How to Easy Yoga Exercises

Yoga is a joining of the body, mind and spirit with the help of proper breathing. By practicing yoga, your body will become stronger and more flexible inside and out, and you will have a new-found sense of balance. Below are a couple of easy yoga exercises that beginners can do before moving on to the harder poses.

Things You'll Need

• Yoga mat

Instructions

1. Set your mat on the floor. A mat will provide a little bit of cushioning while you perform this yoga exercise, but carpeted flooring will suffice if you do not have a mat. Bring a bottle of water with you and set it next to the mat. It is very important to stay hydrated when doing any kind of exercise.

2. Perform the Easy Pose. This pose opens your hips and lengthens your spine while releasing tension through deep breathing. Position yourself by sitting on the mat in a comfortable cross-legged position. Place a hand on each knee and draw one foot up towards your groin.

3. Lengthen your spine. Sit up straight with your shoulders positioned over your hips and push your buttocks down. You want the crown of your head to reach towards the ceiling and your chest to press forward, lengthening your spine. Breathing deeply through your nose, hold each breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. Take about 10 breaths in this pose.

4. Do the Child's Pose. This exercise will help tone the abdomen and stimulate the digestive tract. It will also stretch your lower back. Settle your buttocks on your heels and your forehead on the floor. Lay your arms straight out in front of you with the palms down (or you can lay them on the floor beside you with palms facing up).

5. Breathe deeply and slowly. Press your belly onto your thighs with each inhale while raising your belly up on each exhale. Hold each breath for about 10 seconds. When finished, move your hands under your shoulders, palms up, and slowly inhale your way back to a sitting position.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing when doing yoga.

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese