From the ancient of times, yoga has been used to change both the body and the spirit, representing a spiritual practice and physical exercise at the same time. If you are looking to kick bad habits and change your life for the better, you should consider yoga in your free time. There are countless poses which you can try, depending on your current level of fitness and also on your dedication to the practice. To come to your rescue, we have gathered 7 yoga poses, which are both easy and fun to try out.
#1 Tadasana (mountain pose)
This pose is simple, being recommended for beginners and especially for those who suffer from different types of arthritis. Practiced on a regular basis, it improves posture and breathing capacity. Begin by standing, with a moderate support basis and the arms on the lateral side of the body. Breathe in and out, making sure that your spine is properly aligned. Raise your hands above your head, intertwining your fingers and maintain the pose.
#2 Setu bhanda (bridge pose)
This pose can be performed by people of different ages, including by those who do not have an excellent fitness level or those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can strengthen the muscles of the spine, representing the perfect pose to begin your routine with. Begin by lying on the floor, with the arms kept near the body. Bend the knees and lift your hips from the floor, making sure that the soles remain on the surface. Bring your hands under your back and press on them for support. Maintain the pose for a little bit and return to the original position.
#3 Tree pose (Vriksasana)
The tree pose is perhaps one of the most popular yoga poses out there and for all of the right reasons. This pose is recommended for those who want to improve their balance, strengthening the thigh and calf muscles at the same time. It can also be useful in strengthening the muscles of the spine, preventing any muscular imbalances. Begin by standing, with the feet close to one another. Assume a one-legged position, with one-foot bent and supported just above the opposite knee. Find your balance, then bring your palms together. Maintain the pose for a little bit, return to the original position and repeat for the other side.
#4 Downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Even though this might seem like a little bit complicated at first, you will soon discover that it is quite beneficial for the body and, thus, worth trying. Not only does it stimulate the blood circulation at the level of the entire body but, at the same time, it allows you to stretch your calf muscles and also your Achilles’ tendons. Begin by getting on all fours, making sure that the hands and knees are kept at a moderate distance apart. Support the weight of your body on your palms and soles. Raise your hips, so that you look like an inverted V. Maintain the pose for a little bit, then return to the original position.
#5 Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana)
You have probably seen this pose depicted in movies, being associated, as its name clearly points out, with warriors and the stance they prefer to take. This pose is especially beneficial for those who want to strengthen and stretch their leg and ankle muscles at the same time. Begin by standing, with the legs being kept at a moderate distance from one another. Turn your feet, so that you occupy a lateral position. From this position, extend your arms, making sure that the hands are kept with the palms facing down. Perform a lunge with your right leg, maintaining a right angle and maintain the pose. Return to the original position and repeat for the opposite side.
#6 Child?s Pose (Balasana)
The child?s pose is preferred by beginners and advanced yoga practitioners alike, as it allows one to relax and concentrate on the breathing process. Moreover, it guarantees a complete stretch, having a positive effect on the hips, thighs, and ankles. It can be extremely useful in relieving back pain and neck pain, being recommended for both acute and chronic cases. Begin by sitting, with the heels under the body. Bring the torso to an anterior position, so that the forehead rests on the surface of the floor. Extend your arms and lower your chest, as much as you possibly can. Breathe in and out, maintaining the pose. Return to the original position and repeat.
#7 Upward facing dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
This is an interesting pose to try out, especially since it has a lot of benefits to offer. Practiced on a regular basis, it can stretch and strengthen the muscles of the spine, not to mention it allows you to strengthen the muscles of the arms and even the ones of the wrists. Begin by lying on the floor surface, facedown, making sure that the thumbs are located beneath the shoulders and the legs completely extended. Bring your hips as close to the floor as you can, while contracting the gluteus muscles. Maintain the shoulders in position and push upwards, lifting your chest from the ground. After you have maintained the position for a little bit, you can return to the original position and repeat.
These are a couple of yoga poses which you should consider trying out, not only to kick out a bad habit but also to maintain an excellent state of health. As you have seen, many of these yoga poses can help with inflammatory conditions, such as the different types of arthritis. However, if you are not satisfied with the results of the yoga practice and you still suffer from pain, stiffness, and inflammation, you can consider taking supplements, which promises to relieve all of the symptoms associated with arthritis and improve your overall level of functionality.
Author Bio:
Kathy Mitchell is a writer and avid researcher on the subject of Beauty, nutrition and general wellness. She likes to go out with her friends, travel, swim and practice yoga. In her free time, you can find Kathy curled up reading her favorite novel, or writing in her journal. To Know more about her follow her on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.
