Twisting Out Toxins

This entry was written on Sep 23, 2009 by our Running Guru Heidi Splete

This week my yoga instructor decided to focus on twisting postures. I have heard several yoga instructors say over the years that twists are a great way to flush toxins out of the body. That sounds sort of new-agey, but I find an element of common sense in it. Does the pressure you create during a twist push toxins away like pushing up dust with a broom? I don't know.

I do know that yoga always makes me feel better, and it's a great form of cross training for runners. Not into yoga? You can still benefit from a simple seated twist. Try this on for size:

-Sit with your right leg straight out in front of you.

-Bend your left knee and cross it over your right leg so your left foot is on the floor outside of the right knee.

-Bend your right elbow and turn your torso to place your right elbow outside of your upper left thigh.

-Place your left hand on the floor behind you for balance.

-Using your right arm to hold the left leg still, turn your head and torso toward your left arm. You should feel a stretch in the outside of your left hip, but you are also streching the upper and lower back, as well as the rib cage. And, according to Bob Anderson in his book, Stretching, this stretch is good for your internal organs, too. That sounds like toxin removal to me.

Happy Running!