Yoga has been part of my wellness regime for several years now and it’s something I like to work into my weekly work outs for not just my body, but, my mind as well. If you’re familiar with yoga, you know the great benefits it has on both! I can honestly say that after every yoga session I’ve encountered, I come out feeling so relaxed and reenergized (can you be both at the same time?!).
After several years of yoga classes and experiencing different types of Yoga (i.e. Hot Yoga, Bikram, Vinyasa, Flow), I’ve come to acquire a collection of some of my fav poses. The ones that make me feel the best and the ones, I think, I benefit from the most. I first decided to try yoga several years back to maintain a healthier spine. Being an adult with scoliosis, the particular poses targeted for the spine ultimately help with my posture and overall limits any lower back pain.
There’s a bit for everyone here – toning, strengthening, and stretching. This is great for beginners who are just trying out so take what you can and enjoy the amazing benefits! Namaste.
My Favorite Yoga Poses
1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Tips/Benefits: There’s something powerful about fully grounding your feet and standing in complete solitude and balance. Try with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing.
2. Downward-facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Tips/Benefits: Try pedaling out your feet while in this pose to loosen up the legs and hips even more.
3. Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Tips/Benefits: One of FAV favs. A wonderful detox pose that flushes fresh blood to the internal organs once the twist is released (ah!).
4. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tips/Benefits: Try with hands in prayer or extend hands above your head for the full ‘tree’ effect.
5. Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana I)
Tips/Benefits: Engage your core and maintain stillness here.
6. Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana II)
Tips/Benefits: Maintain your core and tuck in your booty! (my big booty gets in the way of this one!).
7. Warrior 3 (Virabhadrasana III)
Tips/Benefits: Fly like an airplane! Bend your standing knee slightly to maintain balance and ensure your arms are fully extended with biceps as close to your ears as you can.
8. Thread the Needle (Sucirandhrasana)
Tips/Benefits: This pose is an amazing stretch for the hips, glutes, and quads. Flex the foot on your bent leg to protect your knee and use your elbow to push your bent leg away from your chest, opening your hips even more.
9. Wind-Relieving Pose (Pavana Muktasana)
Tips/Benefits: Pardon the name (lol) this is a variation of Thread the Needle pose and is great for tight hamstrings.
10. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Tips/Benefits: What’s better than lying on your back in complete stillness? Focus on your breathing here and set an intention for your practice or thank yourself for showing up to your mat today!
What’s your favorite yoga pose? Let me know in the comments section below!
