In reality, yoga is a way of life that is accessible and beneficial to all. The "yoga" we hear of often is usually the exercise component of yoga called 'asana' which translates to poses. The other component, which comprises breathing exercises, is the 'pranayama'. This is known to condition your body and mind optimally, improving your immune system and reducing stress and illness.

The information below will assist you in some fundamental yoga poses that can be practised on a daily basis.

Before we start, wear comfortable stretchy or loose clothes, prepare a calm space for your practice, and an exercise/yoga mat. A large towel is just as acceptable if you don't own a yoga mat. Keep in mind that yoga shouldn't be performed on a full stomach. If you are currently pregnant or have any underlying health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sciatica, ongoing joint pains, recent injuries or surgeries, please consult your doctor as well as seek guidance from a yoga trainer to practice yoga safely with modifications and the correct use of props when necessary.

Let's start!

Sit in a comfortable position whilst keeping your back straight. Rest the back of your hands on your thighs. Throughout this practice, remember that you should be breathing in and out through the nose.

Close your eyes, and start bringing your focus to your breathing. Notice how you are breathing. See if you can alter your breathing so that when you inhale, you expand the ribcage and allow your stomach to expand like a balloon. We are creating space in the abdominal area to allow more room for your lungs to expand. When you exhale, you can feel that your stomach is coming back in and your rib cage is lowering. Continue this process for at least 12 cycles before starting the asana.

Seated Asanas that you can try at home.

CAT-COW (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana)

Come onto all fours on the ground with your knees hips-width apart and your hands directly under your shoulder. As you inhale, start to turn your hip back, pointing the tailbone towards the sky, following which you curve your spine, gently bringing your gaze to the ceiling. As you exhale, start to turn your hip in, tucking the tailbone under, pushing the back of your shoulder blades up towards the sky and bringing your chin towards your chest.

Continue this movement in synch with your breath for about 10 cycles. As you go through the movement, try to create a smooth wave-like flow in your spine, always starting at the base of the spine and moving up to the base of the skull.

CHILD POSE (Balasana)

Knee on your knees, allowing your big toes to touch each other. Keep your knees about hips-width apart, and bring your chest down between your thighs. You can extend your arms with the palms placed on the ground or bring them beside your body with the palms facing up. Try to relax your forehead down to the ground. After this, try to get your focus back to your breath. Stay for 1 minute.

COBRA (Bhujangasana)

Lie down on your tummy, bend your elbows, and bring your palms to the side of your chest. While engaging the legs, buttocks and lower back, lift your upper body by pushing the palms into the mat. Do not fully extend your arms and lock the elbows. The lift should be maintained with your strength. Make sure your shoulders are pushed down away from your ears, allowing you to bring your gaze forward towards the sky. Hold this position and take 6 deep breaths. With your last exhalation, lower your chest to the ground. Repeat this 3 times.

STAFF POSE (Dandasana)

Commence by sitting on the ground with your legs facing forward, and turn your hips out so you are not sitting on your tailbone. If you have difficulty turning your hips outwards with your legs fully extended, sit on a hard cushion or a rolled-up towel. Extend your spine so you sit straight, and always maintain the sensation that your spine is pulling up. Your arms should be beside your body, and your palms should be on the ground beside your hips. Staying in this posture, stretch your feet so your toes point upward. Keeping this position, bring your awareness back to your breath and maintain for 1 minute.

SEATED SPINAL TWIST (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Continuing from the Staff Pose, bend your right knee and bring the foot across your left leg. Keep your spine extended, and inhale while raising your left arm. As you exhale, lower your arm across your right knee and come into a spinal twist. Turn your head to follow your right shoulder. Continue the deep breathing and hold for 6 breaths. Turn back to the centre and return to the Staff Pose. Following this, bend your left knee and bring the foot across your right leg, inhale and while doing so, raise your right arm and extend the spine; as you exhale, bring your arm down across your left knee, coming into a spinal twist. Turn your head to follow your left shoulder.

BRIDGE POSE (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart on the mat. Arms are beside your body, and your palms are facing down beside your hips. During inhalation, engage the buttocks and core and push your hips up. Ensure your hips are lifted, and your feet are firmly pushed into the mat. Hold the position for 6 breaths. With the last exhalation, gently lower your back onto the mat and relax your hips. Repeat 3 times.

KNEES TO CHEST (Pavanamuktasana)

While laying on your back, hug your knees to your chest and hold for 6 breaths. You can start by rocking gently from side to side or rotating your knees in a circular motion to gently massage your lower back.

Cool Down

At the end of your session, always allocate time for a relaxation pose (Savasana). Lie on your back with your legs slightly apart and extended. Your arms are slightly away from your body, with the palms facing up. Make sure it is a comfortable position for you. Close your eyes and bring awareness to your breath.

Once your breath can be maintained, focus on your body by starting from your toes and gradually moving upwards. Maintain your attention on each body part for a few breaths, let it relax, and then move your attention upwards to the next. Continue this relaxation until you reach your head. Following this, bring your attention to your face. Allow your jaw to loosen, parting your lips slightly and relaxing the areas around your eyebrows. Now, get your awareness to the point on the back of your head that is in contact with the mat; as you breathe, let that point relax into the mat. Lastly, bring your awareness back only to your breath. At this point, your body is in total relaxation; take this time to fully enjoy this moment and stay in this position for as long as you feel is needed.

Enjoy the peace and calm that the practice brings you!

Photo Credit: https://www.yogapedia.com/