Where does yoga come from? Yoga’s origins can be traced to northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga was first mentioned in ancient sacred texts called the Rig Veda. The Vedas are a set of four ancient sacred texts written in Sanskrit. The Rig...
The six branches of yoga 1. Raja yoga Meaning: ‘Royal’, ‘Chief’ or ‘King’, alluding to being the ‘best’ or ‘highest’ form of yoga. Closely linked to Patanjali’s Eight Fold Path of Yoga, Raja yoga is also known as ‘Classical Yoga’. This path is precise and contemplative. It aims to...
Upward dog is a backbend with the hips, thighs, and knees suspended off the ground, it is an activating, stimulating posture. Lie on your stomach, with your hands next to the ribs, fingers pointing forwards, elbows tucked into your sides. Press the tops of your feet into...
Sometimes translated from Sanskrit to English as “Fierce Seat” or “Powerful Pose.” It is a strengthening and heat-building asana that brings all parts of your body together into a cohesive and powerful whole. This asana is a meditation on determination and perseverance, as well as commitment. Grounding...
Peaceful warrior pose is a variation of Warrior II that stretches the sides of the torso, relieves back pain, and calms the mind. A Peaceful Battle The Peaceful Warrior may sound contradictory, but your yoga practice requires that you seek truth beyond illusions and make thoughtful choices instead...
Upward-Facing Dog is a yoga pose in a Sun Salutation flow that stretches the upper back, chest and abdomen. Lie on your yoga mat in the prone position. Lie facedown on your stomach with your feet about a hip-width apart. ...
Seated forward fold provides a deep stretch for entire back side of body from the heels to the neck. Forward fold calms the nervous system and emotions and stimulates the reproductive and urinary systems. Instructions 1. From Staff pose, inhale the arms up over the head and lift and lengthen up...
Extended Triangle Pose, or Utthita Trikonasana, is a quintessential standing yoga pose that stretches and strengthens various muscle groups. 1. From a standing position with the legs 3 feet apart as in Five Pointed Star, turn the right toes to the right wall and the left toes slightly...
Named for a legendary warrior, Virabhadrasana 2 strengthens your quads, shoulders, and core—not to mention your stamina and inner resolve. To come into Warrior 2 pose, start at the front of your mat in mountain pose and take a big step back with your left leg, toes pointing slightly in. Press...
Eka Pada Koundinyasana requires an element of hip flexion and also hip abduction. Once you’re in Parsva Bakasana, press firmly into the floor through your arms and hands initiating that pressing action with your strong chest and back muscles (think of everything you’ve ever learnt about working with strength in...