Yoga poses: know some of them

Downward Dog – Adho Mukha Svanasana

Probably the most famous yoga pose in history. Much more difficult than it looks and to many people’s surprise, downward dog is actually a resting pose!

Downward dog has many benefits. It is a mild inversion and can help prepare for more difficult poses such as handstand or shoulder stand. It helps to open the hips and stretch the hamstrings as well as build strength in the arms and upper body. Think of it as a total body stretch.

Yoga poses: Headstand – Sirsasana

Unlike our first yoga pose, downward dog, headstand is actually much easier to do than most beginners want to believe.

There is a certain playfulness about a headstand. Remember when you were a child and you would quite easily find yourself trying to balance on your arms and head.

Let yourself go and see what happens. This pose can help release stress, detoxify the body and build strength.

Crow – Kakasana

The crow yoga pose is a much more advanced pose found in the primary one Ashtanga series. It requires moderate fitness and strong balance as you place your body weight on your arms.

The key requirement is delicate awareness of balance in the body that allows you to take flight. The crow has many benefits. It can help you to focus, build endurance and strengthen the back. It also teaches courage and is a lesson in facing your fears as you learn to rely on your hands to support your whole body and not fall flat on your face!

Lotus pose – Padmasana

An iconic pose, emblazoned on yoga branding the world over. It looks peaceful but requires a moderate level of flexibility to attain as you sit cross-legged but with both feet resting on your thighs.

This pose really exemplifies the need for yoga practice to be consistent in order to be effective. It is only with practice and maintenance that one can sit in lotus pose.

This pose opens the hips and helps to correct poor posture. It is also said to awaken the kundalini. Kundalini is said to be the primary source of prana (life force) in the body. By awakening it, positive changes can occur in the body.

Yoga poses: The Wheel – Chakrasana

The wheel is a stunning pose, often found splattered all over Instagram, skinny yoga bunnies posing atop mountains or by luxurious pools.

It is a pose that would likely send a shiver down a novice’s rather inflexible spine but it can be practiced by all levels by slight modifications and the use of supports such as yoga bricks.

It is a great pose for all to learn as it builds both strength and flexibility in the spine. Some believe it can cure disease and help with infertility issues.

Corpse Pose – Savasana

Arguably the easiest of all poses and the one practitioners look forward to the most after an intense session. Corpse pose is both relaxing and energizing, allowing us to take stock and focus.

Corpse pose can help regulate heartbeat and promote circulation. It can be calming and help relieve a stressed out mind.