Yoga has something for everyone. It begins by making you focus on your breathing, which plays a crucial role in helping you cleanse the body, mind and soul. This form of exercise works in tandem with the many flexibility-enhancing, muscle-building, fat-blasting postures that fortify the stamina and up your fitness level.
Watching yoga experts performing some unnerving poses can be intimidating but the truth is that everybody starts from scratch. The basics are always of the utmost importance in order to master any art.
If you have not been to a yoga class yet and can’t muster the enthusiasm to do so, here are some of the easiest poses that can safely be done at home.
The Postures/Poses;
The Downward Dog:
Start on your feet, then push yourself down to make your hands touch the ground, pushing your back and hips up. This way you will make an inverted ‘V’ with your body. You can try pedaling out your feet bringing the heels back to the floor one at a time. Eventually, the heels will come back to the floor. You should be looking back between your legs at the ground with your palms on the floor. Focus on lengthening your arms and keeping the shoulders broad. Repeat the posture and hold it for 5 breaths.
The Dolphin Pose:
The pose is a departure from the Downward Dog, in the sense that here you come down onto the elbows. Push into the floor with your forearms and keep lifting your hips up. The posture works on your shoulder girdle and prepares you for more advanced postures and transitions.
The Rag-doll Pose:
This is great for a gentle hamstring stretch. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Now, gently rock your upper body from side to side holding the elbows. Make sure that your upper body hangs loose and is relaxed. Your head and neck should not be tensed. Bend your knees in case you find it difficult to get into the pose. Don’t stand up with a jerk, roll up one vertebra at a time, with your head coming up at last.
The Sphinx Pose:
Begin by lying flat on your stomach and bring your elbows directly underneath your shoulders. Bring your chest up and forward. Hold for 10 breaths and release.
The Child’s Pose:
Sit on your thighs and sink your weight onto your heels with your hands reaching out on the floor in front of your body. Relax your head on the floor. Count for 10 breaths and release.
Relaxation:
Savasana is a great way to cool off and call it a day. It lets the benefits of the practice absorb and integrate into your body. Lie flat on your back with your legs apart and arms resting wide on each side. Stay with your eyes closed for 5-10 minutes. Keep your mind free of any thought. Focus on your breathing and remain undistracted and undisturbed.
Yoga tips shared here are courtesy of food.ndtv.com
