Summer has arrived in Chicago! All things nature are in full swing of growth and the heat of summer has started blessing us.  Frankly, it’s my favorite time of the year! For most the agendas at work start to slow down, schools are out of session and people begin to take vacations. It’s truly the perfect time to allow yourself time to pull back from the consistent go-go-go and take in nature’s beauty.

Take your fitness or yoga classes outside!

Which can also means taking your prenatal yoga/fitness or postpartum yoga/fitness practice on the road or outdoors! One perk of COVID-19 evolution of Zoom classes! 

I find in the warmer months my yoga practice not only gets outside more, it changes as I find myself outside more doing outdoor activities (walking, biking, swimming, and gardening) and due to the summer heat, I find a vigorous practice/exercise is not what I need as it tends to exhaust me rather than my intent to feel nourished after my exercise, especially if you’re trying to conceive, prenatal, early postpartum.

Limited on time and/or energy?

So if I’m limited on time or energy due to other summer activities my go-to pose is Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).

Down Dog on the Wall

I chose this pose because it’s a one stop shop: it stretches my shoulders, hamstrings, calves, feet and hands. It strengthens my arms, legs, wrists, belly and muscles along my spine. It energizes my body, mind and often my digestion if it’s stagnant. Safe for prenatal and postnatal women typically. 

Feel like you're overheating? Use your breath to help!

Lastly, when your body temperature is up from the summer heat or maybe your flushed with anxiety or anger and need some settling in your body and mind. Try out Sitali Breath (cooling breath) below.

 How to practice Sitali:

• Start seated comfortably with a head, neck and spine in alignment;
• Close your eyes and take a few natural breaths in and out of the nose;
• Make an “O” space with your mouth;
• If you can curl the tongue into itself and stick it out of the mouth (no worries if you cannot, not everyone is able);
• Inhale deeply like drinking through a straw (bring in the cooler air through the tongue as your belly, ribs and chest fill up);
• Exhale completely through the nose, closing the mouth.
• You can practice this for 2-3 minutes. Come back to the natural breath and try again if needed.

I hope you’re enjoying your summer so far! Check out our on-demand and private fitness, yoga, & health coaching options.

Be well,
Diana