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"Sure, we&amp;#x27;re already in the clutches of cooler weather, but that doesn&amp;#x27;t mean we can&amp;#x27;t fantasize about the beach, right? Cue the sound of crashing waves... Not only is surfing excellent exercise (there are even on-land classes that mimic surfing, which makes sense--have you seen how strong surfers&amp;#x27; bodies are?), it requires serious arm, back, shoulders, and core strength to stay upright on your board. The Sanctuary at Two Rivers, an eco-yoga retreat in Costa Rica that was founded by actress Perrey Reeves (Ari&amp;#x27;s wife from Entourage!), is hosting a Yoga and Surfing retreat December 1-7 (plus there are other yoga/surf events throughout the year)--uh, yeah, sounds amazing and I am cursing my current state of being landlocked. Anyway, these are some of the yoga moves that Sanctuary uses to help get its surfers strong and balanced... and ready to ride the waves. You might know Downward Facing Dog: for strengthening wrists, arms, and shoulders (very important body parts for surfing!) Come down to the floor on your hands and knees Bring your hands about shoulder-distance apart, palms flat on the floor Bend your knees, engage your core muscles, and pull yourself to an inverted V Bring your feet about hip distance apart Try to get your heels down and your butt up to the ceiling Relax your neck Hold for 45 seconds to 1 minute Upward Facing Dog: this is the exact same motion used to get up on a surfboard. Lie down onto your stomach with your legs straight back behind you (make sure the tops of your feet are on the floor) Bend your elbows; place your hands by your hips Spread your fingertips wide apart Press into your hands to straighten your arms Lift your chest up and slightly back, if you can Keep your thighs active Press into your hands and the tops of your feet; see if you can lift your thighs off the floor Look straight ahead Hold for 30 to 45 seconds Camel Pose: this move improves the flexibility of your neck and spine and relieves backaches (good things for surfers and non-surfers alike) Come down to the floor on your knees Bring your legs hip-distance apart Tuck your toes back Bring your hands to your lower back Let your head and chest fall back Bring your hands to your heels. If you can&amp;#x27;t reach your heels, keep your hands on your lower back Bring your hips forward Warrior 2: this strengthens your legs--plus you actually look like you&amp;#x27;re surfing when doing this pose! Stand up and place your feet about 3 to 4 feet apart Raise your arms to shoulder level, palms down Turn your right foot out (it should be straight out in front of you), and turn your left foot in slightly Bend your front knee--eventually, you want your thigh to be parallel to the floor, but for now just go down as far as you can Make sure your back leg is straight and strong Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute Switch sides Warrior 3: this move really helps surfers with balance. Stand up; balance on your right leg Hinge forward at your hips Bring your left leg up to hip level Keep the knee of your raised leg facing the floor Bring your arms out in front of you. If this is too difficult, keep them by your sides Brig your body into a T formation Keep your hips squared and level to the floor Find a focus point in front of you Hold for 45 seconds to 1 minute Repeat on the left leg Eagle Pose: another good-for-balance move (it works your legs and core), which also increases flexibility. Stand on your left leg Bend your right leg over your left Bring your right leg up around behind your standing leg Hook your foot and ankle around behind your calf Sink down as if you were going to sit in a chair Move your arms to a prayer position in front of your chest Hold for 45 second to one 1 minute Come out of the pose and shake out your legs Switch sides Now go hang ten! (That&amp;#x27;s the only surfing phrase I know... hey, I live in the desert.) What are your favorite strength and balance moves? More exercise tips: * Water Aerobics? So Not Just for Old Ladies: News About How It Can Get You Svelte * 4 Halloween-Inspired Workout Moves * Running Tip: A Surprising Way to Beat an Uphill Climb Photo: Thinkstock"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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