I usually end my physical activities with this “feel-good restorative pose”; be it resistance training, HIIT, or a casual walk.
According to one expert, finishing up with savasana,can be incredibly beneficial no mater which type of exercise/activity you choose.
While it is tempting to rush off the second your workout is complete – whether that’s a spin, HIIT, or a run – taking five extra minutes to lay in the “corpse pose” allows your body to “absorb the full effects” of what you did, helping you get more out of all that time and effort. “Especially in this active, overstimulated world, having a period of forced restto do nothing but focus on your breath is a chance to really let go”, claims Tamsin Astor, PhD.
Experts say doing Savasana post workout gives the body the chance to relieve the built-up physical and mental stress that comes from the amped-up intensity, counteracting the stress hormones that are unleashed when you’re in workout-mode. “ Your body doesn’t differentiate between stress from running from a tiger, having a long day at work, or a run in the park.” says psychologist Carla Manly, PhD. “Exercise puts us in that fight-or-flight state. Those situations trigger the body to flood itself with adrenaline and cortisol.”
Because being in that state makes your body shut down everything but its most important functions, the rest period also allows everything – organs included – to start functioning normally again. So, no matter what your favorite workout is, those minutes spent breathing deeply in a comfortable position with your eyes closed should become an everyday habit, not just a sporadic treat.
How to do savasana
Lie down on your back.
- Separate your legs. Let go of holding your legs straight so that your feet can fall open on both sides.
- Bring your arms alongside your body, but slightly separated from your torso. Turn your palms to face upwards , but don’t try to keep them open. Let your fingers curl in.
- Tuck your shoulder blades onto your back for support.
- Once you set up your limbs, release any effort from holding them in position. Relax your whole body, including your face. Let your body feel heavy.
- Breath naturally. If your mind wonders, you can bring your attention to your breath but try to just notice it, not deepen it.
- Stay in this position for a minimum of 5 minutes. Ten minutes is better. If you are practicing at home, set an alarm so that you are not compelled to keep checking time.
- To come out, first begin to deepen your breath. Then begin to wiggle your fingers and toes, slowly reawakening your body.
- Stretch your arms overhead for a full body stretch from hands to feet.
- Bring your knees into your chest and roll over to one side, keeping your eyes closed. Use the bottom of your arm as a pillow while you rest in a fetal position for a few breaths.
- Using your hands for support, bring yourself back up into a sitting position.
I strongly advise that you give it a try.
That’s it for now; see you all the next time.
