7 Yoga poses to keep your body fit

Props like blocks, straps, and blankets can help you maintain proper alignment

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Mountain Pose is the foundation of all standing poses. It improves posture, strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles, and increases awareness and focus. Stand with your feet together, distribute your weight evenly, and engage your thigh muscles. Lengthen your spine, lift your chest, and reach your arms overhead, stretching your fingers towards the sky.

2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This pose stretches the entire body, strengthens the arms, legs, and core, and helps to calm the mind. Start on your hands and knees, tuck your toes, and lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming an inverted V shape. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart. Press your heels towards the floor and relax your head between your arms.

Honor your limits and don't push yourself too hard

3. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)

Warrior I strengthens the legs, opens the hips and chest, builds stamina and helps concentration. From Mountain Pose, step one foot back and bend the front knee to form a lunge. Turn your back foot slightly inward and align your hips forward. Raise your arms overhead, keeping your shoulders relaxed, and gaze forward.

These seven yoga poses enhance fitness, flexibility, and strength, promoting overall well-being and balance.

4. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Warrior II enhances strength and endurance in the legs and core while improving balance and stability. From Warrior I, open your hips and shoulders to the side, extend your arms parallel to the floor, and gaze over your front hand. Keep your front knee bent at a 90-degree angle and your back leg strong.

5. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Tree Pose improves balance, concentration, and strengthens the legs and core. Stand tall, shift your weight onto one leg, and place the sole of your opposite foot on your inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee). Bring your palms together at your heart or raise your arms overhead. Focus on a point in front of you to maintain balance.

6. Boat Pose (Navasana)

Boat Pose engages the core muscles, strengthens the back, and improves balance. Sit with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly, lift your feet off the ground, and extend your legs so your body forms a V shape. Keep your arms parallel to the floor and your spine straight.

7. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstrings while opening the chest and improving spinal flexibility. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press into your feet to lift your hips towards the ceiling, interlace your fingers beneath your back, and press your arms into the floor for support.

Incorporating these yoga poses into your routine can help keep your body fit, flexible, and strong. Remember to practice regularly and listen to your body to avoid injury. Yoga is not just about the physical benefits but also about finding balance and harmony in your life. Enjoy your practice and breathe!

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