Sneak This 12-Pose Sequence Into a 30-Minute Window

Claire’s sequence is featured in this month’s Yoga Journal. Photo courtesy of Chris Dougherty, text courtesy of Yoga Journal.

You’re pressed for time. This quickie practice will help strengthen, stretch, and set yourself up for a great rest of your day.

Whether you’re a busy professional juggling a too-long to-do list, a mom who regularly plows through your days without a break, or both (like me!), it’s probably tough to find time to make it to a yoga class, the gym, or even out for a simple walk around the block. And, as you know, exercise is so helpful when it comes to feeling more grounded, stronger, happier, and better equipped to deal with all of life’s ups and downs.

Enter this simple, 12-pose sequence, which I designed to fit into any 30-minute window. If your child is at an age where he or she is still napping, this practice can help you get just what you need while your little one is asleep. Planning on eating lunch at your desk while you work? Find an empty conference room at the office and for the first half of your lunch hour, run through this sequence. These postures will help you open your chest and shoulders, strengthen your back, arms, and core muscles, and move with your breath, giving you an all-over physical and mental reset.