Ready for a fun way to strengthen and stretch at the same time?
Today, I'm sharing a movement you can practice throughout the week to bring more attention and awareness to your body. We’re combining the stability of a Plié Squat (also known as Goddess Pose in yoga) with the fluidity of a Side Body Stretch.
This combination is perfect for building "functional fire"—it strengthens your foundation while creating space in your ribcage and spine.
How to Practice: Strength Meets Fluidity
Follow these steps to find your flow:
The Foundation: Step your feet out nice and wide. Lift your arches, keep your knees tracking over your toes (keep them open!), and stack your shoulders right over your hips. Lower your hips down into your squat.
The Stretch: While staying low and steady in your legs, reach one arm up and over. Feel that deep, delicious stretch through your entire side body.
The Core Work: As you move from side to side, keep your core engaged. Your legs stay strong and still like a statue, while your upper body moves effortlessly like a tree in the wind.
The Goddess Variation: For an extra challenge, keep your arms open (Goddess arms—bent at 90 degrees). Imagine moving your elbow down toward your knee, squeezing your obliques, and then pulling back to center using your core strength.
Pro-Tip: Use a Chair!
Yoga is for everybody, and there is no "cheating" when you use props!
For Balance: Place a sturdy chair in front of you for support.
For Stamina: If the "fire" in your legs gets too intense, feel free to straighten your legs and rest between side stretches. Always listen to your body’s wisdom!
