Yoga practice is a centuries-old traditional Eastern discipline. Practitioners of this physical and mental exercise have developed unique poses that embody their individual experience. Here are five yoga poses that you’re probably not used to seeing!
Introduction
If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, yoga may be the perfect fit for you. But what if you’re not familiar with some of the more common poses? Here are Ten poses that you may have never seen before.
1. Camel pose
This stretch is great for relieving tension in your lower back, neck, and shoulders. Start by lying down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on either side of your head, and lift your chest off the ground. Hold this position for about 30 seconds before slowly lowering yourself back down to the ground.
2. Child’s pose
This pose is ideal for calming and centering yourself. Start by lying flat on your back on the ground with both legs extended straight out in front of you. Cross your ankles, then place your fists behind your head and pull your head towards your knees. Hold this position for about 30 seconds before slowly pressing up into a seated position and release all of the tension in your body.
3. Cat-cow pose
This stretch is great for toning and lengthening your spine. Start by standing up straight with your knees slightly bent and your feet touching the ground. Lift your arms overhead, then bend forward at the waist while pushing yourself backwards with one hand. At the same time, raise your hips up in the air while keeping your head in a neutral position and both legs flat to the ground. Then slowly come back upright again and hold this position for about 30 seconds before slowly lowering yourself back to the ground.
4. Downward Dog Pose
If you’re new to yoga, chances are you’ve probably only done a few of the most common poses. But there are tons of different yoga poses out there that you might not have seen before. Downward Dog is one of those poses.
Downward Dog is a great pose for beginners because it stretches your entire body and provides a lot of benefits for your spine and hips. It also helps to improve your balance and posture.
To do Downward Dog, start by sitting down on the ground with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent to 90 degrees. Then, lift your torso up towards the sky while keeping your back straight, and reach your hands toward the floor behind you. Hold this pose for as long as you can, then slowly lower your body back down to the ground.
5. Warrior Pose
The warrior pose is a popular yoga pose that you may have seen before. It is one of the Primary series poses and is a balancing pose that stretches your spine, arms, and legs. To do the warrior pose, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and parallel to each other. Bend your knees and place your palms on the floor next to your feet. Now lift your torso up, positioning your chin above your palms. Hold this position for several seconds before lowering back down to the starting position.
6. Side Plank Pose
Side plank is a great pose for beginners because it’s easy to hold and you can focus on your breathing. Start by lying on your side with your legs straight and your feet flat on the ground. Place one hand on the ground below your shoulder, and lift the other hand up towards the sky. Hold this position for as long as you can, then slowly lower both hands back to the ground.
7. Upward Dog Pose
If you’re looking for a challenging yet effective yoga pose, try the upward dog pose. This powerful position helps to open up the spine, shoulders and hips. To do it: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your hands on your thighs. Inhale and lift your torso up, pressing your heels into the floor. Exhale and press your torso down towards the ground, reaching your hands towards the floor. Hold for five to 10 breaths, then come back to center.
8. Cobra Pose
If you’re new to yoga, you may not be familiar with the cobra pose. This position is a challenging one that will stretch your back, hips, and shoulders. To do it, start on all fours with your hands flat on the floor in front of you. Arch your back so that your spine touches the floor and raise your head and torso up until your chin is over your hands. Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly lowering yourself back to the starting position.
9. Tree Pose
This yoga pose is a great way to open up your chest and improve your posture. To do tree pose, start by lying on your back with your palms flat on the ground beside you. Bend your legs so that your feet are flat on the ground, and lift your hips off the ground. Inhale as you lift your chest and head off the ground, then exhale and relax your head and shoulders back down to the ground. Repeat this cycle 10 times.
10. Headstand Pose
If you’ve ever done a sun salutation, then you probably know about the headstand. But have you seen the all-new camel pose? This pose is great for strengthening your back and improving your balance.
