Basic Yoga Poses Names

As a beginner to yoga, it can often feel intimidating to take part in a full-blown yoga class. All hell breaks loose in your head, with thoughts of flexible people in their skimpy clothes doing crazy poses everywhere. Calm your confusion and ease your fears – it’s time to do yoga! To get you started, here are a few easy yoga poses for beginners which help strengthen you, both inside and out.

Mountain Pose

illustration of a person standing with their hands together above their head

This basic standing pose is the perfect one to start you off, as it teaches you to stand with correct posture and pay attention to details. It’s a great pose for strengthening your feet, legs and toning your abdominal muscles. Stand with feet together, arms by your side, spine straight and head in a neutral position. Gently lift your arms above your head so your palms touch and take a few deep breaths.

Downward Facing Dog

This pose is perfect for stretching the entire back of your body, from your heels to your neck. Place your hands and feet on the floor, hands directly underneath your shoulders and feet hip-width apart. Tuck your toes and press your heels into the ground, lift your hips up in the air and push your chest towards your legs. If you find you need more of a stretch, walk your hands forward and back without lifting your feet.

Plank Pose

illustration of a person holding a isometric-like pushup position

Time to test your arm and core strength! Get into a push up position, with your hands and feet squarely on the ground and your shoulders directly over your elbows. Try to keep your entire body in a flat, straight line and hold for as long as you can. As it can be a little challenging, you can start by doing the modified version on your knees. Don’t forget to breathe!

Cat Cow Pose

illustration of a person in the cat cow pose, a pose that involves sagging and arching the back while seated

Do this pose first thing in the morning and you’ll feel ready to take on the day! Get on all fours and as you exhale, drop your belly and arch your back, doing the classic ‘cat’ pose. On your next inhale, press into your hands, lift your chest and head and push your hips towards the sky for the ‘cow’ pose. Do this a few times. This helps to massage your spine, improve the flexibility of your neck and shoulders, and energizes the body.

Cobra Pose

illustration of a person lying on their stomach, with their arms bent at the elbows and lifted in a cobra-like fashion

Lie on your stomach, feet together and hands under your shoulders. Inhale and lift your head and chest up, your hands and the tops
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