Hero Pose Yoga for Ankle Pain, Knee Pain, Virasana, Benefits

Virasana and Supta Virasana Begin by kneeling. Bring legs and feet slightly out to the side of the leg, toes pointing straight back, then gently sit back as far as comfortable. Make ankles and toes active. Benefits Removes fatigue. Stretches quads and thighs. Relieves stomach problems. Calms the mind. Encourages deep Hero Pose breathing and a rested heart. Good for the knees. Opens the chest. What it looks like Somebody who is tired and wants to take a nap, a frog king, a smiling fish, a heart.

Frog Pose Yoga for Kids, Benefits

Bekasana Begin in table position. Spread knees out toward edges of mat and bring heels together. Bow forward onto stomach and elbows. Press feet into each other and extend out through the knees. Variation: Lower legs are perpendicular to upper legs and feet out. Benefits Abdominal organs are toned. Stretches the hips and thighs. What it looks like A frog, a diamond, a minnow, a swimmer under the deep sea.

Eagle Pose Yoga Posture, Stretch, Benefits, Position

Garudasana Begin standing in mountain pose, tadasana. Entwine left leg over the right leg. Extend left arm out, then cross right arm over it. Bend the elbows and entwine the two together and bring hands together. Release and fly out like an eagle. Reverse sides. Benefits Strengthens ankles. Stretches the shoulders. Removes cramps in calves. What it looks like A bird flying, twisted noodles.

Downward Dog Pose Yoga, Benefits

Adho Mukha Shvanasana Begin in table pose. Lean back toward heels, then press hips and buttocks up and back. Straighten legs. Benefits Downward Dog Pose Removes fatigue. Develops the ankles, arms and abdominals. Strengthens and relieves stiffness in shoulders. Good for digestion. What it looks like A tunnel, a mountain, a house, a dog stretching, an upside down V, a magic portal.

Demon Pose Yoga

DEMON POSE Bhujapidasana Come into a squat and place the hands on top of the feet. For variation, place hands on floor, shrug the shoulders and melt the heart. Keep the arms and hands strong as you squeeze with the inner thighs and lift off, balancing on the hands. Benefits Strengthens hands and wrists. Creates strong abdominals. Develops the leg and arm muscles. What it looks like Good for antagonist characters, demons, dragons, silly or scary creatures, tricksters.

Cobra Pose Yoga, Benefits, Position, Pregnancy

COBRA POSE Bhujangasana Begin lying flat on stomach, hands back by the base of the breastbone. Uncurl toes and press into floor. Bring energy to the legs. Inhale up, shoulders on the back. Hiss like a snake. Benefits Cobra Pose Good for strengthening the back and spine. Expands the chest. What it looks like A snake, a piece of rope, a walrus.

Mountain Pose Yoga Benefits, Description, Tadasana

Tadasana Stand with feet fist–width apart. Weight evenly distributed through all four corners of the feet. Muscles of the ankles, calves, knees and thighs engaged and hugging the bones. Inner thighs are back, tailbone tucked. Shoulders are on the back, hands pointed down. Feel the energy from the earth and feet drawing up into the core and extending out through the hands and head and feet. Benefits Naturally aligns the entire body. Spinal alignment. Teaches proper standing. Develops concentration. Makes back strong. Relaxing. Lotus Pose Mountain Pose What it looks … Continue reading

Boat Pose in Yoga for Beginners, Benefits

Navasana Begin seated with knees bent. Bring arms out straight in front near knees. Use stomach muscles to draw legs in and up. Extend legs out for full position. Benefits Strengthens abdominals. Improves digestion. Tones kidneys. What it looks like A boat with oars, the letter V, a bowl of soup, a train.

Child’s Pose Yoga Position, Benefits

CHILD’S POSE Balasana Chair Pose Have child spread knees and extend arms forward in front of them. Also may move arms to the sides. Benefits A good resting pose. Good for the lower back. What it looks like A ball, somebody praying, begging, sleeping.

Bridge Pose Yoga for Pregnancy & Benefit, Position

Setu bandha sharvangasana Bridge Pose Begin lying on back. Bend knees and bring feet toward buttocks. Press hips up. Walk shoulder blades underneath and then clasp hands. Not all children will be able to clasp hands. Keep inner thighs moving toward each other and tuck the tailbone. Benefits Opens the chest and upper back. Develops the buttocks.