this yoga move.
Take a slow, deep breath - inhaling and exhaling through your nose - followed by a smaller half breath.
Now pull your lower (transverse) abdominal muscles up and in. They're your deepest abdominal muscles, Fox says, and they help "contain" your organs.
Start pumping little breathes in and out through your nose, focusing on the exhalation. This move strengthens abs and relaxes the normally tense diaphragm muscle.
Try for three rounds of ten breaths several times a day.
It takes a little practice!
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