Cat Pose (marjaryasana in Sanskrit) and Cow Pose (bitilasana in Sanskrit) are frequently paired to create a gentle, flowing vinyasa. These two poses are wonderful for stress and anxiety relief. Follow these steps in slow, easy stages: 1. Kneel on the ground on all fours. Lean forward to place hands on ground below your shoulders, [...]

The Cobra Pose (bhujangasana in Sanskrit) is a great and easy way to stretch the back. It can be astonishingly energizing! (Warning: DO NOT perform the Cobra pose if you are pregnant, suffer from hernias, or have injured your back. Stay safe!) Do this in easy stages: 1. Lie facedown on the ground, legs tightly together [...]

The Bow Pose (dhanurasana in Sanskrit) is a version of the simple bow. It’s surprising how many children can do it immediately! Do this in easy stages: 1. Lie face down and prone on your mat. (If you are skinny or slender, use a thick, padded mat for this pose.) 2. Breathe in and bend [...]

Yoga has been tested to ease stress by employing exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are brand-new to yoga, these seven points of advice will start you along the route to a more balanced and centered life. 1. Speak to your physician and talk about the types of yoga poses that [...]

For most people, stress is the number one burden affecting all parts of their physical, mental, and emotional systems. With the help of yoga, this can be corrected. At the physical level, yoga and its cleansing practices have proven to be extremely effective for various disorders. Through meditation, yoga works remarkably to achieve harmony and [...]

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga began with the rediscovery of an ancient manuscript entitled Yoga Korunta. The manuscript describes a unique system of Hatha yoga that was created and practiced by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi. (Some believe to be the original asana practiced by Patanjali, the complier of the Yoga Sutras.) The manuscript was recieved by [...]

I spotted a friend of mine at the local YMCA. He asked why I used the Y and didn’t just join the gym. I explained to him that I practice Yoga and occasional calisthenics at home for my exercises and really didn’t feel the need for a gym membership. His response was predictable: “Yoga…isn’t that [...]