Yoga Poses Beginner
For beginners, yoga poses that focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance are ideal. Here are some beginner-friendly yoga poses to start with:
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms by your sides, and palms facing forward. Ground down through your feet and lengthen through the spine, reaching the crown of your head toward the sky.
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips toward the sky, forming an inverted V shape with your body. Press your hands firmly into the mat and engage your core as you lengthen through the spine and hamstrings.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Begin on your hands and knees with a neutral spine. Inhale as you arch your back and lift your chest and tailbone toward the ceiling (Cow Pose), then exhale as you round your spine and tuck your chin to your chest (Cat Pose). Flow between these two poses with your breath.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): Step one foot back into a lunge position, keeping the front knee bent at a 90-degree angle and the back leg straight. Square your hips toward the front of the mat and reach your arms overhead, palms facing each other.
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): From Warrior I, open your hips and shoulders to the side of the mat, extending your arms parallel to the floor. Keep the front knee bent and gaze over the front fingertips.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Shift your weight onto one foot and place the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh or calf of the standing leg. Bring your hands to your heart center or extend them overhead. Find a focal point to help with balance.
Child's Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the mat with your big toes touching and knees spread wide. Sit back on your heels and fold forward, resting your forehead on the mat and extending your arms in front of you or by your sides.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach with palms planted under your shoulders. Inhale as you press into your hands to lift your chest off the mat, keeping your elbows close to your sides and shoulders away from your ears.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press into your feet as you lift your hips toward the sky, engaging your glutes and thighs. Optionally, interlace your fingers under your back and press your arms into the mat.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie on your back with legs extended and arms by your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and relax your entire body, allowing yourself to fully surrender and let go.
These poses are just a starting point for your yoga journey. Remember to listen to your body and modify as needed, and always consult with a qualified yoga instructor if you have any concerns or questions.