Yoga is a great activity for anyone looking to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, and it is especially beneficial for those of us with bodies that may not be as beautifully represented in fitness magazines and social media. Doing a variety of yoga poses can help us to receive many physical, mental and emotional benefits while building a strong relationship with our body and respecting our physical abilities.
Yoga Poses On Hands
While it can be challenging, getting the hang of poses that use your hands can benefit your practice. Finding the right balance of stretching and strengthening can help you to prepare for more advanced poses and improve your overall wellbeing.
One great example of a hand-supported asana is Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose). This pose also helps you to better understand the proper technique of transitioning from one pose to the next in a flow. Start with your hands on the ground in Plank Pose, and make sure that your shoulders are directly over your hands. Pause for a few deep breaths, and keep your core engaged.
Taking your time with this pose will help you to fully benefit from it. Make sure your body is in a straight line, rather than sinking your chest or hips downward. You can work your way towards a deeper pose by slowly lowering your body toward the ground, and make sure to tuck your elbows in close to your body as you go. When you get to a comfortable point, hold the pose for a couple of breaths before transitioning into the next pose.
Using your hands as a base of support is also beneficial while practicing poses such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend). If you’re having difficulty balancing in these poses, consider lightly placing your hands against a wall until you find your center of gravity and balance.
Trying different balances with your hands on the ground helps you to gain a better sense of how your body works and the proper way to transition from one pose to the next safely and productively. The more practice you have, the more beneficial your poses will be.
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