Yoga BLOG

by Stefan
on May 08 2024
These are the most popular yoga exercises
If you've been trying out different types of yoga for a while, you've probably already found one that appeals to you the most. Perhaps you already know your favorite asanas. If this isn't the case, because you've only recently started or your understanding of the different yoga postures is still very limited, you can use the information in this article to your advantage. Get to know various popular yoga poses that can positively support you in your everyday life.
Important: Clarify your symptoms before your first yoga session
If you're physically healthy, you can start right away. However, if you have any physical limitations, be sure to have this checked out by your trusted doctor or a naturopath of your choice.
What you should consider as a beginner before practicing!
Once everything's clear, you can slowly start practicing. It's advisable to join a yoga group in your city. There, the yoga instructor can give precise instructions on how to perform each asana.
If you're already experienced or have access to valuable online content, this may be enough to get you started with yoga. Here, you should make sure that the individual exercises are well explained and that you're confident in performing them.
No matter which yoga class you attend, always be aware of your own limits. The goal is for you to be able to fully perceive your body and feel what you need at that moment.
Deep breathing is also essential for achieving a relaxing effect on your body and mind. The yoga session can be concluded with a meditation or with guidance for a specific breathing exercise on your pillow . This way, you can benefit from the holistic effect.
When choosing your clothing, it's advisable to opt for comfortable fabrics. Fabrics should sit comfortably against the skin, and tight waistbands should be avoided.
The best yoga exercises for body, mind and soul
To get a good insight into the most important yoga postures, you can practice the following poses and integrate them into your practice on the mat .
a) Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
For this pose, stand on your mat with your feet hip-width apart and slowly squat down. You'll definitely feel the tension in your thighs. This is exactly right. This exercise works your thighs and glutes. Your core muscles and calves are also targeted.
b) Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
If you'd like to try another standing pose, Mountain Pose is recommended. This can strengthen your legs and increase your stability. When performing this pose, make sure your feet are firmly planted on the mat, with your big toes touching. Turn your thighs slightly inward, and point your knees forward. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides. Push your chest forward, and stay in this position for one minute. If you feel like it, you can stay longer.
c) Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana)
This pose is part of the Sun Salutation or many advanced Vinyasa flows. For this pose, lie on your mat, belly down, legs extended behind you. Then raise your upper body, palms down, arms straight, and legs slightly off the floor. This means that only the palms of your hands and the backs of your feet are resting on the mat. You can tilt your head back.
Stay in this pose for a few breaths and observe how you feel. This exercise is good for your back and spinal mobility. It also opens your heart and chest.
If these physical exercises are too difficult for you, try Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana). Here, you assume a similar position. Lie on your stomach, place your arms in front of you, press through them, and slowly raise your torso (using the strength of your back). Your knees (and legs) remain completely on the mat. This exercise strengthens your back and opens your heart. You can tilt your head back—be careful not to overextend it.
d) Child's Pose (Balasana)
This is a position ideal for relaxing during a busy day or an intense yoga session. You squat and then place your upper body flat on the mat. Your arms pointing backward or forward.
The advantage of this asana is that you can completely relax in it. It stretches your thighs and ankles, reduces tension in your back, and mobilizes your hip joints.
e) Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Young woman practicing yoga, standing in Downward facing dog pose, adho mukha svanasana exercise, beautiful girl in gray sportswear, leggings and bra working out at home or in yoga studio
To complete your yoga practice, downward dog is a must. It is practiced in the Sun Salutation along with upward dog. This will train your thighs and shoulders, and mobilize your back.
Get into a quadruped position on your mat and then raise your pelvis backward. Straighten your legs (as far as you can) and your arms as well. Keep your back straight, and the soles of your feet rest on the floor. Stay in this pose for a few breaths, breathing in and out deeply.
f) Cat (Bidalasana) and Cow (Bitilasana)
Another popular exercise is the cat-cow pose. Here, you stand back on your mat with your feet hip-width apart and your hands shoulder-width apart.
As you inhale, assume cow pose, which means your chest is directed forward and your back is more sagging (a hollow back). As you exhale, assume cat pose. Your back is arched upward, and you form the familiar "cat's back."
With this pose you mobilize your spine and strengthen your abdomen, chest and shoulders.
Other great exercises are:
Warriors I, II and III
Tree
triangle
swivel seat
Seated forward bend (straight and lateral)
What is your favorite exercise and how long have you been doing yoga?
Parvatasana - the Yoga Mountain
by Nick
on Nov 23 2016
Parvatasana - the Yoga Mountain Yoga is an Indian science dating back thousands of years. It uses physical exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, and concentration to help achieve greater flexibility, relaxation, inner peace and serenity, and health. One of the most popular poses is Parvatasana, the Yoga Mountain. The word "parvatasana," which comes from Sanskrit, means "mountain pose." This yoga exercise aims to develop balance, body control, courage, and determination. Parvatasana is an advanced asana. Anyone can perform this exercise, regardless of age, physical ability, or cultural or religious background. The Mountain - Parvatasana - how is the exercise performed? For Parvatasana, you first choose a sitting position, starting with a cross-legged position. Extend your legs forward so that your heels and knees are together. Your back is completely straight, but your upper body should still be in a comfortable position. Place your palms together in front of your chest and press them together. Stretch your arms vertically above your head and inhale deeply. Remain in this position for 5 to 30 seconds, holding your breath. You can increase the number of seconds over time. It's best to close your eyes while doing this, as this increases the positive effect. When you want to exhale, lower your arms. Repeat this yoga exercise, the mountain pose, up to five times in a steady rhythm. Regular repetition of the exercise ensures that you breathe deeper, which brings more oxygen into your system and thus makes you more active. Deep breathing relaxes the entire body and contributes to a positive approach to tension, pressure, and stress in everyday life. What are the effects and benefits of Parvatasana, the Yoga Mountain? The Yoga Mountain pose can calm the nerves and mind, and relax the shoulder and neck muscles. The spine, shoulders, and abdominal muscles are strengthened. The entire upper body is stretched. The pose also develops various arm muscles, such as biceps and triceps. It can also relieve arthritic shoulder pain. Thanks to the deep and even breathing, the lungs are strengthened. This also benefits people suffering from respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. The lungs are evenly filled with plenty of air, and the used air is then completely exhaled. The touch of the palms of the hands brings centering and aids balance. This meditative method helps you find your center, and thereby achieve peace and clarity. This provides the opportunity to gain the necessary stability and distance to avoid being overwhelmed by any emotions or fears. At the same time, Parvatasana improves concentration. It can also promote digestion. Conclusion
Parvatasana develops balance and body control. The Yoga Mountain pose is also an ideal exercise that calms the nervous system, contributes to improved stress management, strengthens the back muscles, and can have an optimal effect on the respiratory system, the heart, as well as the neck and shoulders. When performing this yoga pose, it's especially important not to hunch your shoulders and keep your shoulder girdle broad. It increases shoulder mobility, and relieves strain on the neck and upper back muscles. If you occasionally lose your balance at first, this is not a problem. However, you should easily master the cross-legged position, the starting position of the Yoga Mountain pose. Simply repeat the exercise. With regular practice, you will notice the results within a short time. Image © belitas / 123rf.com