Introduction
to Yoga
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Tadasana Mountain
pose
Stand erect, feet together. Spread toes. Lift knee caps. Thigh bones back,
tail bone in, lift sternum from base of spine. Shoulder blades & arms
extend downwards.
Breathe and hold for 20-30 seconds.
Uttanasana Forward bend
Exhale forward bend into wall. Align feet under each hip, hands level
w/hips, shoulder width. Inhale lift sitting bones. Exhale lengthen elbows,
armpits, ribs, spine & sitting bones.
Breathe and hold for 30-60 seconds.
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Trikonasana Triangle
pose
Legs 4 feet apart. Right foot 90º out, left foot slightly inwards. Inhale
lift torso to extend spine. Exhale bend sideways, upper torso over legs.
Breathe and hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on second side.
Vrksasana Tree pose
Hug left leg muscles to the bone. Bend right leg. Press foot/thigh into
each other. Take bent knee back & down. For balance, use wall.
Breathe and hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on second side.
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Baddha Konasana Bound
angle pose
Sit against wall. Press feet into each other, heels close to groins. Shoulder
blades pressed flat into wall & downward to arch lower back. Tilting
pelvis slightly. Draw outer thigh muscles towards knees. Knees to floor
(Can do this on wall like Upavistha Konasana).
Breathe and hold for 30-60 seconds.
Upavistha Konasana Wide-angled pose on the wall
Legs straight. Stretch out through heels & towards floor (Can do this
sitting like Baddha Konasana).
Breathe and hold for 30-60 seconds.
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Marjarasana Cat Cow
Hands under shoulders & knees under hips. Inhale lift head & tail
bone concaving the back. Exhale tuck tail bone under, round back upward,
head down. Be fluid with your movements. Always starting from the pelvis.
Breathe and repeat series 10 times.
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Vajrasana Extended
puppy pose
Start with hips over knees, arms extended. Draw buttocks halfway backwards
towards calfs as you resist with the palms pressing into the floor to
lengthen the spine & back muscles.
Breathe & hold for 20-30 seconds, maintain stretch in back as you
slowly move into childs pose.
Balasana Childs pose
Open up your heart and relax. Breath & elongate the spine. Breathe
and hold for 40-60 seconds.
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Adho Mukha Svanasana
Dog pose
Starting on all fours with knees under hips and hands 1 hands distance
in front of shoulders. Inhale for Cow pose (head up tail bone up). Exhale
slowly come up with bent knees keeping lower back from rounding. Straighten
legs & arms lower head. Lift sitting bones upward. Keep knees bent
if lower back rounds.
Breathe and hold for 30-60 seconds.
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Anjaneyasana Kneeling
quadriceps Lunge & Hamstring Stretch
Exhale lunge left foot forward with bent knee slightly past ankle. Inhale
lift upper torso from base of spine, look forward. Exhale draw shoulders
back & down towards buttocks. Lunge hips forward again, draw left
thigh downward, stretching right groin & quadriceps. Breathe and hold
for 40-60 seconds. Not moving left foot exhale draw hips back & straighten
left leg for hamstring stretch. Lift sitting bones.
Breathe and hold for 40-60 seconds. Repeat second side.
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Supta Padangusthasana
Reclining finger to foot pose
Place left foot into wall. Keep both legs straight & left thigh on
ground. Exhale lift right leg with tie. Inhale lengthen thru heel. Exhale
take leg towards torso. Breath and hold for 40-60 seconds. Wrap tie around
right hand, left hand on thigh. Exhale take leg out to the side towards
floor & head. Inhale lengthen thru heel. Exhale stretch towards floor
& head.
Breathe and hold for 40-60 seconds. Repeat on second side.
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Jathara Parivartanasana
Reclining twist (crocodile twist)
Lie on left side place right foot on left knee, hop left hip back to align
hips. Inhale take right arm over head, exhale twist to right. Have knee
& shoulder even distance from floor. Long smooth breaths to open ribs
& lengthen spine.
Breathe and hold for 40-60 seconds. Repeat on second side.
Pavana Muktasana Little boat pose
Exhale knees to chest. Rock side to side to massage back.
Breathe and hold for 40-60 seconds.
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Savasana Corpse pose
(deep relaxation)
Take arms approx 2 feet out from your hips palms facing up. Legs straight
and together, then let feet roll out to the sides. Have the forehead be
slightly higher then the chin. Use a blanket if necessary. Completely
relax. Calm the mind letting go of any worries, thoughts or tension. When
the mind wonders come back to your breath. Enjoy!
Breathe and stay for 10 minutes.
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