There's a reason yoga has been around for over 5,000 years -- it is fantastic exercise for the body and the mind! You don't need to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel because anyone and everyone can do yoga. Best of all, the only equipment you need is a mat if you'll be doing yoga on a hard surface. Put on some comfy clothes and try these simple poses to stretch out those muscles and calm your mind.


Cat-Cow Pose
Think of these as the yoga version of crunches. Start on your hands and knees with knees hip-width apart and hands shoulder-width apart. As you exhale, round your back (like an angry cat) pulling your belly button inwards and tilt your head down. Inhale while letting your stomach sink down towards the ground and raising your head up towards the ceiling. Do 5 to 10 of these.



Cobra Pose
Lie your body down on the floor. Place your hands under your shoulders and hug your elbows into your body. As you inhale, straighten your arms and lift your chest off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds.



Downward Dog Pose
Keep your hands where they are from Cobra Pose, spreading your palms out and creep on to the ball of your feet. Exhale as you lift your knees off the floor and point your butt as high as you can towards the ceiling. Try to keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. You should feel a stretch down the back of your calves and thighs. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.



Tree Pose
Stand up. Shift your weight onto the left foot. Bend your right knee and bring the right foot up as high as you possibly can against your left inner thigh. Look at a fixed point in front of you to keep your balance. Press your palms together around chest level and breathe deeply for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.



Child's Pose
End your yoga session with this great stretch. Kneel on the ground with your big toes touching together and your knees about hip-width apart. Exhale as you lower your upper body and forehead down to the ground. Stretch your arms straight out in front of you with your palms facing down. Close your eyes and take deep breaths in and out until you feel well relaxed.