Letterhead can be Presidential, china can be Presidential and so too can yoga be Presidential. In fact, if we assembled the premiere candidates before us on yoga mats and offered them poses that would help them gain insight into what it takes to lead to the best of their ability as well as feel physically agile and mentally more acute, this is what we would prescribe. Check out some of the other candidates' assignments, like Getting Sarah Palin Fit For Office, Biden's Willpower Workshop and Anti-Aging Asana for John McCain.
Gladiator Abs
For Mister Obama we will focus on abdominals because with his Poitier-like passion and JFK-like prowess he is a thinking woman's President who upon reflection of our own gut check, we know can save our nation. But abs of steel will help him (and us) stand taller, literally and figuratively, and remain centered when it is difficult to fight the good fight.
Plus, we want him to not only look amazingly svelte upon swear-in but also to avoid the belly fat that is especially dangerous to a man's health. We'd lobby for everyone to do this core workout because it burns fat faster than you can say, "swing state."
And as you head to the polls or stand in your shower, you can chant what we have dubbed the Obama Mantra: "OmBama." Not far off from his actual name, substituting the word 'om' the most common sound associated with yoga which means which "the vibration of all things" for the first syllable "oh" can invite the world to tune into the Obama agenda. He's the man and he's the mantra which - simply put - is a thought you repeat in your mind until it becomes meaningless and is transformed into a mechanism to soothe the mind.
Like the Little Engine that Could's famous line, "I think I can I think I can," saying "OmBama" in your head three times with closed eyes can bring about positive energy around that message. And if "OmBama" isn't working for you, "Yes We Can" certainly will. Altogether now: "OM BAMA. OM BAMA. OM BAMA. There's no Prez like OM BAMA."
Pilates Slacklining
Start on all fours. Lift your feet and shins off the ground so only your knees touch.
Start on all fours. Lift your feet and shins off the ground so only your knees touch.
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Extend your right arm forward while you lift your left leg behind you. Only your knees and left hand touch the floor. Hold for 30 seconds (about 6-8 full, slow breaths).
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Bring your right hand and left knee back to the ground simultaneously.
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Do not let your feet touch the floor as you switch so your left hand is stretched in front and right leg extended back. Hold for 30 seconds. 3. Do 10-20 reps back and forth.
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Advanced: As you switch, first bring your knee to the ground, then hold your hands in front of you in Prayer position so only your knees touch. You’ll be slightly tipped forward. Then switch sides.
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Side Plank
Come into a normal Side Plank, on your right forearm. Free your bottom (right) leg so that you’re balancing on your top (left) leg. Extend your top leg forward. If you can, straighten it so that your legs form an “L". Hold for up to 30 seconds.
Come into a normal Side Plank, on your right forearm. Free your bottom (right) leg so that you’re balancing on your top (left) leg. Extend your top leg forward. If you can, straighten it so that your legs form an “L". Hold for up to 30 seconds.
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Tuck your bottom leg through center and reach it backwards as you lean your torso forward. Reach your left arm up and forward. Hold up to 30 secs. Do 10-20 reps. Concentrate on breathing and moving with control. If you start to shake, come down.
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One Leg Rock
Rock yourself backwards with your arms on the floor by your ears.
Rock yourself backwards with your arms on the floor by your ears.
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As you rock forward, bend your right leg so your right foot is flat on the floor. Bring your arms overhead. You’re not trying to stand up, but just lift. Extend your left leg straight-forward so that your torso is upright.
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Bring your arms straight in front of you. You’ll be balanced on your right foot, with your butt off the ground.
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Rolling Pike and Ab Balance You'll need an exercise ball for the first one and a strap or sock for the second.
Come into a Plank/Pushup position on the ball. Your hands are on the floor, shoulders stacked over your wrists. Your knees are on the ball, bent so your feet are up.
Come into a Plank/Pushup position on the ball. Your hands are on the floor, shoulders stacked over your wrists. Your knees are on the ball, bent so your feet are up.
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Inhale as you roll the ball towards your hand by lifting your hips.
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Eventually you’ll have your toes on the top of the ball. Your body is hinged from your hips, arms are straight and strong. The full position of this is almost as though you’re about to do a handstand.
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Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Put the strap around the arch of your right foot and bend into a forward fold. Let your arms dangle by your sides or rest lightly on the ground.
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Lift up your chest and flatten your back. Bring your weight into your left foot and lift your right foot straight out to the side, keeping the leg straight. Try to get the leg up to 45 degrees. Do 5-10 reps on each side.
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Related Links:
The 101 Best Things to Do For Your Body Now!
Om Alone
The ABC's of Slim
Get Fit Quick
