Establishing a Strong Foundation - Beginner Poses in Yoga
Like many things in life, yoga poses are cumulative. Beginner poses provide a foundation for later yoga poses. Though the only way to adequately learn a pose is from an instructor, although some can be described as examples.
The base for all standing poses is the "Mountain Pose," which strengthens your thighs and improves your posture. Stand with your big toes touching and evenly distribute your weight throughout your feet. Press your feet into the floor, while tightening your thighs to raise them. Draw in your belly, tuck in your tailbone, stack the shoulders above the pelvis, and widen your collarbones. You might want to practice against a wall to feel how the pose aligns.
The "Staff Pose" is the foundation for all seated poses and can be thought of as a seated version of the Mountain Pose. This pose strengthens legs and improves bodily alignment. Sit with your legs straight in front of you, engage the thighs, and flex your feet (your heels might leave the floor). Lengthen your spine and stack your shoulders over your hips. You might want to start while sitting on padding, and if your hamstrings are too tight, you'll have to bend your knees some.
************************************
Did you know?
Buddha, who is estimated to have lived 563 to 483 BC, is believed to have studied what was known of yoga at that time as part of an extensive education in Hindu philosophy. It is also very likely, given the rapid growth of Buddhism after his death and before the Bhagavad Gita was composed, that Buddhism had some influence on that work. There is a considerable overlap between the Hindu yoga tradition and Buddhism.
************************************
Besides these two base poses, a common intermediate pose to transfer you into another pose is the "Downward Facing Dog." This pose strengthens and stretches your entire body, and it's also used as both a resting and standing pose. (It's a mild inversion, so it should be avoided during pregnancy or menstruation.) From a crawling position (wrists beneath the shoulders and knees beneath the hips), curl your toes under and push back while raising the hips and strengthening your legs. Spread your fingers and press from the forearms into the floor, with your upper arms rotated outwards to widen your collarbones. Shoulder blades should be geared downwards, and you should engage your quadriceps to take pressure off the arms. Rotate your thighs inwards to keep the tail high and let your heels to the floor; though if you're not yet flexible enough for your heels to touch the floor, don't step forward so they do.
Most if not all yoga routines end with the "Corpse Pose," the traditional pose of resting and rejuvenation. With your eyes closed, lie flat on your back, with feet and arms falling out to either side, slightly separated from your body, with your palms up. Relax your entire body, face included, and breathe naturally (you should feel heavy). When leaving the pose, begin by deepening your breathing. Move your outer extremities and draw the movement inwards, bringing the knees to the chest and rolling over. Slowly sit up before opening your eyes.
Related Tags: yoga, kundalini, hatha, ashtanga, yoga certification, kripalu, sahaja
Michael Saunders has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He edits a site on Fundraising Auction Tips and is president of Information Organizers, LLC.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Pranayama-experiencing The Subtle Body
While throwing light on the importance of Pranayama (Yogic breathing exercise) Swami Vivekananda tol - How To Find The Right Divorce Lawyer In Philadelphia
Several couples in Philadelphia who want to file for a divorce often feel ambivalent with regard to - Some Tips On How To Get Your Home Office Interior Design Right
The Internet has given rise to a number of new concepts though the home office is certainly one of t - Lipo 6 Fat Burner - Review And Things You Ought To Know Before You Purchase Lipo 6
In case you've been seeking to reduce weight and sought after a weight loss product, you can also he - Nutrex Lipo 6 - What Is Nutrex Lipo 6 And How Can It Assist You Lose Weight?
What's The Historical past Of Lipo 6?Lipo 6, from Nutrex, is a vitamin tablet which was once launche - Yoga For Better Sex Life - Improve Your Sexual Life Through Yoga
Yoga techniques are products of the Asian continent, having been explored and exported to the west f - Yoga Will Help You Manage With The Daily Stresses Of Life.
Forty or Fifty years back, a many of people still didn't know the difference between Yoga and Yogurt - Finding Out About Pilates Yoga Exercise
For those that are searching for a unique exercise program, pilates or yoga exercise may be exactly - Know More About Yoga Position & Benefits
The classical techniques of Yoga date back more than 5,000 years. In ancient times, the desire for g - Online Yoga For Kids - Make Them Strong
In this competitive world, it is not good to instigate the spread of competition among kids. The mai
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Sacred Message of our Revered Preceptor Shriram Sharma Acharya
In the profound silence of our psyche echoes the subtle voice of our revered preceptor. "Oh, I am al - Give Yourself A Boost At Work With These Simple, Refreshing Tips
Continued concentration over long periods required in the modern workplace can be demanding on your - The Benefits of Yoga for Children
Various trends and fads have come and gone with fitness and exercise which makes it very easy to be - Aquaexercise for All
Experts in fitness aren't surprised about the health benefits of water exercise and many individuals - Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - Side Plank
The Side Plank - (Vasisthasana)This posture is dedicated to the sage Vasistha. In a Sanskrit languag - Selecting the Best Sticky Yoga Mat
You'll probably be very pleased with your choice if you have decided to take up yoga. Your strength - Hatha Yoga for Stress Management: Creating Your New Year Yoga Plan
Are you ready to make a life changing resolution? What is a daily Yoga plan? How can a daily Yoga - Spice Up the Winter Doldrums With a New Yoga Program and Watch the Pounds Come Off
It is always so much fun to watch people scurrying about at the beginning of the year, busily settin - Kundalini Activation and Gayatri Worship
According to Indian Mythology, Brahmaji (creator) had 2 wives. The first was Gayatri and the second - How Effective are Online Classes to Teach Yoga?
After my interest was sparked a while back in regards to becoming an actual Yoga Instructor (or at l