START THE DAY STRONG!

Get up, get moving and banish morning fatigue with this energy-boosting yoga sequence

-  Lucy Miller

If you think yoga and Pilates are simply for relaxation and less effective when it comes to fat burning and overall strength, then think again.

You'll get all the breathing, stretching and body-awareness benefits from this yoga circuit, and you'll also perform six super-effective moves that will raise your heart rate and challenge every muscle from head to toe, whilst lengthening and toning any trouble spots.

HOW IT WORKS

This energising yet grounding sequence will engage your core and coordination, all the while waking up and preparing your entire body. Try doing it after you wake up. Moving first thing in the morning will sharpen your focus, as well as help you to connect to your inner self. This, in turn, will leave you feeling more alert and motivated to take on the day ahead.

GETTING STARTED

Perform 1-2 rounds of sun salutations to warm up, then performing each of these moves in order. Hold each pose for 15 deep breaths, performing the sequence first on one side and then on the other. Continue flowing through the sequence until you've done the routine twice on each side, 2-4 rounds.

BACK BEND

The standing back-bend is a great warm-up pose to prepare your body for the circuit ahead. It will provide an energy boost, while opening up your chest and heart chakra

• Stand in mountain pose and reach both hands overhead. Next, lower them to the back of the body, placing both palms on the lower back with fingers pointing down.