If you are new to yoga, you might be wondering if there are any specific asana you should know to help get you started. Well, the good news is that any beginner level yoga class, no matter what the styling, will talk you through each asana, so you have nothing to worry about.
However, there is nothing wrong with being enthusiastic and familiarising yourself with the basics!
Here is a list of 7 basic asanas that form the foundation for many of the other asanas you will be practising in the future.
Steps:
Benefits: This is the foundation pose for all standing and forward bending asana. It helps strengthen your legs, improves posture and balance and has a calming effect on the mind.
Contraindications: Though this is a beginner pose, proceed with caution if you have low blood pressure, or feel dizzy. Pregnant women might need to take a wider stance for this practice.
Steps:
Benefits: Another basic asana, this is incorporated in Surya Namaskar (Salute To The Sun) and can be used to move in and out of many other asanas. It stretches your hamstrings and wrists, massages your digestive system and calms your mind by soothing your nervous system.
Contraindications: To be avoided by people with hypertension, back injuries, hamstring injuries or heart conditions.
Steps:
Benefits: Another asana that is incorporated in Surya Namaskar, this practice encourages flexibility in the hips, tones the legs and abdominal organs and also improves focus and balance.
Contraindications: To be avoided, or practised with caution if you have a knee injury.
Steps:
Benefits: Another pose in Surya Namaskar, this is a fairly gentle backwards bend that works to strengthen the spine, soothe sciatica, and stimulate the digestive organs.
Contraindications: To be avoided if you have a back injury, carpal tunnel syndrome or you are pregnant.
Steps:
Benefits: Stretches your hamstrings, spine and shoulders. Improves digestion and helps ease the symptoms of menopause and menstruation discomfort.
Contraindications: Practice with caution if you have asthma or back injury.
Steps:
Benefits: A beautiful balancing asana, this practice strengthens your core, promotes focus and concentration whilst calming the mind.
Contraindications: Practice with caution if you have complaints of the knee, hip or ankle, using modifications if needed.
Steps:
Benefits: This is the base position for all laying asana, however, it is also considered the final asana and is encouraged to be practised at the end of a yoga session to allow your body to adjust and settle. It works to relax both your body and mind and can help lower blood pressure.
Contraindications: Practice with caution, or using modifications, if you are pregnant or have serious back conditions.
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