INTRODUCTION TO YOGA:

The heart of any yoga practice is the performance of yoga positions (called asanas), each of which has specific physical and and mental benefits. For each pose here you will find instructions, photos, and the benefits of the pose. The poses below are listed alphabetically by the English name. The subtopics below allow you to find poses by the Sanskrit name, area of anatomical focus (such as legs or spine), and by photo. You can also find suggested sequences of poses.EXAMPLE:BHUJANGASANAM:Type of pose: BackbendBenefits: Increases the flexibility of the spine.Instructions:
1. Slide your chest forward and up keeping your hands exactly where the were.
2. Roll your shoulders back and lift the chest higher, while keeping the low ribs on the floor.
3. Keep your neck neutral, don’t crank it back.
Beginners: Strongly engaging the legs and pressing them down will help you bring your chest higher. Advanced: Keeping the chest high, bring the palms off of the floor. Or keep the palms on the floor and start to straighten the arms for a more intense backbend.