Yoga is a made up of a serious of poses that are beneficial to the body in their own unique way. Whether you refer to them as poses, postures or asanas, there is something there for everyone, regardless of experience. From the most seasoned yogi to the beginner, there is a pose that will help ground you and provide flexibility and strength. There are so many yoga poses that we’re just going to examine a few of the more well-known and beginner friendly poses.
Child’s pose is a seated yoga pose in which the practitioner is seated with hips on their heels and body bent forward with their forehead resting on the ground. Arms can either be stretched out in front with palms down for the arms can be relaxed to side with palms up. The benefits of this position include calming mind, body and spirit and stretching the lower back. This pose also tones abdominal area and stimulates digestion.
The Warrior pose is a well-known standing yoga position. There are variations to this pose. All variations serve to strengthen the legs, open hips and chest, and to increase concentration and balance. The poses also improve circulation, and increase energy within the body.
Plank position is a core-strengthening pose. In this position the practitioner holds their body like a plank or in a push-up position. This pose builds upper and core body strength as well as strengthening the lower back muscles.
Crescent Moon is a side-bending pose. This pose energizes the entire body, improves core, and increases balance and concentration. In this pose the person begins in Mountain pose and then, with fingers interlaced, points the index finer up over head. With feet pushed into the floor, the person then pressed one hip to the side while arching toward the other.
Those are just four examples to illustrate the various benefits available from yoga. As you can see whether you choose to do a series of seated postures or a series of standing postures, you’ll benefit greatly. Or you can pick and choose postures from all categories. This is just a small sampling of the yoga positions that are possible. There are about a dozen yoga posture categories. For each category you’ll find at least a dozen poses.
Yoga has become increasingly popular as more people realize they can do it. It isn’t about complex moves that turn your body into a pretzel. Yoga is about connecting with your body through various poses that provide a myriad of benefits. The difficulty level is up to the practitioner. You will benefit from very basic moves and as you become proficient you can alter the poses to increase those benefits.