Beginner’s Guide to Yoga: Poses, Breathing & Philosophy
If you are just starting with yoga, you are in good company—and you are precisely in the right place. Yoga is among the most approachable and fulfilling practices for improving both physical and mental health. Whether your goal is to increase flexibility, achieve mental tranquility, or discover a new activity, this introductory guide will provide you with the fundamental aspects of yoga: including basic postures, breathing methods, and the profound philosophy that elevates yoga beyond a mere exercise routine.
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient discipline that began in India, integrating physical postures (asanas), breath regulation (pranayama), meditation, and ethical values to foster overall well-being. Although numerous individuals pursue yoga primarily for physical fitness, its genuine strength is found in harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.
Basic Yoga Poses (Asanas) for Beginners
Here are five accessible poses for beginners to help you begin your practice :-
1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana) Benefits: Benefits: Improves posture and balance How to: Stand tall, feet together, arms by your sides. Engage your core and breathe deeply.
2.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Benefits: Stretches the spine, strengthens arms and legs How to: From hands and knees, lift hips upward, forming an inverted V-shape.
3.Child’s Pose (Balasana) Benefits: Restorative and calming How to: Kneel on the mat, sit back on heels, stretch arms forward, and rest your forehead down.
4. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) Benefits: Warms up the spine and improves flexibility How to: Move between arching and rounding your back while on all fours, coordinating with breath.
5. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings and spine How to: Sit with legs extended and slowly fold forward from the hips, reaching toward your toes. Practice each pose with patience—yoga is not about perfection, but presence.
