GOMUKHASANA Level 1: Beginner Originating from 'go' meaning 'cow' in Sanskrit, and 'mukha' meaning 'face', this posture is so-called as the crossed legs look like the lips of the cow, and the arms, with one up and one down, look like the ears. Hence, cow face! Benefits: Stretches the shoulders and arms, improves flexibility and… Continue reading Cow Face: Animal Yoga Pose Series
SUKHASANA Level 1: Beginner This is a neutral seated posture, and one you can use if ever you have to sit on the floor. It's a lovely posture for meditating in. 'Sukha' means 'easy' in Sanskrit. If it looks simple it's because it is, but improving your seated posture is important! Benefits: Stable and lengthening… Continue reading Easy Seated Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
UTTANA SHISHOSANA Level 2: Intermediate Benefits: Lengthens and improves flexibility of the spine. Stretches the back, arm, and shoulder muscles, relieving tension. Heart-opening element relieves tension in the sternum. Soothing for the nervous system, calms the mind. Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician): Spinal, back, or shoulder injuries. Knee injuries. Pregnancy- fine but widen the knees, and… Continue reading Extended Puppy: Animal Yoga Pose Series
SAVASANA Level 1: Beginner Despite being a resting posture, Savasana ('sava' = corpse in Sanskrit) can be considered to be one of the most difficult, as many people can find it challenging to surrender. It is a worthy posture in its own right, and a vital aspect of finishing a yoga practice. Even if you… Continue reading Corpse/Resting Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
MANDUKASANA Level 1-2: Beginner-Intermediate Benefits: Hip-opener, stretches the hips and inner thighs, as well as the ankles. Promotes focus and resilience. Can open the chest and front of the shoulders in the prone position. Alleviates menstrual cramps for some women. Promotes digestion/elimination. Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician): Hip/knee/ankle injuries or inflammation. Lower back issues. Pregnancy- discuss… Continue reading Frog: Animal Yoga Pose Series
UTTITHA BALASANA Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Lengthens and stretches the spine, shoulders and arms. Relieves tension in the lumbosacral spine and pelvis. Gently stretches the groin, thighs, ankles and dorsal aspects of the feet. Helps to reduce stress and anxiety, can help to aid sleep. Promotes rest and relaxation- is restorative. Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician):… Continue reading Extended Child’s Pose: Foundation Yoga Pose Series
ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA Level 1: Beginner Benefits: Expansion of the chest by releasing tension and stretching the intercostal muscles. Improves rotation in the hip joints and spine. Massages abdominal organs and promotes digestion/elimination. Contraindications/Cautions (consult your physician): Spinal/nerve issues- acute/chronic injuries, disc diseases, arthritis, sciatica IBS Hernias Women: AVOID if pregnant or menstruating Start from a… Continue reading Lord of the Fishes: Animal Yoga Pose Series
