What Are The Best Yoga Poses for Beginners

What Are The Best Yoga Poses for Beginners 12 Essential Yoga Positions for Beginners ChaptersMountain PoseDownward Facing DogPlankTree PoseWarrior 1Warrior 2CobraChild’s PoseBridge PoseTriangle PoseCrow PosePigeon PoseYoga is originally a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline. The focus of this ancient practice is meditation and breath control in particular bodily postures and positions. Nowadays, however, yoga is practised all over the world by all sorts of people, predominantly for health and relaxation.The yoga that is commonly practiced in the Western world is hatha yoga, which forms one aspect of the ancient practice, all about observance and meditation. The term yoga derives from the Sanskrit word for ‘union’, so it’s all about keeping the balance and engaging the mind and body.Yoga not only helps people to feel calm and focused, but it’s also a great way to stay in shape, and build up strength, flexibility and muscle tone. There are all sorts of yoga poses, or asanas, that will help strengthen the mind and body.But yoga moves can be tricky to get st uck into, with many people giving up pretty early on. The meditation aspects can be the most difficult sometimes, as it can be hard to stay focused when you’re also trying to hold a pose and use muscles that you don’t normally exercise.This is why it’s a great idea to start off with some yoga poses for beginners! Basic, simple poses which are designed to ease you in gently  are the perfect way to begin your journey. A great basic pose to learn is Tadasana, Warrior pose and of course downward dog.It’s best to start this way because it allows you to really focus on your breathing and observe how your body and mind are working in unison, without the stress of trying to do it on your head…Before you start, it’s a good idea to wear comfy clothes  that you can easily move and stretch in, and not too tight so that you can breathe and hold poses with ease. Most people find it easiest to practice on an exercise mat, as it keeps you grounded and you’re less likely to slip.But th e beauty of yoga is that you don’t really need anything apart from a bit of peace and quiet! Find a peaceful spot and give some easy poses a try such as warrior pose.So what are the best poses to get you started, then? Below is a list of 12 basic poses which will give you an insight into yoga  and gradually encourage you towards more advanced moves, if you wish to achieve them.Downward facing dog is an essential yoga pose (Source: Pixabay)Downward Facing DogThis is your base pose, and you’ll return to this between different yoga moves. It’s a good idea to practice your downward dog regularly â€" not just because it feels great, but because it’s an easy way to flow between poses.Start on all fours with your hands slightly forward from your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Spread your palms out with your fingers stretched comfortably and your toes curled under.With your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent, slowly press your hips towards the ceil ing, and press your shoulders away from your ears, making your body into an inverted V shape.Hold this pose for 3 full breaths, or longer if it feels good! Hold for a few breaths between poses as a transition movement too.Plank builds strength and stamina, which is crucial for beginners. (Source: Google)PlankPlank is a really important yoga pose for beginners, which is easy to master. It’s all about learning how to balance on our hands whilst supporting ourselves with the body, and it’s great for strengthening up the abs.Start on all fours, and tuck your toes under so that you can lift your legs up off the mat. Form a straight line with your body, sliding your heels back and engaging your abs until you feel straight and strong from your head to your feet.Keep your abs engaged, and draw your shoulders back away from your ears. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths.Tree PoseStand with your legs shoulder-width apart, with your arms at your sides.Shift your weight so that you are balancing on yo ur left leg, and place the sole of your right foot inside your left thigh. Keep your hips facing forward and maintain that balance.  As you breathe in, bring your arms up above your head, with your palms facing each other shoulder-width apart. Hold this pose for 30 seconds, then slowly lower and repeat on the other side.Remember, if you can’t get your leg up high enough, or it feels painful on your knee joint, feel free to lower your sole so that it presses against your calf. Make sure you feel a stretch, but if a pose is hurting just loosen it until it’s more comfortable.Warrior 1Warrior poses are essential for yoga newbies as they build up strength, stamina and confidence when beginning and practicing yoga.Warrior 1 is an easy move which features a simple back bend, and gently opens and strengthens up the body through calm stretching.Start by taking a big step back with your left foot, then push your left heel down and angle your left toes outwards slightly, about 45 degrees.W hen you’re in a lunging position, lift your chest up and bring your arms up above your head. Press your palms together and pointed up to the sky.Hold for 5-10 breaths, then step forward and repeat on the opposite leg.Find yoga classes near you, search  yoga Manchester.