The practice of yoga dates back to India, more than 500 years ago. In Sanskrit, one of 22 official languages of India, yoga means, “to unite or integrate.” ABC-of-yoga.com defines yoga as, “the union of personal and universal consciousness.”
There are several varieties of yoga practice, the most common in the United States is Hatha yoga, according to Yoga Journal. Yoga involves breathing techniques and postures designed to relieve stress, strengthen the body, and increase mental focus.
Cat Pose
Begin on your hands and knees, placing your hands directly underneath your shoulders. Keep your back flat and horizontal. To begin, exhale and arch your back upward toward the ceiling while contracting your abdominal muscles and pulling them inward. Press your palms into the mat, curl your head inward and look between your knees. Inhale and return to starting position with a flat back, eyes down, gazing at the floor.
Downward Facing Dog
Begin with your hands and knees on the ground, palms underneath the shoulders. Exhale, lift your knees, and draw your back backwards, while maintaining straight arms. Form a straight line from your hands to your pelvis. Press your heels down and extend your legs straight. Let your head hang relaxed between your arms. Take a few deep breaths in this position. To return to starting position, bring the head forward to gaze at the floor and return the knees to the ground.
Child’s Pose
Place your knees on the ground, hip distance apart and sit on your feet. Bend forward from your hips and place your forehead on the ground. Stretch both arms out in front of you. While keeping your forehead on the floor, bring your arms around toward your buttock, palms facing upward. If you find it difficult to place your forehead on the floor, place a yoga block underneath your forehead. Return to starting position by sitting up.
About this Author
Sha Buckines is an exercise physiologist and freelance writer based in Atlanta, Ga. She obtained a B.S. in Exercise Science in 2003, Georgia State University, and is also certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. When not writing, she can be found sharing her passion for fitness with clients in the Atlanta area through personal training, wellness coaching, and group exercise instruction.
