Sitting postures promote calm and vitality especially the ones practiced for meditation. Many beginner yoga classes start with seated poses to center the mind and warm up the the body. However, some seated poses are advanced and require greater hip mobility and flexibility as well as openness of the shoulders.[...]
Standing postures lay the groundwork for all other asanas in yoga. They are the most fundamental of all postures and help you prepare for the more advanced poses. They help you increase strength, stability and flexibility in the legs. They also enhance body and spatial awareness. Try the poses below to begin or continue your yoga journey. Always modify the poses based on your skill and comfort level. Remember to start gently and progress strongly.[...]
Forward bends, also called forward folds, are calming postures that encourage reflection, humility and inner awareness. Forward bends open the entire backside of the body while stretching the hamstrings, glutes and lower back. They help release tension and counteracts many other asanas to maintain balance in the body.[...]
Balancing poses build focus and strength. They strengthen the core muscles while increasing concentration, coordination and agility. Alignment, core strength and focus are required for balancing postures and with practice, you will gain more body awareness and control over the body as you progress toward more advanced asanas.[...]
Backbends are often referred to as heart openers. They open the chest or heart center and help us release held emotional energy. Opening the chest can be a vulnerable position. Aside from releasing emotions, these postures are rejuvenating and strengthening. They increase spinal flexibility and also stretch the upper back, shoulders and front groin. Follow up your backbends with cooling postures like gentle twists and forward bends to counteract and allow the spine to realign.[...]