Standing Yoga Postures | Standing Exercises

Standing Yoga

Yoga is the ancient Indian practice of holistic healing. It incorporates a series of exercises and postures that effectively stretch, heal, strengthen and rejuvenate the body. Obviously the practice involves a number of different postures – standing postures, floor postures, etc.

Standing yoga poses are a vital and integral part of any yoga routine. Most importantly, they are crucial for maintaining proper body alignment. Body alignment is essential for general well being, it is also important to execute yoga poses correctly. Similarly, standing poses also help correct posture. Poor posture is responsible for many ailments. By performing the standing yoga postures, you can correct this and be rid of a number of niggling conditions.

Standing yoga postures also build the body’s strength and flexibility. They stretch and tone the muscles of the body by working all the core muscle groups. They also stimulate the nervous system and improve circulation. Many of these poses serve as the starting position for other yoga postures, making them core yoga poses.

Some common and useful standing yoga postures and their benefits:

• Mountain Pose – is a basic standing pose. It helps the body correct alignment. It stretches the entire body enabling it to build stability, balance and strength.

• Tree Pose – is very useful in building strong legs and spine; it stretches the spine and releases lower back tension. It also improves balance, posture, flexibility and circulation.

• Triangle Pose – this pose puts the torso, hips and legs through an intense stretch. It works these muscles and increases strength and flexibility. This is also an excellent posture to elongate the spine.

• Goddess Pose – is a great way to rejuvenate and energize the body. The posture opens up the muscles of the chest and hip area, allowing for more efficient lung function, circulation and flexibility. This is also an excellent posture for developing lower body strength.

• Half Moon Pose – this is another energizing pose. It opens and stretches the body, especially the sides. It also increases spinal flexibility and builds body strength.

• Five Pointed Star Pose – the five pointed star pose is great as it lengthens the body. It opens the chest, boosting breathing and circulation. It also helps aligns the spine.

• Side Angle Pose – works the body into an intense stretch, especially along the rib cage. This ensures improved lung capacity. This pose also builds strength and improves flexibility of the waist, hips and legs.

• Warrior I Pose – like the name suggests, builds strength, especially along the legs, arms and shoulders. This pose also helps build stamina and balance.

• Warrior II Pose – like the Warrior I pose, Warrior II also stretches and strengthens the body, especially the shoulders, arms and legs. It also opens the chest and allows more efficient breathing.

• Chair Pose – the chair pose is great for developing lower body and torso strength. The pose also improves stamina.