Yoga for Beginners: Poses to Get You Started

Yoga is a powerful practice that helps improve the body, mind, and soul. If you’re new to yoga, it can be a bit intimidating at first, but fear not! Here’s a list of beginner-friendly yoga poses to get you started:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, arms at your side, and shoulders relaxed. Imagine your body as a mountain, strong and rooted.

2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up and back into an inverted V-shape. Stretch your arms and legs, imagining a line of energy from your hands to your feet.

3. Plank Pose (Phalakasana): From a high push-up position, engage your core and hold your body in a straight line. This pose is great for building core strength.

4. Child’s Pose (Balasana): From a kneeling position, sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward. This pose is very calming and helps release tension in the back and neck.

5. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Inhale and lift your chest off the ground, using your back muscles to support you. This pose is great for strengthening the back and opening the chest.

6. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): Step one foot forward and one foot back, facing forward. Lift your arms up overhead and sink into a lunge, with your front knee bent and your back leg straight. This pose builds strength and improves balance.

7. Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Stand with your feet together and shift your weight to one foot. Place the sole of the other foot on the inside of your thigh or calf, and press your hands together in front of your heart. This pose helps improve balance and focus.

Remember, yoga is not a competition! Listen to your body and go at your own pace. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to deepen your practice and explore more challenging poses. Namaste!