Beach Yoga For The Family

Next time you're on an outdoor adventure, don't just lay around, remember these 10 fun Yoga exercises. It's a great way to breathe, move, laugh and enjoy your fun in the sun. Before you head out into the breakers or enter that competitive volleyball match, use this exercise as a warm-up. It won't look anything like your typical Yoga lesson, and you don't need to be Shiva Rae to try it. Though it is a beginner workout, if you feel any discomfort or dizziness, stop and see a doctor if the problem persists

1. Stand with your feet about two feet apart, arms spread wide and palms facing forward. If you're in a group, stand in a circle. If you're alone or with a partner, face the ocean.

Start twisting from left to right. Breathe in as you open your arms to the right, and breathe out as you swing them over to the left. Keep your arms up at 90 degrees to the ground and make the movement open and smooth. Continue breathing and twisting for 3 minutes.

2. In the same position, turn the palms to face down. Exhale as you slowly reach your right arm along your right leg and your left arm straight up in the air. Inhale and move up slowly to center. Exhale and reverse; reach the left arm down and the right arm up.
Complete this slow and even movement just two times.

3. Interlock your fingers and bring them in front of your chest. Elbows are out straight. On the exhale, push the hands down like you are pushing a pillar to the ground, ending in a forward fold (or as close as you can get). Inhale up and exhale down 52 times. If the sound of this number alone, much less the act of doing it, makes you pant, and groan, stick to 21 times. If that's too much, stop at 11.

4. Everybody knows this one. 3 minutes of slow jumping jaks-meaning a second of pause between every movement. Have fun and laugh during this one! Remember to remind your team, and yourself, to listen to your body. If 3 minutes is too long, just put your hands on your hips and breathe.

5. Next we're gonna kick! Kick alternating legs straight out in front of you. Breath and laugh. It's fun! Go for 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Now it's time to make friends with the birds. First put your arms straight out to the side and exhale as you bend your knees, touching your butt to your ankles. Stand up and lower down continuously for one minute. Pretend you're a bird...

7. Now, you've really become a bird, and you have to learn how to fly. Stand and flap your arms, moving quickly up and down gracefully. Continue for several minutes.

8. We're almost done. Stand up and jump forward with the left arm and leg. Like a boxer, keep returning to the starting position and launching forward on the left side for 2 minutes. Then switch and do the same for two minutes on the right side. You can play and dance around each other, but just make sure nobody gets punched.

9. Face your partner and hold hands tightly. Pull against each other and exhale as you both bend your knees down to a squat, and inhale back up to standing. Partners should look at each other and talk during the exercise, and laughter is highly recommended during this two minute dance.

10. Last one. Hold your hands up in the air and vigorously shake your hands. Close your eyes and relax your mind. Go for one minute.

Now that you've moved, stretched and laughed, it's the perfect time to relax in the sun or go out and play. Just don't forget your sunscreen and drink plenty of water.