Yoga is an underrated form of physical exercise. Its simplistic nature of execution creates a deceptive illusion that it is easy. Thus, not as impactful as other forms of physical exercise.
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not just about twisting or bending the body and simply holding your breath. It is the practice of balancing your mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Therefore, successfully executing a yoga pose takes more energy and effort.
If you are still on the fence, roll out your mat and try these 5 simple beginner-friendly yoga poses in the comfort of your home.
1. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Also known as the Corpse pose, Savasana is a resting pose performed by lying on your back. It sounds and looks easy, but according to yoga gurus, it is one of the most challenging poses to execute. Mainly because you must quiet your mind while keeping your body still.
During this pose, you need to relax, silence your mind, and focus on your breathing. However, for most people, staying still is an uphill task. They fidget and constantly swing their bodies from one side to another.
Others struggle to silence their minds. The constant chatter in the mind makes it hard to relax. Many worry about executing the yoga pose, which defeats its original purpose. If done correctly, Savasana induces calmness by draining out fatigue.
2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
To properly execute the Tree Pose, stand up straight and don’t hunch your shoulders. Then, raise your hands and hold them together above your head. Slowly lift your right leg and rest it on the inner thigh. Take a deep breath and hold the position for a few minutes.
This yoga pose improves balance, coordination, and a sense of focus. Yoga experts state that the more you practice this pose, the more you can handle life’s challenges with clarity and grace. So, if you lose your balance and fall off at first, keep doing it; eventually, you’ll get better.
If you have sciatica or back pain, this pose is for you. Its proper execution helps relieve back, leg, and hip pain. Tree Pose also strengthens your abdomen muscles, calves, and ankles.
3. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Start lying face down on your mat. Then, rise into the plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Your feet should also be hip-width apart. In a fluid motion, press your hands firmly against the floor and move your hips upward, allowing your body to make an inverted ‘V’ position.
Keep your neck and back straight, with your head down and feet flat on the floor. Don’t pin your ears against your shoulders or keep your head up and crunch your neck. As you start, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the ground. Remember, in this position, the goal is to have your toes touching the floor.
If you do it correctly, the Downward-Facing Dog releases tension in your back. Your legs also get a good stretch, especially the hamstrings. This pose also strengthens your arms and shoulders and releases any tension stuck in those places.
4. Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
The Upward-facing Dog is a powerful pose that stabilises and stretches the abdomen and chest. It also strengthens and lengthens the lower back. Yoga enthusiasts rate the Upward-Facing Dog as an intermediate to advanced pose, so you should exercise caution while doing it. You don’t want to hurt yourself.
If you start on a Downward-Facing Dog, it is easy to transition into an Upward-Facing Dog. However, you can also start from a plank position and proceed to the Baby Cobra Pose. Keep your feet hip-width apart and the arms shoulder-length apart. Take a deep breath in.
Exhale and lower your body while tilting it forward. Your hands and waist down should be the only parts of your body touching the floor. Hold the position for a few minutes and feel the stretch on your abdomen.
5. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana).
For the Triangle Pose, start with your hands at your sides and your feet 3 to 4 feet apart. Shift your weight onto the left foot, pressing the inner foot firmly on the floor. Raise your arms on either side parallel to the floor, palms facing the ground.
Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out, bend your body to the right, grasp your right ankle with your right hand, and stretch your left arm towards the ceiling. This pose stretches your obliques, arms, and hamstrings.
While doing this pose, don’t place all your weight on your inner knee. Also, don’t forcefully twist your head towards the ceiling. Doing this will injure your cervical spine and your knees.
The Take Away.
Doing these five yoga poses correctly will have you sweating like you’ve been running! The good thing is that you’ll have put in some work for your body and your mental well-being, and you’ll also be significantly relaxed. Try these poses today! ♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
Guess this should be a start to me being a yoga girlie ☺️
Yes, you just have to start.