Posts Tagged ‘aasana’

Vrksasana is great for the muscles of your stomach and abdomen

vrkshasana

Vrksasana: Also known as the tree pose, this aasana is great for the muscles of your stomach and abdomen . Apart from concentrating on your core it also helps your mind focus and tones the muscles of the thighs and arms.

Steps to do this pose: Stand with your legs together. Now put most of your weight on one leg and a little weight on the other leg. Now raise the leg with the least weight such that your foot is facing inwards, towards your opposite knee. You can hold your ankle to help you pull up the leg. Place the heel of your foot on your inner thigh of the other leg, as close to the pelvis as possible. Now gently raise your hands above your head making sure your fingers are pointing towards the ceiling. Make sure you focus your mind and try to maintain your balance. Breathing steadily and focusing on one spot in front of your eyes helps in maintaining the pose and not falling over. In yoga, it is believed that an unsteady mind leads to an unsteady body. So the more you can control your mind the better you can do this pose.  Do not try to hold a chair or wall for support while doing this pose. It will only reduce the intensity of the aasana. Keep trying till you can get it just right.

ImportantTip: If you have injured your knee or back please do this aasana under the supervision of a trained expert.

Courtesy: TheHealthSite

Utkatasana also known as the chair pose

utkasana

Utkatasana:  Also known as the chair pose this aasana requires concentration and focus on the muscles being used. It strengthens the core muscles, thighs and tones the buttocks.

Steps to do this pose: Stand straight on your yoga mat with your hands in namaste in front of you. Now raise your hands above your head and bend at the knee such that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Bend your torso slightly forward and breathe. Stay in this position for as long as you can. In order to get out of this pose, gently stand up.

Important Note: Do not do this pose if you have a knee injury or back injury.

Courtesy: TheHealthSite

Standing aasana Ardha Chandraasana

Ardha-chandrasana

Ardha Chandraasana: This pose is great to tone your buttocks, upper and inner thighs. If these are your problem areas, this is the pose for you. The added stretch on the sides of your tummy, help burn off those unsightly love handles and strengthen your core.

Steps to do this pose:  Stand with your feet together on your yoga mat. Now, raise your hands above your head and clasp your palms together, extend the stretch by trying to reach for the ceiling.  Exhale, and slowly bend sideways from your hips, keeping your hands together. Remember not to bend forward and keep your elbows straight. You should feel a stretch from your fingertips to your thighs. You will feel the strongest stretch along the side of your stomach and back. Hold this pose for as long as you can. Inhale and come back to the standing position. Repeat this pose on the other side.

Note: If you have digestive disorders, a spine injury or high blood pressure,  avoid doing this pose

Courtesy: TheHealthSite