This week, I want to share with you a few basic yoga exercises which helped me increase my core strength and flexibility. I am not any kind of yoga expert, but enjoy the simplicity and effectiveness of many yoga moves I have learned in classes in past years. Doing yoga, I find, is also a great way to feel better in your skin after a small time investment! So if you would like to learn about the pose I do most often, read on.

To start, get on your hands and knees. Please make sure that you do this carefully. It might help to inch your way down to your knees by a wall. You may also choose to do this exercise on a bed before getting up or before going to sleep.

So, let’s begin! You are on your hands and knees with your back flat and straight. First, arch your spine curving your back towards the ceiling. Hold this pose for about 10 seconds while taking deep breaths. Release and push your stomach towards the floor, arching your spine the opposite way. Hold the pose for 10 seconds and then release. Alternate several times between the two arching poses slowly while taking deep breaths and relaxing as much as possible.

After you are done with the spine curving exercise, push your bottom back and let it rest on your heals. Use your hands to push yourself into a deep, relaxing stretch. Hold this stretch for a few seconds and repeat if it feels comfortable.

After having completed these exercises, there is only one thing left: congratulate yourself for doing basic yoga! If you enjoyed this kind of movement, repeat it as often as it feels comfortable.