Despite the fact that it is considered to be a classic relaxation yoga pose, the Corpse Pose is in fact one of the most difficult Yoga Asanas. It can either be practiced before or in between Asanas, or as the Final Relaxation.
This pose is excellent for improving the strength of the lower back muscles but it also works well for toning the legs and arms muscles. The Locust is also great for preparing to perform the more difficult bending poses. Do not dismiss this pose as being too simple looking, as it holds various degrees of difficulty that can make it a very challenging and rewarding pose.
The bridge pose is usually accomplished while coming down from the shoulder stand pose, with the feet going into the opposite direction. The spine experiences a reverse bend and all neck pressure is relieved. Holding the bridge is beneficial for the back and abdominal muscles. Entering the pose and exiting it also helps develop stronger wrists and a more flexible spine. As a caution you should try to keep your thumbs pointed in the same direction as the shoulder stand, otherwise you risk hurting your fingers.
The Head Stand pose is considered to be one of the most beneficial yoga postures both for the body and the mind. The reverse of gravity contributes to resetting the heart, to improving the blood circulation and releasing back pain.
This pose is considered to be one of the best yoga asanas and it is very popular with yoga practitioners. However, this pose must be accompanied by deep breathing, otherwise it will not be more than an acrobatic looking position. The shoulder stand pose was also adopted by gymnasiums and sports training facilities and it can be performed both by men and women with maximum efficiency.
The fish pose is the natural successor of the shoulder stand and it is recommended that you practice it as a counter pose to the stand. The pose implies a compression of the spine and neck as opposed to the stretch obtained while in the shoulder stand or Bridge and Plough poses.
Almost all of the yoga poses increase your spinal column flexibility in a forward-backward position, but there are few that give you better lateral flexibility. The half spinal twist does exactly that and it completes the series of poses and exercises that develop mobility and overall fitness. Apart from increasing flexibility this pose also improves the response of the spinal nerves and it helps massage internal organs.
The Bow Pose implies raising both halves of your body simultaneously, through a combination of other yoga poses. You have to make use of your hands and arms in order to pull your trunk and legs up together to form a curve. This movement tones your back muscles and contributes to increasing the elasticity of your spine, while also increasing vitality and improving posture. The Bow Pose balances the weight of the body on your abdomen, which reduces abdominal fat. Furthermore your internal organs receive a powerful massage.
This seated pose is one of the basic asanas and it provides every yoga practitioner with an easy and relaxing pose. The key to performing the forward bend is to allow your body to embrace the position naturally rather than forcing it to do so. The bend does wonders for your back region but it also helps massage inner organs for better blood circulation.
Similar to the forward bend, the hand to feet pose gives you some of the same excellent benefits. The hamstrings of the legs are fully extended and stretched in this pose and back and spinal flexibility is also increased. Another positive aspect is an increase of blood circulation, especially to the upper body and head. Bending down as far as possible is desired only if the legs are kept straight. The spine’s position also needs to remain straight throughout the exercise.
Value Guides
