Yoga in its classical scope is an all-round exercising regime for both our mental and physical faculties. However, in this article, we will go through some of the poses that specifically help in the latter department, i.e. fitness in the physical arena of our body. These postures are good for enhancement of strength and flexibility, and do require a basic knowledge of simple Yoga poses from the participant.
Warrior 1
Also known as Virabhadrasana 1, this classic standing pose requires you to move your left foot and put it at an angle (preferably 45 degrees) to the ground. The right foot should be taken forward, so that your knee is aligned vertically to your ankle. Now, you can put both your arms above your head, and then fold your palms like a ‘Namaste’. When this pose is set, you need to keep your view along your thumb region, with the hip and torso staying stationary and the pressure being released at the feet.
Reverse Warrior
Another standing pose; as the name suggests this posture is a variant to the earlier mentioned Warrior 1. In this case too, your need to stretch your legs apart as described in the previous entry. However, when it comes to the upper body positions, you need to take your left hand and place it on your stretched left calf (or even thigh). Now, the right arm should be swung freely overhead at an angle, so that your body goes into a slight back bending position. As usual, your gaze should be fixated at this arm, while the core frame strengthens your abs.
Extended side angle
Also known as Utthita Parsvakonasana, this standing pose requires the same leg setting as the previous two entries. However, the arms need to be kept in a relaxed T position. Now, you have to rest your right arm upon your right knees, and swing your left arm overhead at the angle. This angle should be determined by the linear alignment of your left hand fingers extending right up to your left ankles.
Pyramid
Also known as Parsvottanasana, this pose requires a prior set of breathing patterns, alternating between inhaling and exhaling. Now, you would require firmly standing upright, and then leaning over your left leg. The leaning position should be determined by the same level of your chest with the right thigh. The hands should be totally behind (by grabbing opposite elbows), while your gaze should be fixated along the end of your nose.
Runner Lunge
This fun pose requires you to be in a semi prone position. First, you need to take low lunge, and move your right foot forward and set it in firmly in the ground (knee at a vertical alignment with the ankle). Then you need to drop your left foot and slide it, so that the left knee is pressing parallel to the floor. Finally, you can bring hands to rest on your jutting right leg (extending thigh), while your gaze follows the end of your nose.
