It’s actually way easier than you think to jumpstart your metabolism, stay energized and maintain a healthy weight! Trust me, I would know– I was feeling so sluggish and unmotivated at the beginning of the year, but then I discovered The Asana Rebel app. Asana Rebel is a Yoga app that has a variety of poses that can help you kick your metabolism into high gear. Here are three of my favorite poses I’ve learned from the app and now do every single day!
1. Namaskar Parsvakonasana or Prayer Twist
To do the Prayer Twist, first begin in mountain pose with your feet touching each other and your arms by your side. Then, squat down into chair pose. Keep your pelvic muscles neutral, and your inner thighs contracting. Then, bring your palms together in the prayer position in front of your chest. Inhale, lengthen your spine, exhale, then lean forward and twist your upper body to the right, bringing your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Hold, breathe, keep your core engaged, and then repeat on the other side.
The cool thing about your metabolism is that once you get it going, it works at optimal speed for the rest of the day! That’s why poses like Prayer Twist are so important– it aligns the spine and invigorates and energizes the body, utilizing several muscles in your body all at once. It also engages the endocrine and abdominal organs, boosting your metabolism.
2. Chakrasana or Wheel Pose
For the Wheel Pose, you must begin by lying on your back, bending your knees with the soles of your feet close to your buttocks– you should be able to just graze your heels with your fingertips. Your feet should be parallel and shoulder distance apart. Then, bend your elbows and bring your palms to frame your head right beneath your shoulders with your fingertips pointing toward your feet. Inhale, press into the floor with your palms and feet to lift your hips and shoulders off the ground. Then, extend into a backbend by bringing the top of your head to the mat with your elbows parallel, and straighten your arms, reaching your chest toward the wall behind you.
Wheel Pose is super amazing for opening your lungs and your anterior spine, which helps to increase oxygen intake and increases your ability to burn fat and calories. Additionally, this pose works to increase posture, spinal mobility, and strengthens your arms and shoulders.
3. Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Dog
This pose is a classic, but for good reason! To do this pose, you first want to get on all fours with your hands about 3 inches in front of your shoulders, shoulder width apart. Then, make your hands parallel to the top of the mat and root down through your palms. Press down firmly with your fingertips and pull your forearms toward your feet, while spinning your biceps forward. Inhale, tuck your toes under, then exhale and straighten your legs slowly, pressing your hips back and up.
The Downward Dog pose is great for toning your arms, shoulders, and legs. It also will lengthen your hamstrings and stretch your calves. This inversion stimulates blood flow, improves posture, and boosts metabolism. Additionally, this pose should be calming and relaxing.
All of these poses are explained thoroughly by expert teachers who guide you on the Asana Rebel app!
Overall, I’ve discovered that Yoga is such an incredible way to improve your overall wellness and burn some calories, and the Asana Rebel app has made working yoga into my lifestyle so simple. Being guided through these poses by expert teachers is truly priceless. Having a high-quality yoga studio right at my fingertips is convenient, motivating, and I feel much more toned and have way more energy now that I consistently use Asana Rebel.