There are a host of varying positions within the eight styles of yoga. Hatha is the widely considered the most popular for its primary use of yoga positions, added with breathing and meditating techniques. Meditation is always the ultimate goal, but each yoga position is necessary to achieving true relaxation.
Yoga professionals strongly suggest you not take up yoga merely as a form of exercise, but let that be the icing on the cake. The purpose of each asana is not to build muscle strength, but to stretch your mind and free weighty worries as you stretch your body.
Much Ado about the Yoga Position
As with anything that requires you to be extending and bending, it is usually best warm-up first. Unlike activities like jogging or most sports, your main focus for your yoga warm-up would be the eyes, neck and shoulders. Now you are ready to begin.
If you are taking a class, your instructor will more than likely have a prepared sequence of yoga positions for you to go through. If you are rolling your mat out at home, go ahead and create your own sequence. You can also use video instruction. There are many basic 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 positions, and also during the final relaxation period.
You will find the Fish Pose (Matsyasana) is great for meditation, and relieves tension in the neck and shoulders. Feel like standing folding into a ball? The Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) is a great stretching posture. The Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) and the Locust Pose (Salabhasana) seem best suited the more limber individual, and the Crow Pose (Kakasana) is just plain crazy.
Relaxation is most important in yoga. Contrary to what you may think, most people do not know how to really relax. And if you are still tense during a yoga position, you could hurt yourself. The Corpse Pose is excellent for getting yourself to that place of calm. There are also a few special breathing techniques you can use. Simple moves like flexing your foot a few times can do wonders for releasing tension. Do not forget to take slow, deep breaths. And remember to set and follow your own pace, no two people are alike. Yoga is something that can conform itself to where you are at. You are free to set your own boundaries and goals.
