On July 27th, the Toronto stop of the Lolë White Tour will return to Exhibition Place. Each year, this event brings together 5,000 yoga fans dressed in all white (to symbolize peace and wellness) for an outdoor yoga class, held in stunning spaces worldwide—the Eiffel Tower in Paris, New York City’s Central Park, etc. This year, Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee will lead the Toronto class, with music provided by Canadian singer Beyries. Here are five essential yoga postures to practice before the event. 

Warrior 2 (Virabhadrâsana 2)

 

How to do it: Bring your right foot forward between your hands and turn your left heel inside. Your arms should stay parallel to the floor, stretched out in opposite directions. Angle your hips toward the outside and make sure to keep your knee stacked over your ankle. Repeat the same position on the other side. Don’t forget to breathe!

Tip: Make sure to keep your back foot at a 90-degree angle to your front foot. Think of standing tall through your spine.  

 

 

Child’s pose (Balasana)

 

How to do it: This position is ideal for relaxing and meditating. Lower yourself to your knees, and let your forehead touch the floor. Pull your arms in front of you, and your hips toward your heels. Close your eyes and try not to think of anything. 

Tip: Concentrate on your breathing.

 

 

Chair pose (Utkatâsana)

 

How to do it: Bend legs while keeping your thighs parallel to the floor. (Your torso should form a right angle with them.) Stretch your arms toward the ceiling and breathe in deeply. 

Tip: In order to avoid injury, your knees should not extend past your toes.

 

 

Mountain pose (Tadasana)

 

How to: Stand up with your arms beside your body, palms open, feet touching and eyes looking straight ahead. This is the time to visualize and relax.

Tip: Activate your abdominal muscles to support your lower back. 

 

 

Downward dog (Adho-mukha-svanâsana)

 

How to do it: While keeping your legs parallel, lower your head. The goal is to have your body form an inverted V. 

Tip: It is absolutely necessary to keep your back straight. To do this, lightly bend your knees toward your chest.

 

For more info on how you can be a part of Lolë White Tour, go to lolewhitetour.com. ELLE Canada is a sponsor of the 2017 Lolë White Tour in Toronto.