Yoga is an all-around life enhancer. It develops coordination, flexibility, stamina, balance, mental clarity, increased concentration and overall health. You work with your breath using static postures that flow from one graceful movement to another.
The more you practice on the mat, the more you practice off the mat.
There are so many yoga postures with many different variations. Listed below are a few postures that you will become quite familiar with in the class. In brackets is the name of the posture in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language.
Childs Pose (Balasana)
Kneeling posture performed with arms by the side of the body or your arms extended out in front.
Purpose is to centre the mind and body, it is often used as a resting posture to between more demanding postures.
Downyard- facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Inversion posture performed on all four corners of your mat with hips lifted upwards and your chest towards your thighs.
Purpose to increase flexibility in the Calves, Hamstrings, Shoulders and Back muscles.
Increases blood flow to the brain and calms the mind.
Cat/Cow Pose (Marjariasana/Bitilasana)
Performed on all fours to prepare/cool down your body in a class. Helps you to focus on your breath with movement of the body.
Purpose to increase flexibility and mobility through the spine and abdominals.
Releases tension from the neck and shoulders. Great for those with back pain.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Standing posture.
Purpose to centre and align the body to find a stable base and feel grounded from your feet to beyond the crown of your head. It encourages good posture and elongates the spine.
Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
Standing forward bend.
Purpose to increase flexibility in the hamstrings, gluteal and lower back.
Increases blood flow to the brain, assists in relieving stress and improves circulation and digestion.
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lying on your back usually used at the end of the class for rest after the active postures.
Helps the body to restore itself and to practice conscious relaxation.