Popular Yoga Poses and Their Names
Yoga has become increasingly popular in the Western world over the last few decades. And while many people think of yoga as simply a form of exercise, it is actually much more than that – yoga is a system of physical and mental practices.
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to yoke” or “to unite.” And that’s really what yoga is all about—uniting the body, mind, and spirit.
There are literally hundreds of different yoga poses (known as asanas) that you can practice. But for beginners, it’s best to start with some of the more basic and popular poses. Here are a few of the most common yoga poses and their Sanskrit names:
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
This is probably the most basic of all yoga poses. It’s simply a standing pose where you bring your feet together and stand tall, with your hands at your sides. Tadasana is a great pose to do when you first start practicing yoga. It helps to ground you and to center your body and mind.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
This is another basic yoga pose that is often done as a warm-up. From standing, you simply fold forward at the waist, letting your arms hang down toward the ground. This is a great pose for stretching the hamstrings and lower back.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
Downward-Facing Dog is probably the most well-known of all yoga poses. It’s a great all-around pose that stretches and strengthens the entire body. To do this pose, start on your hands and knees. Then, lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs and extending your heels toward the ground. Keep your arms straight and your head in line with your arms.
Warrior I Pose
Warrior I is a great pose for strengthening the legs and opening up the hips. To do this pose, start in a lunge position with your back leg straight and your front leg bent at the knee. Then, raise your arms up overhead, reaching for the sky. Gaze up at your hands and hold the pose for several breaths.
There are many, many more yoga poses that you can explore. But these are just a few of the most basic and popular poses to get you started.