When it comes to energizing workouts, many of us think of running, spin class, aerobics or lifting weights. Many people don’t realize there are yoga poses that can also get your heart pumping and boost your energy levels. I’ve always practiced yoga as a way to relax my mind and body, but more recently, I’ve come to learn how energizing it can be. I love that feeling of finishing a workout and being refreshed rather than exhausted.

Vyda Bielkus, yoga instructor and founder of the Health Yoga Life studio, explains how yoga releases the energy blockages along our spine by “bringing what the yogis call prana, or life force, into the back and all these areas of the body through breath and movement. You’re moving the circulatory system and awakening the nervous system—basically bringing new life into the body.”

Even when you’re feeling tired after a long day at work, there are various active yoga poses that help to fight fatigue. If you have a desk job, for example, some of these poses can alleviate the negative effects of sitting for long hours. Others looking for a quick energy fix, these active poses are also beneficial:

Backbends
By practicing poses that elongate the spine, you are releasing the stuck energy and stimulating your nervous system.

Warrior Pose
This pose strengthens the shoulders, arms, legs and back and promotes good circulation and respiration.

Camel Pose
This stretch opens up the heart and chest, invigorating the entire body.

For more energizing poses, click here.

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.

Click here to find out more about Rose’s thoughts on wellbeing and health