This product review includes products that are sent to me by a brand or company. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are honest and are all my own. Please read my disclaimer.

#Zalandolovesyoga

Zalando approached me a couple of weeks ago with their #Zalandolovesyoga project. The focus in this project lies on yoga for beginners. I’ve had a few yoga classes already, but I’m definitely still on the beginners side ;) On Zalando’s website you can find a complete yoga corner with yoga video’s, a test to discover your personal yoga style and a guide on what to wear for a great yoga session!

Missed my first post on 5 yoga poses for more energy? Click here!

I’m wearing:
Sports Bra: LUPITA by Lolë – Black

A very simple black sports bra, with a party in the back! The beautiful black straps are the elegant touch that differentiates it from regular sports bras.

Tights: VORTEX by Free People – Black/Grey

These tights are just so cool! They are incredibly soft and the extra fabric on your soles will keep your feet a little bit warmer and your tights will stay in place.

Yoga Mat:
Adidas By Stella McCartney – Solmag

Keep the balance with #Zalandolovesyoga

I love yoga poses that challenge my balance! It strengthens my muscles, who will have to keep working to keep me from wobbling or falling over. It’s a chance to find your gravity point and when you find that particular point, the pose can sometimes even be relaxing! It’s a great way to make yourself focus. For today I’ve selected my 5 favourite balance poses:

Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe

Utthita Hasta Padangustasana – To begin, I have difficult feet. They lean inwards, so I always have to work extra hard to counteract with it. Also, it’s not about putting your leg at it’s highest point. I can definitely put my leg up higher – but then I’d fall over instantly. It’s about balance after all :)

This pose is great for strengthening your legs and ankles. You’ll get a great stretch out of it too, the back of your legs will love this! Hold this pose for 30 seconds.

Supported Headstand

Salamba Sirsasana – One of my favourites! Looking at the world upside down is something I loved doing as a kid. I would lay on the edge of the sofa, head down,  and move my legs up in the air so it would look like I was walking on the ceiling ;) Anyways, this is a great pose! They call it an inversion, because the head goes below the heart. It goes against gravity, also called a a venous return (the de-oxygenated blood going through your veins back to the heart). Very good for the blood circulation! :) It will also strengthen your abs, spine and shoulders, so loads of benefits. No wonder it’s one of my favourite poses!

Beginners can start with 10 seconds. Gradually build up until you can hold for up to 5 minutes.

Crane (Crow)

Bakasana – The Crow is also one of my favourites. I love the challenge and overcoming the fear of basically falling flat on your face, haha! ;) This pose is great for your abs, arms, wrists and the upper back. It might take some time to get this pose to work – if you’re afraid of falling over you can use a block to rest your head on and slowly progress to the Crow without attributes. My next goal with this pose is to get my knees rest on my elbow (instead of next to it). Hold for 10 seconds to 1 minute.

Chair

Utkatasana – This looks like an easy one, but if you need to hold that pose for one minute… You’ll definitely feel the burn in your legs! Your knees can’t go beyond your toes and your spine needs to make a straight line with your arms. It kinda looks like you’re sitting on a chair, but then in the air! ;) Definitely a burner for the legs, shoulders and chest. Hold 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Upward Bow (Wheel)

Urdhva Dhanurasana – I’m still working to get my legs more upright and closer to my hands (it’s a process!) but this is the best wheel I can do :) This is a great stretch for the chest and lungs but it basically stretches you from hand to toe. I feel very energised after I’ve done a couple of these (remember the venous return?). Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and try to breathe easily.

Thank you Zalando for making me fall in love with yoga again – I had loads of fun picking out my yoga wear and yoga poses for #Zalandolovesyoga!

What’s your favourite pose from this post? Can you keep your balance easily?