Total Core workout – Bicycle Yoga
Bicycle Yoga for Core
This core workout practice (bicycle yoga) is a conscious practice of breath with slow movement of the body. By extending the leg forward we work the lower belly. When lifting the chest and head up, we work the mid and upper belly. And as we arch the arm across and add a little twist, we work the side muscles of the core. Bicycle yoga is really a wonderful all around core workout that is safe and sustainable.
As you do this core workout, practice keeping the belly moving in towards the back (just a bit). This will help protect the back as well as work more than just your six-pack. Especially important for those that may suffer from hernia.
One thing that makes bicycle yoga a yoga practice is the slow conscious movements with the breath. Use your breath consciously – exhale as you come up, and inhale as you lower down. When placing the hands behind the head, use them as a light support to reduce tension in the neck. Be careful not to pull up with the arms.
You will probably feel a burn in the belly at some point, and that is fine. But keep on going if it is not a sharp pain. You can do this core workout daily and slowly work on increasing the amounts of time you come up, and eventually do three repetitions.
Doron learned this practice from Mark Stephens. A great teacher, if you are ever around Santa Cruz CA, check him out here.
Thanks Yossi and Peta for sharing their home in Israel, where this video was shot. The dog that appears in the video is Loka. She has managed pretty well without doing the bicycle yoga, but you can give this a try and leave a comment below – do you love it?
Practice your bicycle yoga core workout with delight. Enjoy!
Share the Cycle
If you enjoyed this video, let us know! Leave a comment, do you have any other killer core workout ideas? Share this article with 5 friends and challenge yourselves to do it 5 days in a row!
For more yoga videos, check out Doron’s YouTube Channel. For more in-depth studies, retreats and workshops, and Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teacher trainings, come visit us at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center in beautiful Guatemala.
Blissful Living,
Doron
I loved this video! The bicycle yoga is such a nice workout for the core and other parts of the body. What an improvement, when compared to traditional stomach crunches, even when they are done perfectly. Having the legs go down near the floor, adds another great benefit. I enjoyed the later part of the video with the dog around, and your discipline at continuing the accurate and disciplined demonstration. Thank you!
The surroundings looks beautiful and the dog too. You are so flexible – it’s wonderful to see it. I tried to do it but could only several times but I’ll try more some other time. Good for you young man!
[…] Last week I shared with you my early morning routine in India, and a core practice video. […]