How to Do Yoga Poses

The mental, spiritual and physical benefits of yoga have been known for centuries. As certified instructors offer classes across the world and produce DVDs for home use, anyone can benefit from the practice of yoga. Whether you utilize tools and equipment like exercise balls, bands and blocks or opt for nothing more than comfortable clothing and a mat, yogic postures can help you improve your muscle tone and posture and bring balance to your energies. Each type, or path, of yoga has specialized postures, meditations and practices. Every path involves becoming attuned to the needs and limits of your body.

Things You'll Need

• Loose, comfortable clothing
• Exercise ball
• Exercise blocks
• Exercise band
• Exercise or yoga mat
• Incense (optional)
• Instrumental music (optional)
• White noise machine/sound machine (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Stretch to begin. Deep breathing and stretching exercises are not only part of a yoga routine warmup--they are integral parts of the routine. Because each path of yoga approaches the asanas, or postures, differently, the methods of stretching and breathing are different as well. Research the meditations and stretching suggestions for the branch of yoga that most appeals to or suits you.

• 2

  Pace yourself. Do not push your body beyond its limits, and feel comfortable with one posture before moving to a more advanced version or more advanced asanas. Use bolsters, blocks and bands to help you achieve postures after consulting your doctor regarding your fitness level and any restrictions or limitations.

• 3

  Attend classes and reference books and videos to ensure proper postures and vinyasas, or sequences of postures. Props such as blocks and bolsters are best used under supervision of a doctor or certified yoga instructor (yogi or yogini) and can help you progress through beginner postures into more complex and advanced postures. You may be able to modify postures to better suit your fitness level and health.