BASIC YOGA POSES - Part 2 of 3

There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has a particular emphasis. Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga that can help you decode the schedule at your gym and figure out which class is right for you.

PART 2 OF 3: Basic Seated Pose Sequence: 15 step sequence of postures to use as a foundation in your basic yoga practice.

7. Inhale the arms up and exhale forward into Forward Bend

A. Bend the knees enough to hold onto the feet or ankles. Round the spine and press the head in towards the knees.
B. Press out though the heels and pull back on the toes. Relax the head, neck and shoulders.
C. Breathe and hold for 3-6 breaths.

BASIC YOGA POSES - Part 1 of 3

Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices that originated in India more than three thousand years ago. Its purpose is to help each one of us achieve our highest potential and to experience enduring health and happiness. With Yoga, we can extend our healthy, productive years far beyond the accepted norm and, at the same time, improve the quality of our lives.

In life, it is necessary to learn how to relax after a period of activity. People spend approximately one third of their time in sleep, trying to recoup the energy and vitality they expended during the day. Unfortunately, many never achieve this objective because they haven't learned the essentials of relaxation. Relaxation practices in Yoga are different than sleeping, but their benefits are similar, and the principles of deep relaxation can be applied with equal effectiveness to our sleeping hours as well as our waking ones. When properly done, deep relaxation can become a powerful meditation practice that helps to anchor and stabilize the mind's awareness in a pool of deep tranquility and peace.