Poses

Groins

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  Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose)

  Nataraja is another name for Shiva. His dance symbolizes cosmic energy.

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  Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose)

  Hanuman, is a figure in Hindu mythology. The word "Hanuman" literally means "having large jaws."

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  Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose II)

  Nowadays we simply shoo pigeons away from our public gathering places. But in Vedic times, 3,000 years ago, the pigeon was a bird of ill omen, the messenger of the goddess Nirriti, a personification of misfortune, misery, and death.

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  Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya II)

  Tones the belly and spine, strengthens the arms and wrists, and gives your self-confidence a big boost.

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  Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose)

  Provides relief from backache and stretches the hips, hamstrings, and calves.

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  Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana (Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose)

  There are two interpretations of the Sanskrit Janu Sirsasana, Head-to-Knee and Head-of-the-Knee. The former emphasizes the forward bend. The latter refers to the "head" of the bent knee that you use press away from you to assist the forward bend.

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  Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)

  Usually a counterpose to Trikonasana. Also a preparation for seated forward bends and twists.

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  Anantasana (Side-Reclining Leg Lift)

  This side-reclining pose stretches the backs of the legs, the sides of the torso, and tones the belly.

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  Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana (Standing Split)

  When you practice Standing Splits focus on the stretch in your quad and hamstring, not how high you can lift your leg.

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  Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge)

  This lunge variation stretches the thighs and groins and opens the chest.

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  Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose)

  Deep backbend that puffs the chest, making a yogi resemble a pigeon.

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  Eka Pada Koundiyanasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I)

  Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is a twist, but it's one in which the legs go in separate ways.

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  Marichyasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi, I)

  Marichi is the Vedic Adam, and the "father" of humanity.

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  Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)

  Intensifies the stretch in the thighs and ankles of its upright version.

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  Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose)

  One of three revolved variations of standing poses.

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  Bhujapidasana (Shoulder-Pressing Pose)

  This arm balance relies more on precise positioning than on strength, making it more accessible for students beginning an arm balancing practice.

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  Sphinx Pose

  Sphinx Pose is the infant of backbends. It can be practiced with either an active or passive approach.

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  Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

  Vrksasana clarifies just how challenging it can be to stand on one leg.