Utkatasana (chair pose)

Utkatasana (chair pose)

To do this pose:

Come to a standing position at the top of your mat. On your inhale bend through your knees and sweep your arms out by your sides and up by your ears to reach up. Hold the bent knee position with your arms up, or bring them to a prayer position if your shoulders are tight. Hold and breathe. Feel the heat start to build up in your legs and your core.

How this pose is especially beneficial for nurses: 

• It strengthens the supporting muscles of the major joints, such as the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.This is because it provides stability in a strong standing position. The stability of these joints is so important especially later in your career as a nurse after long hours of heavy work on your joints! 
• It develops core strength. Your core is vital to wellness in general, but it’s most important action for nurses and other hands- on workers is that it protects your low back. The stronger your core is, the less your low back will do any heavy lifting as work, preventing those low back injuries! 
• It builds heat in the body. When you’re feeling drowsy, especially if you’re working the night shift and that 4 am wall hits you, do this pose for five breaths and notice how awake your body feels now!