A bit of an intro here. Yoga is one of the six Āstika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophical traditions. It is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation to give health benefits that are backed by science.
In more recent years, it has become popular as a form of physical exercise based upon poses that promote improved control of the mind and body, enhance well-being, strength, flexibility, and breathing. There are many styles of yoga, each with various health benefits, yet no style is more authentic or superior to another. The key is to choose a class appropriate for your fitness level.
Popular Nigerian entrepreneur, Chioma Ikokwu, recently took to her IGTV to show us the various poses of yoga she tries out and the benefits of each of the poses. To help you get started on your own yoga lifestyle, we have curated five basic poses that should put you on the right path before advancing to Chioma’s Yoga positions.
Here are 5 yoga positions and their benefits…
#1. Downward-Facing Dog
Downward-facing dog strengthens the arms, shoulders, and back while stretching the hamstrings, calves, and arches of your feet. It can also help relieve back pain, improves circulation, digestion, and decreases anxiety.
#2. Plank Pose
This is one pose that aims to strengthen your core, arms, and legs. Plank pose is good if you are looking to tone your abs and build strength in your upper body. This will also help you improve your metabolism and make you better coordinated.
#3. Triangle Pose
This helps build strength in the legs and stretches the hips, spine, chest, shoulders, groins, hamstrings, and calves. It can also help increase mobility in the hips and neck. The triangle pose also helps improve digestion and constipation.
#4. Child Pose
This is a calming pose that is a good default pause position. You can use the child’s pose to rest and refocus before continuing to your next pose. It gently stretches your lower back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles and relaxes your spine, shoulders, and neck. The child pose is also highly recommended if you have dizziness or fatigue. It also helps alleviate stress and anxiety
#5. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
This is a restorative yoga posture that allows the mind and the body to relax, relieving stress and tension. This pose soothes swollen or cramped feet and legs, facilitates venous drainage and increases circulation, stretches the hamstrings and lower back as well as relieves lower back tension.
Watch Chioma’s yoga routine here…
Photo credit: As captioned
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