A slant board can be a great tool to weave into your yoga routine to help improve balance and stability, increase flexibility, and strengthen the muscles in the legs and core.
However, it’s important to start slowly and be mindful of your balance when using a slant board for yoga. Depending on the slant board you might use, some slant boards like the BAM Athletica slant board offers versatility with 5 angles, each angle degree to offer a beginner to advanced slant or angle to help you advance in your yoga techniques.
It goes without saying, when performing yoga it’s important to listen to your body and only do poses that feel comfortable and safe for you. If you are new too yoga or have any injuries or health conditions, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified yoga instructor before attempting any new poses.
OK, lets get into it for us yogis!
If you haven’t used or even seen a slant board before, its a a simply exercise tool that’s great for athletes, yoga and rehab for those recovering from a leg, knee or ankle injury.
To start, these are 5 popular yoga exercises that can be used for yoga at home, or in the studio.
Downward-Facing Dog
Downward-Facing Dog, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana in Sanskrit, is a popular yoga pose that stretches and strengthens the entire body. It is often used as a resting pose in between other, more strenuous poses, but it can also be practiced on its own as a full pose.
To do a Downward-Facing Dog with a slant board (or compromise and use a calf stretcher), start with this.
Place your hands on the slant board and walk your feet back until your body forms an inverted V shape. Engage your core and press your heels towards the ground to stretch your hamstrings.
To do a downward-facing dog using a slant board, follow these steps:
- Place the slant board on a flat, stable surface.
- Stand facing the slant board, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place your hands on the slant board, shoulder-width apart.
- Walk your feet back, keeping your arms straight, until your body forms an inverted V shape.
- Engage your core and press your heels towards the ground to stretch your hamstrings.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on your breath and maintaining balance.
- To release the pose, walk your feet back towards the slant board and stand up straight.
Plank Pose
Plank Pose, also known as Kumbhakasana in Sanskrit, is a yoga pose that helps to strengthen the muscles in the arms, wrists, core, and legs. It is often used as a preparatory pose for other, more advanced poses, but it can also be practiced on its own as a full pose.
Place your hands on the slant board and walk your feet back until your body forms a straight line. Engage your core and hold the pose for several breaths.
To perform a Plank Pose using a slant board, follow these steps:
- Place the slant board on a flat, stable surface.
- Stand facing the slant board, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place your hands on the slant board, shoulder-width apart.
- Walk your feet back, keeping your arms straight, until your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels.
- Engage your core and hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on your breath and maintaining balance.
- To release the pose, walk your feet back towards the slant board and stand up straight.
Warrior III
Warrior III is a yoga pose that strengthens the legs, ankles, and core while also improving balance and focus. It is also known as Virabhadrasana III in Sanskrit.
In Warrior III, the body is positioned in a horizontal line, with the arms extended in front of the body and the legs extended behind. To enter the pose, start in a standing position with the feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight onto one leg, lifting the other leg off the ground and extending it behind you.
Reach your arms forward and lean your torso forward until it is parallel to the ground. Keep your core engaged and your gaze focused on a fixed point in front of you to help with balance. Hold the pose for several breaths before slowly lowering the lifted leg and returning to a standing position.
To perform a Warrior III yoga exercise using a slant board, follow these steps:
- Place the slant board on a flat, stable surface.
- Stand facing the slant board, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Shift your weight onto one foot and lift the other foot off the ground, keeping it parallel to the ground.
- Reach your arms forward, keeping them parallel to the ground.
- Engage your core and lift your lifted leg behind you, straightening it as you reach your arms forward.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on your breath and maintaining balance.
- To release the pose, lower your lifted leg back to the ground and stand up straight.
Low Lunge
Low Lunge is a yoga pose that stretches the hip flexors, quadriceps, and groin while also strengthening the legs and core. It is also known as Anjaneyasana in Sanskrit.
To enter the pose, start in a standing position with the feet hip-width apart. Step your right foot forward, placing the knee over the ankle and the left leg extended behind you with the top of the foot on the ground. The arms can be extended overhead or resting on the right thigh. Make sure to keep the hips square and the core engaged. Hold the pose for several breaths before switching sides. Low Lunge can also be modified by placing a yoga block or blanket under the back knee for support
To perform a low lunge yoga exercise using a slant board, start slowly and be mindful of your balance. Follow these steps to perform a low lunge yoga move using a slant board,
- Place the slant board on a flat, stable surface.
- Stand facing the slant board, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place your right foot on the slant board and step your left foot back, with your left knee bent and resting on the ground.
- Lift your arms above your head and reach towards the sky.
- Engage your core and lift your chest, keeping your hips squared towards the front.
- Hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on your breath and maintaining balance.
- To release the pose, lower your arms and step your left foot back up to the slant board.
Remember to start slowly and be mindful of your balance when using a slant board for yoga. It’s important to listen to your body and only do poses that feel comfortable and safe for you. If you are new too yoga or have any injuries or health conditions, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified yoga instructor before attempting any new poses.
