The best yoga poses to practice in Winter in Provence
- virginieinprovence
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Hello everyone,
My name is Virginie. I have been teaching yoga for children for five years, and since 2024, I’ve also been a certified yoga teacher for adults, after three years of training and a 15-day internship in India.
Today, I’d like to share with you my favorite yoga poses and breathing exercises for winter — the ones we’ll practice together during your immersion stay in Provence.
Even if you’re new to yoga, this article will help you learn some French vocabulary about wellness and the body. 🌸
The best yoga poses and breathing exercises for Winter
1. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama — Alternate Nostril Breathinga in Winter in Provence)
Alternate breathing helps balance both hemispheres of the brain, calm the mind, and harmonize the nervous system.
It’s an excellent morning practice before a day of study or work.
How to do it:
Place your right hand in front of your face:
👉 Index and middle fingers between your eyebrows (the third eye)
👉 Thumb closes the right nostril, ring finger closes the left
Cycle:
Inhale through both nostrils
Exhale left for 6 seconds
Inhale left for 6 seconds
Hold your breath for 6 seconds
Exhale right for 6 seconds
Inhale right for 6 seconds
Hold for 6 seconds — and repeat.
💡 Tip: Slightly contract your glutes and roll your tongue toward your palate to channel your energy.
2. Paschimottanasana — The Seated Forward Bend
A winter posture ideal for stretching the back and calming the mind.
How to do it:
Sit with your legs extended and back straight.
Inhale and raise your arms.
Exhale as you gently fold forward.
Grab your ankles, feet, or shins depending on your flexibility — and repeat.
Benefits:
Stretches the whole body and softens the back
Activates blood circulation
Massages internal organs
Helps you recentre and let go
🌿 Tip: If you’re looking for a good eco-friendly yoga mat, I love Manduka.
3. Vrikshasana — The Tree Pose
This posture symbolizes grounding and balance between earth and sky. It strengthens concentration and inner stability.
How to do it:
Place your left foot on your right thigh (or calf if it’s easier).
Hands can be:
🙏 Joined in front of your chest, or
🌿 Raised toward the sky like tree branches.
Engage your core, contract your glutes, and fix your gaze on a still point.
Inhale for 1 count, exhale for 2.
Hold as long as you wish — why not aim for 5 minutes per side by the end of the year?
💫 For better balance, practice facing a window — watching the leaves move in the Provençal breeze is pure magic.
4. Marjariasana — The Cat Pose
A soft posture that stretches the spine and improves everyday posture.
How to do it:
Get on all fours.
Inhale, lift your head, and let your belly drop.
Exhale, pull your navel in and round your back.
💫 Simple, effective, and ideal for waking up the body during winter mornings.
5. Savasana — The Corpse Pose
Often practiced at the end of a session, this posture helps release physical and mental tension.
Lie down on your back, arms and legs slightly apart, palms facing up.
Close your eyes, breathe naturally, and let your body fully relax.
The real challenge? Remaining aware while completely at peace.
Winter yoga vocabulary in French and English
🌞 In Provence, yoga feels different
During your stay, you’ll experience personalized yoga sessions adapted to your level — indoors, or even under the gentle winter sun, facing Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
✨ Keep traveling with us
💌 Want to experience your own wellness immersion in Provence?
Join me for a language and wellness stay in Provence 🌿
On the program: French lessons, yoga, local discoveries, and pure relaxation.
🧡 See you soon under the southern sun,
Virginie in Provence
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