A Simple Post-Workout CoolDown

A very simple - yet perhaps one of the most effective - cooldown session comprises an ancient yoga asana (posture). The shavasana, known in English as the "corpse pose", is exactly as the name suggests it to be. All it involves is literally just lying down flat on your back and breathing easy. The corpse pose brings to life the old Zen philosophy of "activity in inactivity". 

 The Process

1. Lie down flat on your back, head tilted slightly (and naturally) to the left. 
2. Rest yours arms loosely by your sides, a little away from the body. Again, as natural as possible. 
3. Keep your feet about 2 - 3 feet apart, or whatever distance feels most comfortable. 
   
4. Close your eyes, and breathe. Inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. Find your natural rhythm.
5. With each inhale, feel the fresh energy enter your body.
6. Feel the body sink into the ground as you continue breathing. Start with the feet, and slowly work your way upwards, ending with the head.
7. Feel every part of your body - each limb, each organ - relax as it sinks into the ground. Feel the muscle fibres loosen as the body rejuvenates.
8. The whole process should take perhaps just over 5 minutes. But feel free to take as long as you need. 

This short session does wonders in regulating recovery and normalizing the system, especially after strenuous physical activity. This is also a great way to unwind after a hard day's work. Remember: important as it is to work the human body, rest and recovery is an equally important contributor towards maintaining good health and optimal fitness.

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