Yoga Sequences Perfect for Foldable Mats on the Go
1. Morning Energizer Sequence
Target Audience: Beginners to Intermediate
Duration: 15 minutes
Props Needed: Foldable mat
Sequence Steps:
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Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Ground down through the feet, engage your thighs, and lift your chest. Reach your arms overhead, and take five deep breaths. -
Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
Exhale as you hinge at your hips, bending forward to bring your hands to the mat. Relax your neck and hold for five breaths. -
Halfway Lift (Ardha Uttanasana)
Inhale, extending your spine and bringing your torso parallel to the floor, with hands on shins. Hold for three breaths. -
Plank Pose
Step back into a plank position with hands under shoulders. Engage your core and hold for five breaths. -
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Lift your hips up and back, creating an inverted V-shape. Press firmly through your palms and heels. Stay for five breaths. -
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
Step your right foot forward between your hands and lift your torso, reaching arms overhead. Hold for five breaths and switch sides. -
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Lower your belly to the mat, place hands underneath shoulders, and lift your chest off the ground, keeping elbows slightly bent. Hold for five breaths. -
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward while you rest your forehead on the mat. Hold for one minute, focusing on relaxation.
2. Quick Stress Reliever Sequence
Target Audience: All Levels
Duration: 10 minutes
Props Needed: Foldable mat
Sequence Steps:
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Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Sit with legs extended forward. Inhale to lengthen your spine, exhale to fold over your legs. Hold for five deep breaths. -
Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Bend right knee, placing foot outside left thigh. Inhale, lengthen the spine; exhale, twist to the right. Hold for five breaths and switch sides. -
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Come to all fours. Inhale to arch your back (Cow), exhale to round your back (Cat). Repeat five times. -
Extended Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Kneel and widen your knees, sinking back. Reach arms forward and hold for five deep breaths for maximum relaxation. -
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
Lie on your back and extend legs up a wall or against a surface. This pose calms the nervous system; stay for five to ten breaths.
3. Lunchtime Refresher Sequence
Target Audience: Office Workers
Duration: 20 minutes
Props Needed: Foldable mat
Sequence Steps:
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Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
Stand tall, bend your knees, and lower your hips like sitting in a chair, reaching arms overhead. Hold for 5 breaths. -
Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
Bend forward at the waist, allowing your head to hang heavy. Hold for 5 deep breaths. -
Rag Doll Pose
Grab opposite elbows and sway side to side, releasing tension. Hold for 1 minute. -
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Shift weight to the left foot and place right foot on the inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee). Hold for 5 breaths, switch sides. -
Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
Step right foot forward, lowering left knee to mat, arms lifted overhead. Hold for 5 breaths and switch sides. -
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Follow with 5 breaths in Downward Dog to stretch the spine and energize. -
Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
Sit down and fold forward over extended legs, holding for 5 breaths. -
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Lie back with arms away from your body. Focus on the breath for 2-5 minutes.
4. Evening Wind Down Sequence
Target Audience: All Levels
Duration: 15 minutes
Props Needed: Foldable mat
Sequence Steps:
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Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Lay on back, bringing soles of feet together, knees wide. Allow your arms to rest at your sides. Hold for 5 breaths. -
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Transition to hands and knees, cycling through Cat-Cow for five rounds to release tension. -
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Sit up with legs extended and fold forward. Breathe deeply for 5 breaths. -
Reclining Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Lying on your back, drop knees to the right while arms extend to the side. Hold for five breaths then switch sides. -
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
Prop feet against the wall. Allow the back to relax and breathe deeply for several minutes. -
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
Bring knees to armpits and hold the soles of your feet. Gently rock side to side, holding for five breaths. -
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Finish with a relaxing pose, staying for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your breath.
Tips for Practicing on Foldable Mats
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Accessibility: Foldable mats are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel or practicing in small spaces.
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Texture Matters: Choose a mat with a good grip to prevent slipping during poses.
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Storage Solutions: Use a carry bag that fits your foldable mat and is easy to transport.
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Routine Building: Develop a personal sequence based on these examples. Consistency helps deepen your practice.
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Mindful Transitions: Pay attention to transitions between poses, especially in confined spaces, where larger movements are challenging.
Developing yoga sequences for foldable mats allows you to engage with your practice conveniently. Each sequence caters to different time frames and levels, providing flexibility in your daily routine. Enjoy the benefits of yoga wherever you are!