There are many different asanas, or poses within the eight different styles of yoga. Hatha is the most well known for its primary use of yoga poses, along with breathing and meditating exercises. Even though meditation is the ultimate goal, each yoga pose acts as a stone in the path. They are necessary to this graceful art.
Yogi experts would suggest you not take up yoga as a form of exercise, but rather let that be the added bonus. The purpose of each pose is not to flex your muscles, but to stretch and release your mind as you stretch your body.
The Skinny on the Yoga Pose
As with anything that requires physical exertion, it is always best warm-up before beginning. Unlike the stretching that is involved with activities like jogging or most sports, your main focus for your yoga warm-up would be the neck and shoulders. Now it is time to begin. If you are taking a class, your instructor will have a sequence of yoga poses for you to go through. If you are starting your education at home, you can create your own unique sequence. There are some basic beginning asanas that are used in most classes.
The Corpse Pose (Savasana) is relatively easy and very relaxing. It can be done in between other yoga poses, and during the final relaxation period. You will find the Easy Pose (Sukhasana) is great for meditation, and during the neck and shoulder exercises. Feel like standing tall? Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is a great stretching posture. Everyone needs a good, long stretch. The Headstand (Sirshasana) and the Shoulder Stand (sarvangasana) seem to favor the more limber individual, and the Plough Pose (Halasana) requires some flexibility to perform.
You Gotta Chill So You Can Vogue
Relaxation is very important in order to be successful in yoga. Contrary to what you may think, you probably do not know how to relax. No need to fret; most people do not. And if you are tense during the execution of a yoga pose, you could end up hurting yourself. The Corpse Pose is excellent for bringing yourself into a place of calm.
There are also special breathing techniques to practice. Moves as simple as flexing your foot a few times can do wonders for releasing tensions. Be sure to take slow, deep breaths and go at your own pace. Yoga is something that tailors itself to each individual. You set your own boundaries and goals.
