Poses

Shoulders

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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 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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  Tolasana (Scale Pose)

  The head, torso, and legs hang from and balance on the hands like the pans of an old-fashioned scale.

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  Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose)

  A powerful arm and wrist strengthener. Might also be called the One-Arm Balance.

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  Dandasana (Staff Pose)

  It might look easy, but there's more to Staff Pose than meets the eye.

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  Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

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

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  Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)

  Purvottanasana counteracts the effects of Chaturanga by stretching the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and anterior deltoids.

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  Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose)

  What's really being commemorated in this pose's name, and held up as an ideal for all practitioners, is the "spiritual warrior."

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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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  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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  Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

  Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind.

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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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  Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)

  This version of Shoulderstand is performed with blanket support under the shoulders.

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  Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (Upward Facing Two-Foot Staff Pose )

  Can you practice Wheel with straight arms and Headstand without strain? Then, you're ready.

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  Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)

  Urdhva Hastasana literally translates to "Raised Hands Pose," but it is also sometimes called Talasana, the Palm Tree Pose (tala = palm tree).

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  Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)

  Named for a fierce warrior, an incarnation of Shiva, this version of Warrior Pose increases stamina.