What is yoga?

Meryl Kornfield and Sarah Berlan

Backwards dog? Sunrise stretch? Are these the names of yoga moves or indie bands? Yoga’s popularity is growing and it is time you understood a few moves. So strap on those stretch pants and make some room.

Tree Pose

treepose

Lift your left leg to your right knee at a 90 degree angle. Place your arms and hands in namaste above your head. Hold the position for 30 seconds and switch legs.

Sunrise

sunrise

Move your legs into a lunge position. Hold your hands above your head and clasp your hand together. Hold the position for 30 seconds and switch legs.

 Half moon

halfmoon

Stand straight. Lightly jump your feet 3.5 to 4 feet apart.Raise your arms parallel to the floor. Put more weight on your right foot and move your knee into a 90 degree angle. Extend your left arm over your head. Place your right arm on your knee. Hold the position for 30 seconds and switch legs.

Standing split

eagle

Shift your weight to your left foot. Very slowly, draw your right knee up toward your chest. Bring your right arm to the inside of your right thigh. Then loop your index and middle fingers around your right foot’s big toe. Straighten out your left leg.