Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose) is a half-way Yoga pose between Trikonasana and Parivrtta Trikonasana, equal parts forward bend and balancing. As the name suggests Parsvottanasana is an intense stretch for the whole body. True, this is a rather challenging and complex Yoga pose, but it offers you an excellent opportunity to practice bending and [...]
Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose) is a simple seated Yoga pose that calls for more than just a little skilled balancing. Accordingly, it has tremendous beneficial effects on much of your body, from your spine to your abdomen, down to your hamstrings. This pose, though a little difficult in the beginning is an ideal combination of [...]
Janu Shirshasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend) is an excellent seated forward bend. This Yoga pose is both a great forward bend as well as spinal twist that can easily be practiced by all. It is specially designed to open up the region of the groins and hips while deeply stretching your back legs. How to do [...]
Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) is a seated Yoga pose that is also known as the Cobbler’s Pose. It is excellent for stretching the spine, while opening up the hips and groin. It is particularly good for people leading sedentary lives, who sit long hours at a computer, or in a car as this tends [...]
Ardha Uttanasana (Standing Half Forward Bend) is a basic Yoga pose, that forms a crucial part of the Surya Namaskar sequence (Sun Salutation). It is also an intrinsic part of Vinyasa and certain other styles of Yoga done dynamically one after the other and connected by a regulated flow of breath. This pose creates a [...]
Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose) – a.k.a. Dead Bug Pose – is considered both a core exercise and a forward bend. This is a delightful restful pose that promotes relaxation by calming the mind and is an excellent way to start and end the day. It is a beginner yoga pose that stretches the groins [...]
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) is one of the most basic Yoga poses that is done time and again in Yoga classes, especially as part of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). It is both a transitional and resting pose, considered an excellent strengthener in its own right and could very well be the first Yoga pose [...]
Virasana (Hero Pose) is one of the primary sitting Yoga poses that is often the starting position for most backward bends, forward bends and twists. It is also excellent for pranayama and meditation, very good for opening tight ankles, stretching out tight quadriceps, and a first-rate therapy for heel spurs and pain. For people, with [...]
Tadasana (Mountain Pose) is a very basic standing Yoga pose, usually the preliminary position for all standing poses and hence considered the foundation for all others. However, it is also beneficial in itself. This wonderful Yoga pose helps promote stillness, strength, relaxed power and the resolute steadiness associated with mountains. Experiencing oneself in stillness is [...]
Understand the differences between Yoga and Pilates to find out which form of exercise regime: Yoga or Pilates offers optimal health benefits to you Yoga Pilates Yoga is an age old tradition (since 5000 years ago) to maintain a health fitness regime. Hence yoga is well known to almost everyone. Pilates is more recent (since [...]
