BY TEAM HEAT (Devon Cormack & Heather Hardy) | With spring in full force and summer on the horizon, it’s time to once again enjoy all the beautiful landscapes that our city has to offer. Instead of taking a run on the treadmill or doing 30 minutes on the elliptical, head outdoors for some yoga in the park!
Yoga has numerous benefits for your mental and physical health. In addition to enhancing flexibility, it greatly improves circulation, muscle tone, and balance. These five poses strengthen your core and improve flexibility, making for a killer workout — but this routine is also a great way to top off an outdoor run or a bike ride.
You might want to bring a mat or a towel to lie down on, and pick an area on the grass that is as flat as possible in order to go easy on your back, and be comfortable under your feet. The photos from this yoga workout were taken at Hudson River Park’s Pier 66, near W. 26th St. — on one of those perfect Chelsea spring afternoons!
Devon Cormack and Heather “The Heat” Hardy work at Gleason’s Gym (77 Front St., Brooklyn) as personal trainers, while prepping for fights. Currently holding a professional record of 9 wins and 0 losses, Heather “The Heat” Hardy will enter into the history books on June 14, as a participant in the first female fight at Barclays Center. Chelsea resident Devon Cormack is a three-time World Kickboxing Champion who coordinates fight scenes for film & TV. If you have a fitness or nutrition question for Heather or Devon, send an email to askteamheat@chelseanow.com. For more info, visit heathertheheathardy.net and follow her atfacebook.com/TheHeatHeatherHardy. Also visit gleasonsgym.net.
DOWNWARD DOG | Start on your hands and knees, with your hands under your shoulders and fingertips spread. On a deep exhale, push your hips up to the sky, allowing your heels to easily drop to the grass, and keeping your head aligned with the insides of your upper arms. Breathe deeply in and out, engaging and tightening your core, and allowing your heels to sink deeper into the ground with every exhale out. The rest position is back down on your hands and knees.
Photos by Devon Cormack
WARRIOR III | Begin standing up, with your spine aligned and your arms raised straight up in the air. Your inner arms should be lined up with your ears. Move your left foot backwards, and tilt your arms simultaneously so that your back and neck forms a straight line. Straighten your right knee. Continue slowly inching this motion until your arms, your raised leg, and your back are parallel with the floor.
BOAT POSE | Begin seated, with your back erect and your toes pointing to the sky. Lean back on your forearms for stability, and raise your legs until they make a 45-degree angle. Engage your core and stretch your arms out until they are parallel with your legs. Your body should look like a V from the side.
CAMEL POSE | Begin on your knees, with your back erect. Reach your arms around and grab your heels, drop your head between your shoulders and press your hips as far forward as they will go.
COBRA POSE | Begin lying on your stomach, with your head resting in your arms. Draw your arms around your body and place them next to your ribs, fingertips forward. Lift your head and look towards the sky while pressing up with your arms, engaging your core.
