Child Pose (Balasana): Step by Step

Take a break. Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas. (bah-LAHS-anna) bala = child Child Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels, then separate your knees about as wide as your hips. Step 2 Exhale and lay your torso down ...

Cat Pose: Step by Step Instructions

Cat pose (Marjaryasana) provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs.  David Martinez Marjari = cat Cat Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Start on your hands and knees in a "tabletop" position. Make sure your knees are set directly below your hips and your wrists, elbows and shoulders are in line and perpendicular to the ...

Blood Moon–Inspired Heart Chakra Sequence

Use a heart-opening poses to synchronize your yoga practice with the energy of the special moon and lunar eclipse. Learn the moon salutation from Shiva Rea. By TIFFANY MALONEY We are nothing if not elements, and it is simply science that elements are affected by the gravitational force of the moon and its ...

How to deal with frustration in a yoga class?

Our expert weighs in on observing your feelings and letting them go—even when your practice or class gets irritating. By Bija Bennett Answers to your questions about health, nutrition, anatomy, and more. Q: Sometimes in yoga class, I get irritated—especially when a teacher doesn’t follow a sequence I’m used to. What can I ...

Big Toe Pose: Step by Step

This pose gently lengthens and strengthens even stubbornly tight hamstrings. Big Toe Pose: Padangusthasana Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Stand upright with your inner feet parallel and about six inches apart. Contract your front thigh muscles to lift your kneecaps. Keeping your legs completely straight, exhale and bend forward from your hip joints, moving your torso ...

Chin Mudra: the Consciousness Seal

This mudra connects us to our higher Self, helps lift dull energy, creates a more receptive state, calms the mind, and brightens the overall mood. It is often used in meditation, pranayama, and asana. chin = consciousness; mudra = seal, gesture Rest your hands on top of your thighs with your palms open. Gently ...

Eight-Angle Pose: Step By Step

Fire up your abs for this difficult asymmetrical arm balance, Eight-Angle Pose (Astavakrasana). (ahsh-tah-vah-krahs-anna) asta = eightvakra = bent, curved Eight-Angle Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), with your feet separated a bit wider than usual. Exhale, bend forward to Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), press your hands to the floor outside your feet. Then with ...

Bound Angle Pose: Step by Step

BaddhaKonasana , Bound Angle Pose One of the best hip openers around, Bound Angle Pose counteracts chair- and cardio-crunched hips. (Chris Fanning)(BAH-dah cone-AHS-anna)baddha = boundkona = angle Bound Angle Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, raising your pelvis on a blanket if your hips or groins are ...

Cobra Pose: Step by Step

Open the heart and roll the shoulders down to promote flexibility in Cobra Pose. By Jeff Nelson (boo-jang-GAHS-anna) bhujanga = serpent, snake Cobra Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Lie prone on the floor. Stretch your legs back, tops of the feet on the floor. Spread your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Hug the elbows ...