Women and a growing number of men are signing up for yoga classes all over the world. While there are other conventional workout routines that are more popular than this, all yoga moves are among the few that not only tones the body but also benefits a person’s physiology, psychology and biochemistry. It gives superior endurance without the rigid or active exercises and moves that exposes one to a variety of injuries. Stiffness following the workout is rarely experienced and it can even be a rehabilitative therapy for those who have undergone certain surgeries and injuries.
Unlike other exercises to target certain parts of the body, yoga gives a full body workout in just a few simple changes in poses under a relaxed atmosphere. The only equipment a person would need is a yoga mat and appropriate yoga wear. Yoga exercises also wake up the often neglected parts of the body such as the lower back and knees. One does not experience a flat line in yoga, poses progress along with the individual’s skill developed through continuous sessions. There is beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of yoga with the complex poses reserved for the higher levels. The following are yoga moves that are favored by those who were converts from rigid exercise and workout routines. Grab your
yoga mat, slip into comfortable clothes and try these two:
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Forward Fold
The basic bending exercise is popular among individuals who like to tone their calves and hips while gently but effectively stretching the hamstrings. Simply stand straight with feet apart. Then bend from the torso and towards the floor, and hold the position. A tightening pressure will build up on your knees and hamstring, you must release it by gently bending the knees to avoid a pulled hamstring. Then hold each arm with the opposite hand and hold the position for a minute or two. Gently assume first standing position again.
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Downward-Facing Dog Pose
This pose targets several body parts. It stretches the arms, shoulders, calves, hamstrings, legs and feet. Assume the dog pose which is in all fours on the floor. The arms, feet, knees and feet should be all parallel to each other. Shift the weight to your hands then lift your knees to stretch the legs straight. Your face will now be facing the floor. Lengthen yourself as much as you can by gradually moving your hands and feet. Carefully flatten your heels onto the floor. Relax your neck and head and breathe deeply. The pose shall be hold from three to five minutes.