5 Beginner Yoga Positions You Need To Know

Yoga can help you achieve peacefulness and a harmonious balance between your mind and body. It has a lot of health benefits such as improving your posture, relieving stress and stretching your tight muscles. However, if you are only a beginner in this art and science of yoga, you might get that natural feeling of uneasiness when you see the different yoga positions. Add to that the fact that each position has a strange and sometimes intimidating name to it.

However, there is no real need to worry about it because there are yoga positions that are perfect for all novices. Although these are really quite easy to do, just like with anything else, some beginners may find a few of these positions a little hard for them to follow. But through repetitions and constant training, all of these will go away allowing for you to achieve relaxation and greater balance like you have never felt before.

1. The Child's Pose

Also called the Child's Pose, it will stretch your hips, thighs and ankles. It can also help with mild back pain problems. To achieve this, you must drop on the floor spreading your knees as wide as you can while keeping your big toes touching each other. Rest your belly on top of your thighs and then let your forehead touch the floor. Then your arms should be stretched upward above your head.

2. Mountain Pose

Also known as the Mountain Pose, it will help improve your posture as well as strengthen your back. You start by standing straight with your head and neck also in a straight upward position. Next let your big toes touch one another. Should you feel some uneasiness because of your knees pressed on each other, ease up on your knees a little bit until you feel more comfortable. Finally draw in your belly until you feel a little resistance from your tummy muscles.

3. Cat Stretch

This is a yoga position that is easy and can be fun to do. It will stretch out your spine and at the same time strengthen your abdominal muscles. To achieve this position, you must drop on all fours, imitating a cat. Next, you must think that there is a line drawn on your back from your spine up to your neck and finally your head. This imaginary line must be kept straight at all times. You should hold this position from a few seconds to a minute or two or depending on the instructions given to you.

4. Standing Forward Bend

This is also known as the Standing Forward Bend position and it will stretch out your hamstrings allowing for more flexibility. You start by standing straight on the floor or mat. Next, bend forward while keeping both legs straight. Your palms should then be touching the sides of your feet. Hold this position until you feel your hamstrings have been stretched as you desired.

5. Raised Hands Pose

This position is also called the Urdhva Hastasana and it will help improve your posture as well as strengthen your thigh muscles. To do this position, stand straight and then stretch out both of your arms upward way above your head. Put your palms together touching each other flat while keeping both arms straight. Pull back your shoulder blades.