Improve heart health with this yoga pose

This pose improves the blood circulation to your heart which in turn boosts your cardiovascular health.

Supta baddha konasana or the reclined bound angle pose is excellent to improve your blood circulation while also improving the functioning of your heart. Apart from this, this asana helps stimulate your abdominal organs like the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland and ovaries. The pose provides a good stretch to the inner thighs, knees and groin while toning them. Additionally, it also helps relieve the symptoms of mild depression and stress.

Steps to do the pose:

• Sit on a yoga mat and stretch your legs out in front of you. While you sit, make sure you keep your spine erect.
• Now bend both your legs at the knees. The soles of your feet should face each other. Pull your legs in - to make the heels touch each other.
• From this position, lean backward and bring your elbows to the floor.
• Lower your back to the floor and hold this position for a few minutes.
• To get out of the pose, roll over to your right side and sit up slowly. You can also use your hands as a support to get up.

Tips:

• If you find it difficult to lower your back, you can place a blanket as a support below your back.
• Another way to deal with a strain in the lower back and thighs is to place your feet slightly above the floor.

A word of caution: Avoid this pose if you have a groin or knee injury.

Image source: Getty Images

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