One of the joys of yoga is the range and variety of yoga poses available. Yoga moves are categorised according to the relationship of the spine to the body- inverted poses, forward bends, backbends, spinal twists, standing poses and balancing poses. For the purpose of this article I will give an example of a key yoga move from each of these categories.
Inversions.
Inversions are any yoga pose where you invert, turn upside down, your entire body and give your heart a chance to rest, such as Shoulder Stand, Headstand and Downward Facing Dog.
Forward Bends
In forward bend poses, for example, Seated Forward Bend, your spine leans forward bringing your chest closer to your body. All forward bend poses help to keep your hip joints supple and support elasticity of the spine. To practice the Seated Forward Bend, sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Inhale and bring both arms up to your ears. Lengthen your spine and lean forward from your hips and rest your hands either on your shins or wrapped around your feet. Stay in this place for 3-5 deep breaths then slowly stretch your arms forward and come to an upright seated position and rest your hands on the floor beside you.
Backbends
Backbend gives a stretch to the front side of the body. They help to increase the flexibility of the upper back and strengthen the muscles of the lower back. Popular backbend yoga moves are the Cobra Pose, the Locust Pose, the Camel Pose and Crescent Moon Pose.
Spinal Twists
Spinal Twist poses helps to improve the flexibility of the spine as it gives your spine a lateral twist, which it often doesn't get and brings nourishment to the digestive organs. When you practice Spinal Twist you literally give your internal organs a "mini massage."
Standing Poses
Key yoga standing moves include the Triangle Pose, Standing Forward Bend, The Warrior Poses and Chair Pose. Standing poses help to lengthen the muscles in the legs, hips and lower back and poses like the Standing Forward Bend gives a complete stretch to the back of the body. The Triangle Pose improves the flexibility of your hips, shoulders and legs as well as giving a lateral stretch to the spine. The Triangle Pose is a very good standard yoga pose to practice and forms the foundation for many standing poses variations.
Balancing Poses
Balancing Poses are excellent to help improve your powers of concentration and focus. All balancing poses need you to have a strong fountain to keep up the pose, for example in the Crow Pose you need to support a balance between your hands, arms and shoulders and, in The Tree Pose to keep up your balance you need to balance on one leg and make subtle adjustments to the standing heels and toes to keep you upright. Focusing on an external point also helps you support your balance as you stay in the pose. Popular balancing yoga moves include the Tree Pose, the Crow Pose and the Peacock.
As you can see there are various types of yoga moves, Inversions, Forward Bends, Back Bends, Spinal Twists, Standing Poses and Balancing Poses. All yoga moves help to improve the flexibility of your spine, tone and strengthens internal organs and increase the flow of energy around your body. When you practice make sure you include at least one pose from each of these categories.
If you wish to learn more yoga moves I urge you to sign up at your local yoga studio where you can learn how to practice yoga safely with a qualified yoga instructor.
If you are reading this and feeling energised and keen to find out more about how yoga and meditation can help you to feel calmer, less stressed and more in control of your life, then I would like to invite you to visit my blog at http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and subscribe to my FREE 7-Day Marvellous You! eCourse. Marvellous You! is full of practical and inspirational tips and ideas to weave yoga and relaxation into your hectic life. Simply click http://yogainspires.co.uk/marvellousyou/ and sign up now.
Thank You From Ntathu Allen - Yoga and Meditation Teacher
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