Yoga Poses

Yoga poses, also known as asanas, are the postures that make up the foundation of a yoga practice.

The Child's Pose is one of the basic yoga poses covered in our beginning yoga slideshow.

Understanding Yoga Poses

If you’re new to the study of yoga, the names of various poses might seem intimidating. However, it’s important to remember that no one expects you to know the difference between the Locust Pose and the Camel Pose on your first day! When you concentrate on developing good form and technique, you’ll gradually increase your understanding of the different postures.

Many yoga styles use the same type of asanas, but may alter them slightly or put them together in different sequences.

There are many ways for you to learn more about yoga poses. You can take a yoga class at your local gym or yoga studio. Or, you can watch an instructional DVD from the comfort of your own home. There are also Web sites and books that provide descriptions of various yoga positions.

Poses for Beginners

Downward Dog

Any yoga student must master the fundamentals of a yoga practice before moving on to the more advanced poses. The following are some basic poses you’ll see in most yoga practices:

• The Child’s Pose, also known as Balasana, is a resting pose. You can also use this pose whenever you feel tired or fatigued from a long day’s work.
• The Cobra Pose, also known as Bhujangasana, is a basic backbend.
• The Mountain Pose, also known as Tadasana, is the foundation of every standing posture.
• The Downward Facing Dog, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, is both a transitional and a resting pose. It is performed many times during most yoga classes. It is so popular that even people who do not practice yoga will recognize the name.
• The Corpse Pose, also known as Savasana, promotes resting and rejuvenation. It is most often done at the end of a yoga class.

Preparing for Your Practice

To prepare for your yoga practice, dress in comfortable yoga clothes that move with your body and allow you to perform quick alignment checks when necessary. Use a non-slip mat or a folded blanket to cover your exercise area. You may also want to remove your jewelry, since necklaces and bracelets can dig into the skin during the more complicated positions.

It’s best not to force yourself into any yoga poses, although using yoga straps or blocks as aids is acceptable. Avoid short or jerky movements, since this increases your risk of injury. If you’re in an organized class, don’t get caught up in comparing strength and flexibility with your classmates. Yoga isn’t a competitive sport!

Don’t forget to pay attention to your breathing. If you’re panting or short of breath, you’re pushing yourself too far and not benefiting from the relaxing effects of the various asanas. To keep your mind focused, engage in the positions with your eyes closed whenever possible.

Generally, it’s better to do fewer poses and hold them for longer time periods than it is to do a quick succession of asanas. When you hold in a firm and steady manner, you increase the health benefits of your practice.

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