Yoga Postures and Asanas - A Brief Description

High levels of concentration and perseverance aredigestive system and properly toning the abdominal
required for the perfect execution of any yoga pose.area. The Stage Twist and the Half Spinal Twist are
Fortunately, there are a number of classes trainingsome of the most recommended of the twisted yoga
yoga to students. These classes help individualsposes.
acquire the requisite skills for performing asanas in theSupine (Face Upwards) postures: Students need to lie
ideal fashion. If executed correctly and on a regularwith their face up while performing these asanas.
basis, yoga can be immensely beneficial, both to theThere are quite a number of supine poses that are
human mind and body. Styles, however, should not bewidely practiced. Some of the most beneficial of such
practiced in any haphazard manner.poses are Locust pose, Leg pulls, Wind relieving pose,
Indeed, there is a prescribed sequence in which theraising the leg and the Leg reclining lunge.
poses need to be performed by any newcomer in thisBalancing postures and poses of inversion: Functioning
field. There are a large number of asanas (orof the abdominal organs are facilitated by practicing
postures) of yoga, and following their correctthese poses of yoga. These poses also help to ease
sequence is crucial for reaping the maximum benefits.the working of the brain and the glandular system. The
Done the wrong way without the right guidance canPlough, Headstand and Shoulder stand are some of
also be harmful. Most yoga experts agree on athe most popularly practiced of such postures.
particular order in which these poses need to beBack bending exercises: These poses are aimed at
practiced by students. According to them, yogaenhancing the overall flexibility of the human body. The
asanas need to be followed in the following sequence:motor mechanism of the arms, legs, abdomen and the
Warming-Up: There are certain warm up poses thatspinal cord can be smoother by performing these
need to be practiced before one gets into the specialexercises in the proper manner.
asanas required in different styles of yoga. The warmPostures for finishing: At the culmination of any
up asanas are unique to the style/method of yoga thatparticular session of training, the finishing poses need to
is to be followed.be followed. The Savasana (Corpse pose) and the
Standing postures: There are different body posesFinal Corpse postures are the two prescribed finishing
which students need to learn and execute properly.poses of yoga.
The hands to feet exercise, the triangle pose and theIt is also important to have a yoga mat and some
standing side-stretch pose are some of the mostaccessories before you start. Apart from the above
essential standing poses. Sun salutation, the Tree posegeneral sequence of practicing the various yoga
and the Warrior pose, along with Stand Spread Legasanas, there are certain special breathing exercises
Forward Holding exercises, are widely taught tothat are also widely practiced. The breathing exercises
students as well.known as pranayama, call for separate, and special
Seated postures: These postures should be practicedpostures. However, students should not try to perform
by students while sitting on specially designed yogayoga exercises that are beyond their physical
mats. The Hero pose, the Child pose, the seatedcapabilities. Also, they should immediately discontinue
forward bend exercises and those related to Spreadthe practice of any asana, if they are feeling any
Leg Forward Hold are recommended by mostdiscomfort while doing it. Yoga poses and asanas, if
teachers.learnt properly, and practiced regularly in the prescribed
Twisted postures: These asanas are primarily aimedform, do hold out great benefits to all students.
at boosting the strength of the back, improving the