YH YOGIC HERALD AUG SEP 2017_DIGITAL | Page 29

Y oga is the perfect blend of physical and mental exercises. If you are someone who has a stressful job and don't have a lot of time to go for workout at the gym, then yoga would be the best way to go. If you do not have any experience in yoga, then there are certain things to learn before you begin. Remember, that any form of exercise requires a certain amount of discipline and regularity, only then can we reap the benefits of it. Before you Begin There are a few things to know about yoga before you begin practicing different yoga poses. A few dos and don'ts will put you on the right track to complete fitness. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yoga can be practiced by children, but the duration of maintaining each asana should be short as compared to adults. The best time to perform yoga asanas is early morning, before eating anything to get the best results. Yoga must be practiced for 35 to 40 minutes everyday. The best place to perform yoga is in a spacious and open place which is quiet and has fresh air circulating. Practicing yoga barefoot is a tradition, however use a mat or a carpet while doing so. It is advised that pregnant women do not practice yoga, also yoga during menstruation should be avoided. Now that you know of the requirements of yoga, let us begin with a few simple asanas that will help you learn how to do yoga, and also help you in advancing to the next levels. Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners Tadasana - Stand erect with your legs together. Place your hands on the side, TADASANA (MOUNTAIN POSE) VIRABHADRASANA (WARRIOR POSE) close to your thighs. Raise your arms upwards pointing towards the sky. Raise your heels and balance on your toes. Stretch you body as much as you can. Hold the stretched position for a few seconds and slowly come back to the original position, along with your hands on your sides. Repeat this at least twice. This is one of the basic yoga poses. Tadasana, also known as the mountain pose, helps in maintaining the correct body posture and resolves back pain. It is a great stretching exercise which develops your back muscles as well. Virabhadrasana I - Stand erect, and keep your feet apart. Turn the left foot which is behind by 45 degrees. Bring your right foot forward and bend it in such way that the thigh of the right leg is parallel to the floor. The position should be such that your left leg is stretched behind and the foot is at a 45 degrees angle. Bring your arms up and join your palms above your head, stretched. Repeat this asana with the left leg forward. This is also known as the warrior position and is good for you hip and thighs. Aug/Sep 2017 · yogicherald.com · 27