One new exercise trend that everyone falls is the practice of yoga. We all know of yoga but what exactly is it? According to Art of Living, yoga comes from the Sankrit word “yuj”, meaning, “to unite or integrate”. Yoga is an over 5,000-year practice that focuses on harmonizing the body and mind through various breathing techniques and yoga poses. Read below for five beneficial and simple yoga poses that will help your mind and body!
1. Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Seattle Yoga News states that Sukhasana is a common and simple pose for practicing mediation and breathing exercises. This pose is known to strengthen your back and stretches the knees. Sukhasana is also beneficial for opening the hips, groin, and outer thigh muscles.
To get into this pose, sit on the edge of a blanket and cross your legs in front of you at the shins. Next, place each foot beneath the opposite knee and fold your legs in toward your torso. After your feet are positioned, place your hands on your knees and begin to balance your weight evenly while aligning your head, neck and spine into one line. Finally, relax your body and stay in this position for one minute of mediation. When finished, release sukhasana position and change the cross of your legs.
2. Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana 2)
Yoga.com suggests that this position requires intense concentration and focus. This posture allows for all parts of your body and your graze to be integrated into one place.
To start this position, stand up from the Sukhasana position with your legs about 3-4 feet apart. Begin to stretch your arms and palms away from you, so that the floor is parallel to them. Turn your right foot so that it is pointed towards the mat as your left foot is slightly angled. Bend your right knee and shift it forward so it’s over your right ankle. Place your head and gaze to the right, while your torso is facing the side.
3. Seated Froward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
This pose can be used to stretch the spine, shoulders, pelvis, and hamstrings. It is also a good relief from stress, reduced anxiety, and a calmer mindset.
Here’s how it’s done. Sit on a firm material with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale as your arms are out to the side; exhale while bending your hips forward from the hip joints. Do not bend at the waist and hold on firmly to wherever your flexibility permits. Hold this position for one minute and slowly release from your tailbone up. Don’t forget to breathe!
4. Prayer Pose (Tadasana)
The Prayer Pose is a great way to get in touch with your body and inner breathing. To start this pose, stand up straight with your hips width apart. Bring your hands to heart center in the typical Namaste position. Make sure that your weight is evenly distributed and that all parts of the body are engaged.
5. Supine Pigeon Pose
This more advanced position is extremely beneficial for those that spend an extended time throughout the day siting. The Supine Pigeon Pose can relieve stiffness in the outer hips and lower back and increase blood flow.
To begin this position, lie on your back with your legs extended up the wall. Bend your knees while balancing the soles of your feet flat on the wall. Separate your feet so they are hip width apart. Next, bend your left knee and cross your left ankle over your right knee. Hold this position for one minute while maintaining smooth ad even breaths. With exhalation, release your leg and place your right foot on the floor.
Websites:
https://yoga.com/article/improve-your-concentration-focus-with-these-7-yoga-poses
