Yoga is a spiritual, mental, and physical practice that originated in India. There are various types of yoga such as Hath yoga and Raja yoga. Yoga is associated with Buddhism and Hinduism, but you don’t have to connect with any religion to practice. The practice of yoga allows you to open your mind as well as improve your flexibility. Think of yoga as “meditation in motion.”
Flexibility is an important factor in order to maintain a good health and fitness regime. It is a crucial factor if you are serious avoiding an injury. Here are some yoga poses to help improve flexibility. Don’t be intimidated, even a beginner yogi can master these positions.
Number Five: Bridge Pose. This position helps improve spinal flexibility and stimulates the thyroid. Lie on your back and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Interlace your fingers behind your back and straighten your arms. Draw the chest to the chin to enhance the stretch in your neck and to avoid injury.
Number Four: Pigeon Pose. Pigeon pose is an amazing hip-opener. If your hips are tight, you can use a towel to pad the space between your bottom and the floor. Lay down on your stomach and bend one leg to the forefront of your body while the other leg lays straight. Be sure to keep your hips square to the front of the mat.
Number Three: Seated Wide Legged Straddle. This seated position helps elongate the spine and strength the calves. Simply sit with your spine erect and open your legs as wild as possible. Make sure to keep your feet flexed. If your hips are tight, you can put a towel under your bottom to sit on.
Number Two: Triangle Pose. This pose transforms your body into a human triangle. Start in a lunge position and straighten your back leg. Drop your right hand down to your thigh or your shin, whichever feels more comfortable. The left shoulder stacks on top of the right one as you raise your fingertips to the ceiling. This pose helps stretch the lower body and opens the chest and shoulders.
Number One: Standing Forward Bend. A standing forward bend is a simple yet effective way to stretch not only your hamstrings but your whole body. Try to keep your hips over your ankles and bend your knees a little to protect your back.