MAKARA ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Strengthens the arms, legs, gluteals, and core Stretches the hamstrings, calves, shoulders, and arches of the feet Promotes lengthening of the spine and good posture Encourages focus, concentration, and can relieve stress Good prep pose for arm balances and inversions Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician): High blood pressure… Continue reading Forearm Plank: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
UTTHITA TRIKONASANA Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Stretches many areas of the body, including: ankles, calves, hamstrings, hips, side body Promotes lengthening of the spine Opens the chest and shoulders Can be calming and reduce anxiety Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician): Injury/inflammation of the neck, back, shoulders, hips Low blood pressure Migraines Heart conditions Fine during menstruation… Continue reading Extended Triangle Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
VASISTHASANA Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Strengthens and stretches the wrists Strengthens the arms and shoulders Engages and strengthens the abdominal core and gluteal muscles Improves balance Improves focus and concentration Promotes stability and lengthening of the spine Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician): Inflammation/injuries of the wrists/arms/shoulders/ankles High blood pressure Glaucoma Recent abdominal surgery/trauma Pregnancy- avoid Fine… Continue reading Side Plank Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
UTTITHA EKA PADA KAPOTASANA (PREP) Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Stretches the piriformis and external hip rotator muscles in the bent leg (hip opener) Can reduce sciatic nerve pain by reducing compression/irritation by the piriformis Lengthens the IT band in the bent leg Gentle stretch of the psoas in the straight leg Activates core to level… Continue reading Extended one-legged Pigeon: Animal Yoga Pose Series
DANDASANA Level 1: Beginner This pose may look simple, but anyone who has tried to hold it for a few breaths knows that it is a very active posture, and can get pretty challenging! With several benefits, whilst being very safe for most people, Dandasana is a worthwhile posture to include in your repertoire, and… Continue reading Staff Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
VIPARITA KARANI VARIATION Level 1: Beginner This pose does exactly what it says on the tin: just get those legs up the wall and relax! This is a perfect posture for people who spend all day on their feet, and in stressful roles, and gives us the benefits of an inversion in a gentle and… Continue reading Legs up the Wall: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
SUPTA BADDHA KONASANA Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Stretches the inner thighs Hip opener: improves range of external rotation of the hips Can incorporate a heart opening element (with bolster/blocks) Calming and restorative Can aid digestion by activating the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' mode Can be relieving for menstrual cramps and tension Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician):… Continue reading Reclining Bound Angle Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
