Yoga, specifically Hatha Yoga, consists of incorporating specific poses and conscious breathing. The breath is so important in yoga. It warms the body up, brings life giving oxygen to cells and helps to calms the mind. During class, a variety of poses, or asanas, are held and flowed through to stretch, strengthen, and improve balance, stamina, and proprioception. There are hundreds of different poses, but the following 15 are the most common integrated into a yoga practice, including the benefits for each pose.
1. Mountain - improves posture, creates body awareness, and is the foundation to many other poses
2. Standing Forward Fold – lengthens the spine, stretches the hamstrings, improves circulation to the brain and upper body
3. Plank – strengthens abdominals, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and chest ; harnesses core strength
4. Upward Facing Dog – develops upper body strength and flexibility, improves flexibility in low back, opens the chest
5. Downward Facing Dog – strengthens arms and upper body, stretches shoulders, hamstrings, calves, calms the mind and nervous system
6. Warrior I – strengthens legs, brings flexibility to hips, improves posture, strengthens the back
7. Warrior II – strengthens the legs, feet, and ankles, opens the hips, improves balance and posture
8. Triangle – strengthens lateral muscles of the torso, legs, and ankles, creates openness through chest and back, promotes flexibility in hips, spine and legs (really great for sciatica pain)
9. Side Angle – stretches entire side of body, provides strength and stability for the legs, improves balance
10. Tree – develops concentration and focus, improves balance, strengthens legs and ankles
11. Boat – strengthens back and abdominals, improves balance and focus
12. Spinal Twist – improves flexibility in spine and increases synovial fluid to the joints, aids in digestion and elimination
13. Pigeon – opens hips and chest, stretches thighs, hips, and glutes, can relieve sciatica and low back pain
14. Child’s – stretches ankles, knees joints, and back, calms mind and nervous system
15. Relaxation – relaxes entire body, allows nervous system to rest and breath to return to a gentle inhalation and exhalation