Basic Hatha Yoga Poses

Author: Jaryd Haelwaeters

Hatha Yoga can be considered as the most general term for most type of yoga in most countries, it is covers different varieties such as power, restorative and vinyasa yoga. No matter which variety of yoga is preferred, the poses comes along side by side with controlled breathing as the core of every yoga session.

What is hatha yoga? -

The term Hatha means "forceful" or "willful". Hath Yoga refers is a set of physical exercises known as asanas or postures. The asanas sequence is created and designed for better alignment of muscles, bones and even skin. The forms are also intended for opening countless channels of the body (specifically the spine, which is the main channel in the human body), allowing a smooth and free flow of our energy.

Hatha is also interpreted as the "sun" denoted from ha, and the moon from tha. This has been interpreted as the balance between the masculine aspects (sun-hot-active) and the feminine aspect (moon-cool-receptive) that is contained inside of use. By this, we can see that Hatha Yoga is a path of creating "balance" and uniting "opposites". Through yoga, we are able to develop balance in our physicality's flexibility and strength. We also learn to balance our force and surrender to the comfort of each force.

Hatha yoga poses can also be a powerful tool for self-transformation. With this, we are able to concentrate on our breathing, an uncommon activity for us to be doing. This practice helps us to still the instabilities of our mind and be more mindful of the moments that are unfolding in front of us. It is important to breathe normally during a yoga session, and to never hold your breathe.

Basic Hatha yoga exercises -

Here are some of the basic Yoga Poses that helps support the balance and willful control over your body:

Seated Twist

A Seated Twist stretches your shoulders, hips and back while increasing your circulation and strengthening your oblique muscles.

• While seated on the floor, extend your legs.
  
• Cross yourright foot over your left thigh placing it flatly on the floor.Then, bend your left knee.
  
• Shift your left arm to the outside of the right knee, so your elbow is touching your thigh.
  
• Twist your body to the right. Hold the pose for one minute, release and switch sides.
  

Mountain

It is essential to work on your posture with a Mountain pose. Typically, mountain pose is the starting position for other standing position for hatha yoga poses.

• With your shoulders relaxed, stand with your feet together and let your arms hang loosely at your sides.
  
• Inhale deeply. With your palms facing each other, raise your hands over your head.
  
• Reach towards the sky. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute. Remember tobreathe normally.
  
• As you lower your arms, exhale.
  

Tree

For the Tree pose:

• With your arms at your sides, stand with your feet together.
  
• Shift your weight onto your left leg until everything feels right. Bend your right knee, then place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh.
  
• Your hips should face forward. When you are able to shift your balance, with your palms together clasp your hands to prayer position in front of your chest.
  
• Upon your inhalation, bring your arms separately up over your head with your palms facing each other. Hold the pose for 30 seconds.
  
• Release and exhale as you lower your arms. Repeat on the opposite side.
  

Staff Pose

The staff pose is a practice that can extend your spine, open your chest and stretch the back of your legs.

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
  
• Place your hands behind your hips with fingers pointing away from your body.
  
• Push your hips lightly the floor and sit up straight, extending your spine.
  
• With your chest pressed forward, relax your shoulders down and back.
  
• Push your heels away from you, pulling the toes toward you. Hold this pose for three to six breaths.

Breathe and stay with us! Learn more Hatha Yoga Poses at Online Yoga Poses.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/basic-hatha-yoga-poses-7199451.html
About the Author
Jaryd Haelwaeters is a freelancer, article writer and owner of Online Yoga Poses. He writes for many online publications. His goal is to spread the word of yoga one person at a time.