Yoga poses are simple a way of Opening yourself up to the physical, mental, and spiritual universe via carefully designed and intentional moves. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “to join,” and it refers to an ancient Indian system of mental and physical exercises. Yoga was developed in India thousands of years ago and has been used for healing in many cultures. In fact, yoga’s history is as diverse as its practitioners. While some would say the history of yoga is inextricably linked to Hinduism, others believe it to have roots in other religions.
Types of yoga poses
Some yoga poses are more common than others. These include the Standing Forward Bend, which are also known as the Shipshape, and Downward Facing Dog. Other yoga poses that you may not be aware of include the Hanging Knee, Squatting Dragon, Half Spinal Twist, Warrior Stretch, Locust Pose, Dolphin, and Peacock. All yoga poses, whether they are called yoga poses or not, can be useful for helping you strengthen your mind and/or body. Here, we’ll go over the different kinds of yoga poses, their description, and how they can help you.
The Standing Forward Bend is one of yoga poses that will stretch your entire body. Begin this pose by sitting in a straight-legged position, then bend your knees and raise your upper body straight up. Lift your chest and rest it on your shoulders, then lower your upper body back down to the starting position. Repeat this sequence up to three times, then rest for a few seconds before doing it again. If you need more encouragement, then you can do the Standing Forward Bend several times each day. This is one of the better yoga poses to work the chest, stomach, back, and neck.
The Stretching Stretch is another of yoga poses you may not be aware of. For this pose, lay down flat on your mat, with both your elbows resting on the mat’s surface. Now, lean your head toward the front of the mat, and put your heels on the front part of your mat. Keep your hands flat against the mat as you lean forward, until your head almost reaches the floor. Lower yourself down, keeping your back straight. This will stretch the muscles of your neck, back, arms, stomach, thighs, and buttocks.
There are four more yoga poses that you may not have heard of–unless you’re talking about the word pranayama. Pranayama means “breathing meditation.” It is yoga practice you can perform while sitting, lying down, or during a yoga workout. You’ll want to study and practice pranayama, as doing it the wrong way could be very uncomfortable or even dangerous.
The three yoga poses most likely to cause discomfort are also among the most ignored by most yoga teachers. These are the kapalbhati or wind-down pose; the triangle pose; and the upward facing dog. The kapalbhati is the one you probably know. Many yoga teachers simply instruct students to lie on the ground and cross their legs, then reach their hands up toward the sky. Kapalbhati is meant for relaxation, but it also leaves the shoulders, back, and neck feeling sore and stiff.
How Sanskrit defines yoga poses?
In Sanskrit, yoga poses aren’t always meant to be done sitting down. There are several Sanskrit sutras that address various aspects of physical movement and posture. Ashtanga and power yoga classes often begin with exercises meant for improving the students’ breathing and awareness skills, as well as their flexibility, balance, strength, and stability.
Vinyasa yoga for better movement
In contrast to yoga poses, vinyasa is an exercise style that is meant to move. It is easy to explain: Instead of standing straight in one spot, participants frequently move from one position to another, pausing at different points along their movement. This is not a static exercise, and it does require the participant to remain fully stretched and elastic. Vinyasa yoga teachers instruct students to move with the breath, but to remember that each move is made using the entire body. As with yoga poses, vinyasa movements should be controlled and mindful of one’s surroundings.
