Bridge Pose Of Yoga Essay

Yoga is perfect for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Many athletes include yoga in their training programs, and you can too. Yoga increases core strength, it improves flexibility, it maximizes focus, and it aids in muscle repair. Include six yoga moves in your swimming routine for optimal performance.

1. Bridge Pose
The bridge pose is a yummy pose. It is one of the best backbends in Yoga. You can use the bridge pose to warm you up prior to a swim and to cool you down after your time in the pool. To do the bridge pose:
• Lie flat on the floor or mat.
• Bend you knees and plant your feet on the floor.
• Extend your arms along your body on the floor. Press your palms to the floor.
• Lift your hips toward the ceiling as you press your feet

For this move, you are going to only bend half of your body. To do the half dhanurasana:
• Lie on your belly on the floor or a mat with your legs stretched out behind you.
• Bend your right leg.
• With your right hand, grab your right foot, holding on to the ankle.
• Reach your left hand out in front of you and lift your left leg off the floor. You should not be balancing on your thighs or your chest. You should be on your stomach.
• Bend your body so that your chest is open, your back bows, and your left foot points out.
• Hold this move for about 20 seconds before continuing to the other leg.
Benefit: Dhanurasana opens the chest and improves core strength. The pose also lengthens the back and aids in relieving fatigue.

6. Foot stretch
One final move to consider, that many do not, is the foot stretch. You need strong and flexible feet to power you through the water and improve your kick. To do the foot stretch:
• Squat down so that you are resting on the balls of your feet. The back of your thighs should be touching the backs of your lower legs. You will feel the stretch in the arches of your feet.
• Stabilize your body with your fingertips on the side of your legs.
• Slowly move your heels up and down. Do this a couple