Many people are keen to bring yoga into their daily routine as a way of de-stressing and developing a healthful lifestyle. People may employ a variety of poses depending on their level of experience and the types of effects they wish to achieve, but one common sequence of poses will be the ‘Classic Standing’ poses. We’ll look at the starting positions necessary to enter into this sequence.
Mountain Pose
Mountain Pose (or Tadasana) is the starting point for many sequences. The feet should be spread out at shoulder width apart and pressed firmly into the mat. The chest should be lifted and open and the arms should be held out straight, with the palms facing each other.
Chair Pose
Chair Pose (or Utkatasana) is the next pose in the sequence. Keep the feet firmly planted but draw the chest down towards the thighs. The arms should be stretched up towards the ceiling, with the palms facing each other again. This pose should be held for several breaths, allowing the chest and thighs to open up as much as possible.
Warrior I
Warrior I (or Virabhadrasana I) is the third pose in the sequence. Start with the feet three to four feet apart, and turn the left foot out ninety degrees and the right foot in forty-five degrees. The knee of the left leg should be bent, with the heel pressing firmly into the mat. The right arm should be reaching high, parallel with the shoulder, and the left arm should be pressing firmly against the inner thigh. Hold this pose for several breaths.
Warrior II
Warrior II (or Virabhadrasana II) is the fourth pose in the sequence. This pose is similar to Warrior I, but with the arms outstretched to either side, palms facing down. The right arm should be in line with the right shoulder, and the left arm should be in line with the left shoulder. The left knee should be bent, with the heel pressing firmly into the mat and keeping the pelvis in alignment. This pose should be held for several breaths.
Triangle Pose
Triangle Pose (or Trikonasana) is the fifth pose in the sequence. Start with the feet three to four feet apart and turn the left foot out ninety degrees and the right foot in forty-five degrees. The left arm should be stretched out straight and in line with the shoulder, and the right arm should be stretched out to the side. The right knee should be bent, with the right arm reaching down to the right ankle or shin. This pose should be held for several breaths.
Extended Side Angle Pose
www.pinterest.com