Today we are working with a yoga pose again. This one is called windshield wipers because it looks like windshield wipers. It does have, of course, an unpronounceable Sanskrit name. It is great for releasing tension in the lower back, stretching the glutes, and improving hip mobility.

It works the external and internal obliques which control the twisting and lowering of the legs. It also works the abs and hip flexors. It can be done lying down, sitting on the floor, or sitting in a chair. We will focus only on the last two of those options.

We begin by sitting on the floor with knees bent and feet flat. Feet should be slightly wider than hip distance apart. Lean back slightly and support yourself with your palms flat on the floor directly behind your hips. Then, as you exhale, drop both knees toward the floor on the same side. Inhale back to center and repeat on the other side. If reaching the floor is a problem, put a yoga block, a blanket, or a pillow down as a target.

This can be done from a chair as well. The movement is essentially the same as you sit in the chair with feet slightly widened and then drop you knees first toward the left and then back to center and toward the right.

I find these a nice way to loosen up tight hips. The pose can be held for a longer time rather than going at a “wiper” speed.

Today’s workout:
WARM UP
2-3x
12 baby steps AKA heel to toe walk (6/side)
6 windshield wipers/side
CIRCUIT
2-3x
6 crunches
10 step ups (5/side)
rest as needed

These are a fun way to work on mobility without any stress. So that’s different. I hope you enjoy the movement.

Video on Facebook.

Stay balanced.