Yoga For The Baseball Fan
Opening Week is in the books and baseball is in full swing (pun intended). I find a day at the ballpark magical. It’s so much more than the game itself. It’s the smell of peanuts and popcorn, bright green grass on a perfectly manicured field, sun beaming into the stands, and the enjoyment and excitement of the crowd. Something else I find magical – yoga. Inspired by my love of the game, I designed a few short sequences to try. Be sure to take some pre-game practice swings – maybe a Seated Twist or a few rounds of Cat-Cow will ignite your (team) spirit.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too."
-Yogi Berra
Play The Field
Begin by standing up straight and tall with feet together and arms at your sides with open palms (Mountain Pose).
Inhale and sweep arms up towards the sky keeping them extended, then exhale and gently fold forward letting your body relax.
Inhale, lift your torso halfway up to create an “L” shape and extend spine – hands can rest on shins or anywhere comfortable. Exhale and refold.
Inhale and sweep arms back up and exhale bringing palms together at hearts center.
Inhale and widen feet, exhale drop down between your feet like you are playing catcher. Inhale interlace fingers, reach palms towards the sky, and stand all the way back up.
Exhale and side bend to the right, inhale back through center, exhale and side bend to the left. Inhale back through center, release your fingers, and exhale bringing palms together at hearts center.
Repeat three to five times.
All-star Option: Have some fun and move your hands into catcher position.
Step Up To The Plate
Begin on hands and knees in a “tabletop” position.
Exhale, tuck toes, hinge at your hips, and come into an upside-down “V” shape (Down Dog).
Inhale and lift your right leg high, exhale to step it between your hands. Spinning your back heel flat, inhale to rise and reach arms up toward the sky (Warrior 1).
Exhale palms together at hearts center – strong and ready for the pitch. Swing for the fences by hooking left elbow over right knee into a twist (Revolved Side Angle).
Inhale to unwind, exhale stretching your right arm out in front and left arm behind, gazing over your front fingertips (Warrior 2).
Exhale, cartwheel your hands to the ground and step back to a high plank. Lower halfway or all the way down and inhale lifting chin and chest (Up Dog or Cobra Pose). Exhale into Down Dog.
Repeat the same pattern on the left – Down Dog, Warrior 1, Revolved Side Angle, Warrior 2, Up Dog or Cobra, Down Dog
After flowing through both sides, repeat three to five times.
All-star Option: Hold your high plank for a few breaths before lowering down.
Round The Bases
Begin by standing up straight and tall with feet together and arms at your sides with open palms (Mountain Pose).
Inhale and sweep arms up towards the sky, keeping them extended or bringing palms together at hearts center, exhale and bend your knees (Chair Pose). Hold this position for 5 to 10 full breaths.
Time to round the bases – step your right foot back, turning open to the right with feet wide and knees bent. Inhale arms to a cactus position (Goddess Squat). Hold this position for 5 to 10 full breaths.
Exhale to gently fold forward. Inhale back up and step your left foot to meet right, turning 90 degrees to the right to land in another Chair Pose. Hold for 5 to 10 full breaths.
Step your right foot back, turning open to the right with feet wide and knees bent. Inhale arms to a cactus position for another Goddess Squat. Hold for 5 to 10 full breaths.
Exhale to gently fold forward. Inhale back up and step your left foot to meet right, turn 90 degrees landing back where you started in a final Chair Pose. Hold for 5 to 10 full breaths.
Exhale, fold forward to release. Inhale, lift your torso halfway up to create an “L” shape and extend spine – hands can rest on shins or anywhere comfortable. Exhale and refold. Inhale and sweep arms back up, then exhale bringing palms together at hearts center.
Way to knock it out of the park!
All-star Option: Challenge your balance by lifting your heels in Chair Pose.
After completing one or all of the sequences, be sure to take a breather. Enjoy some time on the bench with Caterpillar or Dragonfly – maybe you even need a little Savasana.
Everyone is a winner in this yogi ballgame…Namaste.
