Yoga Workouts - Which Poses Are Best?

You probably know this, but the world sees yoga as a painful chain of body contorting poses Before starting, it is imperative to remember that there are three levels in doing the yoga: advanced, intermediate and the beginner levels. So which one do we start with? The basic level of course!. Even with basic poses, it appears that you must have mushy bones to be able to perform the exercises. However, that's not the case anymore! Here are several basic poses and how to correctly do them to make your venture into yoga a more exciting (or should we say easy?) one.

1. The Cobra- A well known and popular stretch for beginners is the Cobra pose. This effective position stretches and relieves your arms and spine. To properly do it, one must lie down on her tummy while keeping the legs close together. Fully extend your arms. This will make the shoulders and chest open. Also at the same time you should have your elbows close to your body. Everytime you do this, your shoulders should be relaxed and not tensed up. Additionally, the legs should be on the ground the entire time. 3-5 reps will do.

2. The Cat- If you would like to loosen up your abdomen, then this pose will certainly help you out Begin by getting down to your hands and knees. Keep your head, neck, and spine straight. Now, arch up your back to make an upside down "U" with your back. After you have done that, begin to lower your back into the opposite direction, making a "U" as best you can. Now slowly return to the original position with your head and neck aligned. It is important that you breath nice and deep while doing this position.

3. The Push-up- If you would like to strengthen your shoulders, arms and legs, then this is the perfect pose for you. Five to Ten repetitions of this pose should be good. To begin with this pose, spread apart your fingers, keep your arms in, and have your hands facing forward. Make sure your spine is aligned in a way that your entire body is straight. Tighten both the legs and the stomach while in motion. Now lower your entire body in a slow but steady fashion while bending your elbows. Hold this position for several seconds. Do everything all over again, keeping the reps in mind.

4. The Dolphins- The upper body typically gets the most benefits from carrying out this position. To begin, place yourself in the 'plank' position. For five to ten seconds, hold this position, and the proceed to push your glutes in an upwards fashion. Be sure that your entire back and legs are in as straight of a position as possible. Now go back to the starting position and proceed to do ten to fifteen repetitions.

5. The Chair- This is a pose full of power which targets the spine and legs. This is almost similar to a squat. You will be holding this position for fifteen to sixty seconds, so prepare yourself. Begin by squatting then bend forward with your torso. Like most other yoga poses, your spine and head should be as straight as possible. Raise your arms while keeping your stomach taut. Now take the shape of a chair by bending your knees, but not past your toes. It is also important to be sure that your heels are flat on the ground. Hold as instructed, and that's it! You may repeat this pose however much you choose.

You will need to repeat this poses at least once a day to make them a habit. Also keep in mind that the relaxing of the senses and of the human mind is not necesarily something that can be learned. It all has to come naturally. Also, it actually becomes much easier to meditate and open the mind when you practice with a close friend or family member, because yoga is sort of a communal activity. So stop sitting around! Go grab a mat with your friend or special someone and start right away!

To get some more info on popular yoga workouts, go to this awesome website!

Also be sure to look at Yoga Exercises - The Simple Stances