Giada's 5-Minute Yoga: Circulation

Get the blood flowing after a long day on your feet with this quick routine.

One of the things that keeps me centered and feeling good in my body is yoga. I do at least a little bit of it every day – what I love most about yoga is how flexible it is (no pun intended!), so you can do just as much as you have time for and still feel an immediate benefit. Rachael Sellars is my yoga teacher in Las Vegas, and she put together these special yoga sequences for me that target different issues of my daily life. I hope you find them as useful as I do!

As a chef, Giada is on her feet all day long, leaning over counters or stoves to cook. To relieve fatigue, cramping, and swelling in her legs and feet, as well as get a good stretch in the hamstrings and give her back a break, I designed this series of gentle lying-down poses. It’s also a powerful refresher after a long day of travel or sightseeing when you’re on vacation!

1. Eye of the Needle
Lying on your back, bend both knees. Cross your right ankle over your left thigh and lift the left leg off the mat. Reach between your legs to gently pull your thigh toward you, opening the outer hips and releasing the lower back. Switch legs and repeat.

2. Reclining Hand-To-Big-Toe
Grab a robe belt, towel, T-shirt or any other long piece of fabric and place over the arch of one foot. Hold the strap in both hands and do your best to straighten the leg, pressing the center of the heel up toward the ceiling. The bottom leg can be bent or straight, depending on the tightness of your hamstrings. Switch legs and repeat.

3. Reclined Twist  
 Lower both legs and bend one knee, keeping the foot on the floor. Reach that knee over the other leg toward the ground, keeping the shoulders flat on the mat. This stretch just feels fantastic on the lower back, outer hips and upper chest. Switch legs and repeat.

4. Legs Up the Wall 
This is a magical pose for anyone that can be done in bed, lying on the floor, or on the couch. It’s a rejuvenating pose that brings relief to the legs, feet, spine, and nervous system. It also helps reduce swelling in the ankles and feet! Stay anywhere between 5-15 minutes and absorb the amazing benefits.