How To Do Simple Poses: Yoga For Beginners

By Thaya Kareeson

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. It has been studied extensively by scientists and has been shown to have great health benefits. If you are interested in learning some yoga for beginners, this article will show you five simple poses you can easily incorporate into your daily life.

Sukasana is translated as Easy Yoga Pose. You may be doing this pose already and not even know it is yoga! Start by sitting on your bottom with your legs crossed and bent at the knee, not straight out in front of you. Then move one leg toward your body. The other leg can lie on the floor. Sit up straight and tall with your head parallel to the floor. Be sure your shoulders are relaxed.

To do the Tree Pose, start from a standing position. Your hands should be in a prayer pose, fingertips pointing up, at chest level. Hips should be parallel to the floor as much as possible. Slowly bring your right foot up the inside of your left leg until it rests on your inner left thigh (or as high as you can get it without pain). Remain balancing for a time, then repeat with your other leg and foot. Hold on to the wall or a chair if you need extra support.

A fantastic stretch for your entire body is called the Downward-Facing Dog Pose. Begin by getting down on your hands and knees with your shoulders and hips directly over your hands and knees. Keep your spine straight. Now, begin inverting your body by raising your bottom, unbending your knees and walking your hands back as far as you can. Drop your head. Keep your shoulders down. Do not force yourself to stretch beyond your comfort zone.

Child's Pose is done from the Downward-Facing Dog Pose, spread your knees and then bring your stomach towards the ground. Stretch your arms out in front of you. Of, if that is uncomfortable, put your arms down alongside of your body with your fingers pointing at your toes. Stay in this position for as long as you like.

The Cat and Cow Pose also starts from the Downward-Facing Dog Pose. Bend your toes under. Relax your shoulders and drop your stomach toward the ground. Your back will be concave. Hands and knees need to stay aligned with your shoulders and hips. Then stretch your back like a cat, arching upwards. Return to starting position.

Garland Pose is a standing position. Your feet should be spread apart comfortably. With your back straight, lower your bottom towards the ground and go into a squat. Your elbows should be at the insides of your knees, pressing outwards. Shoulders need to be relaxed. Stay like this for five breaths.

There you have five very simple poses that you can use to relieve tension, improve balance and flexibility. They were not too difficult, were they? And you probably feel much more relaxed than when you began. Now that you know yoga for beginners is not too hard, continue your practice and consider joining a yoga class in your community. Your body will thank you. - 31994

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