Day 9 of IDJSIJ Challenge - Legs Up a Ramp

Just ask the Count Von Count. It’s been eight (8 DAYS! AH-AH-AH) of my “I’m Doing Jack Shit In January” challenge, and I’ve only offered 3 postures. That is because they are the easiest poses to set up at home and they require the fewest extra props. Since the goal is getting to a place of relaxed awareness with a supported body, you probably don’t need more than legs up a wall, legs on a chair, and Savasana. In case you’re getting bored, I’ll add other options throughout the month, including today.

This pose requires some yoga props as discussed on Day 6, or the careful arranging of blankets and throw pillows. In this relaxing posture, the legs are slightly elevated at a gentle angle, and the upper body is lying snug and flat on the mat. Elevating the legs takes pressure off the lower back so it is supported by the floor. Raising the feet slightly above the head is a gentle inversion, and not as dramatic as legs up a wall or on a chair.

Check out the picture above for ramp system I made with a block and bolster. If you don’t have those props at home, try a couple stacked pillows under the feet AND a rolled up blanket under the knees for a similar effect. If you only put something under the feet and not the knees, you could stress your knees by hyperextending them. Keep the legs as propped as you can make them with your blankets and let the upper body relax back with the palms open towards the ceiling or resting on the belly. If you have tight outer hips and you find your legs pulling away from midline and off the ramp you’ve build, loosely wrap a yoga strap or soft belt around your feet.

If you are thinking about prop shopping, you can follow the links embedded above or check out my Yoga Supply Shop page for these and other supply options. Most of what you will need is easily found online or in department stores.  Take a load off, and enjoy!