Tag Archives: Yoga Asana
Kati Chakrasana – Standing Spinal Twist Pose
Kati Chakrasana or the Standing Spinal twist pose makes the waist and the spine flexible and supple. In Sanskrit, Kati means waist, Chakra means wheel or in this case, twist or turn and Asana means a pose.
Kati Chakrasana is a simple pose and can even be integrated with loosening-up exercises before the start of asana practice. It is an easy pose and can be practiced by anyone.
Urdhva Prasarita Padasana – Upward Extended Feet Pose
Urdhva Prasarita Padasana or the Upward Extended Feet pose strengthens the back muscles and the core abdominal muscles. In Sanskrit, Urdhva means upward, Prasarita means extended, Pada means leg and Asana means a yoga posture. Urdhva Prasarita Padasana is an intermediate level pose and can be done by all age groups. Beginners can initially take assistance of a wall to master this pose.
7 Balancing Poses for Beginners
Balancing poses are interesting. Along with restoring the physical balance and correcting our posture, these Asanas also teach us how to stay grounded and balanced even when tumultuous situations strike us in life. Meanwhile, these poses could be slightly challenging if our core muscles are weak or if we are under tremendous stress. So how do we practice them?
Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana – Standing Split Pose
Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana or the Standing Split pose stretches the back muscles, hamstrings, groin and leg muscles and improves body balance. In Sanskrit, Urdhva means upward, Prasarita means spread out, Eka means one, Pada means leg and Asana means a yoga posture.
Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana – Revolved Half Moon Pose
Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana or the Revolved Half Moon pose is a challenging balancing asana that strengthens the core abdominal muscles, the spine, the hamstrings and the leg muscles. In Sanskrit, Parivrtta means revolved, Ardha means half, Chandra means the moon and Asana means a yoga posture.
Parivtta Ardha Chandrasana improves digestion and metabolism and creates a sense of awareness and balance, improving confidence level.
Natarajasana – Lord of Dance Pose
Natarajasana or the Lord of Dance pose is a balancing asana that strengthens the back, shoulders and the arms. In Sanskrit, Nata means dance, Raja means king and Asana means a yoga posture. Natarajasana is good for improving body balance and for developing concentration.
Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana – One Legged Downward Facing Dog Pose
Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward facing dog pose stretches and straightens the spine, strengthens the leg muscles, flexes the hamstrings and thigh muscles and improves balance. In Sanskrit, Eka means one, Pada means leg, Adho means down, Mukha means face and Svana means a dog. Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana is an intermediate level pose that can be attempted by most practitioners.
Parivrtta Anjaneyasana – Revolved Lunge Pose
Parivrtta Anjaneyasana or the Revolved Lunge Pose is a variation of Anjaneyasana or the low lunge pose. In Sanskrit, Parivrtta means revolved or twisted, Anjaneya is a legendary god Hanuman from the epic Ramayana and Asana means a pose. Parivrtta Anjaneyasana strengthens the abdominal muscles, the hip and thigh muscles and improves the sense of balance.
Improve Flexibility with Yoga
Can Yoga improve flexibility? What is flexibility? Is it just the ability to place the palms flat on the floor or doing the standing forward bend? Or, is it the super easy way one can swing himself up to get into shoulder stand? Well, no! There is much more. Being flexible helps us live easier. There are no tense muscles, stiff joints, or that sense of misery which we have to carry with us as we move around.
Yoga Asanas are not mere Exercises
Yoga and exercise are not the same. Today, most fitness programs teach exercises, Yoga asanas, pranayama, Tai Chi, aerobics, martial arts, etc or a combination of these. Though all of these are aimed at maintaining and improving health, few understand the difference between Yoga asanas and other forms of fitness methods.
