Yoga Poses and Names

Yoga is the connection of the mind, body and spirit. It is an ancient art that was developed in India.

Though many yogis still hold to the fundamental teachings of the ancient Indians, yoga has been much modernized. Now there are classes like flow yoga and even hot yoga.

These are a little bit more high-tension yoga classes meant for weight loss. Traditional yoga was actually practiced as a meditation, and because of that many practitioners try to keep the traditional names with the art.

The first pose for most yoga routines is "savasana" or in English "corpse pose". This pose is deceptively simple looking, but to achieve maximum benefits can be a bit difficult.

Lie on your back with your feet a little beyond hip width apart, legs extended, and hands a few inches from your waist turned upward in receiving position. Now imagine yourself as a bag of sand sinking into the earth.

Imagine you are at the beach and with every breath a few bits of you fall from that bag. This should be a relaxing pose.

It is done before and after the yoga routines. A common pose you may have heard of is downward facing dog.

This is where you hold your heels to the mat and press your hands to the ground at the same time, while keeping your legs and back straight. This will probably tear your calf muscle if you are not experienced.

Flow from this position into "trikonasana" or "triangle pose". Step forward with your left foot, bend your back down and place your left hand near your foot.

Now while keeping your feet facing the same direction, with your hand near your left foot, lift your right hand into the air. Opening your chest and revealing your heart to the world around you.

Throughout the routines you will need to exhale as you abduct and inhale as you contract. This is going to train your muscle to work to their maximum potential.

In yoga breathing is more important than actually performing the stretch. Many people will not be flexible enough to perform the stretches their first few times, but as long as you practice the proper breathing techniques you will get a great benefit from the routine.

Another pose I would like to share is the cobra pose, traditionally called bhujangasana. Lie on your belly with your head resting on your for arms.

Place your hands near the sides of your chest and push your shoulders upward toward the sky. Draw a straight line with your eyes toward the back wall.

Try to get the back of your head to touch your back. If you can do that then you are a truly flexible person.