How to Protect Your Lower Back in Upward-Facing Dog
Just because it's a backbend doesn't mean all the work should be in your spine.
Browse our extensive yoga pose library, with a vast collection of everything from basic to advanced poses, seated and standing poses, twists, challenge poses, and bandha techniques.
Just because it's a backbend doesn't mean all the work should be in your spine.
Most yoga practitioners can't seem to get enough of these poses. Yet a teacher with more than two decades of experience explores whether less is more.
A little stretching can go a long way.
Trust us, it sparks joy.
The case for keeping it simple.
This new Moon is your invitation to focus on your creativity, dreams, and inner wisdom.
When cramps have got you down, movement may be the last thing you want—but sometimes it's just what you need.
Because in order to navigate a chaotic world, you need to begin with nurturing yourself.
And you'll still have 1,430 minutes left in the day.
Recent studies have shown the benefit that yoga can have on hypertension. Here's a gentle practice to get you started.
You can't avoid sadness and trauma, but your practice can help you move from pain to peace.
It's not what you might expect.
Because there's more to life than hip openers.
These postures will move your heart space in every direction.
Step away from the computer.
Say goodbye to all that tension.
Our spines do so much. Here's how to keep yours healthy.
A modification of Plank Pose, Forearm Plank strengthens and tones the core, thighs, and arms.
Technology can (quite literally) cause a pain in your neck. Luckily, your practice can help you find relief.
How to avoid falling into autopilot while practicing this basic—but beneficial—stretch.
Bitilasana is an easy, gentle way to warm up the spine before a more vigorous practice.
This challenging posture is so much more than just a cool shape.
Fire up your abs for this difficult asymmetrical arm balance, Eight-Angle Pose.
Fire up your abs for this challenging asymmetrical arm balance, Astavakrasana.
The relief you feel after moving through these five postures will astound you.
Hands shoulder-distance apart? Check. Lengthen through your back? Done. Here are other prompts to help you heighten your—and your students'—experience in this foundational pose.
Purvottanasana counteracts the effects of Chaturanga by stretching the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and anterior deltoids.
A classic standing posture, Vrksasana establishes strength and balance, and helps you feel centered, steady and grounded.
This a.m. sequence will reset your internal GPS so you can better handle whatever the day might bring.
You know what happens to a paper clip when you bend it back and forth too many times? Stop doing the same thing to your body.
Check out Sarah Ezrin's author page.
The traditional Camel Pose looks different than the asana in your modern-day practice.
Approaching this classic asana in a new way can make you keenly aware of your alignment—and help you break free of your rut.
Having a tricky time with Bow Pose? Take what you know from Bridge and Camel and change your relationship to gravity. Here's how.
“Going deeper” into your pose has nothing to do with how it looks.
Only when you get quiet can you listen to your deepest truth and desires. Here's how to get in touch with yourself and your intentions for the year ahead.
Challenge your balance and stretch your body in all the same ways as Vasisthasana, while dialing down the difficulty.
Plus, new year intentions according to your zodiac sign.
Side Plank Pose is just the beginning.
Ever find that a standard alternative to a pose still doesn't feel right in your body? These accessible options will change that.
There's more to sequencing the final resting pose than putting it at the end of class. Here's how to ensure your students are set up to find their calm.
If you've ever silently cursed as your teacher started to cue Eagle Pose, you're not alone. Here's how to make it a lot more tolerable—and doable.
A challenging arm balance, Parsva Bakasana can help you build a better sense of balance, greater upper-body strength—and stronger confidence.
The key to Parsva Bakasana is twisting enough to place the outer edge of one upper arm far around the outside of the opposite thigh.
Bound Angle Pose, or Baddha Konasana, opens the deepest part of the hip muscles.
Open wide into Prasarita Padottanasana to increase flexibility by leaps and bounds.
Baddha Konasana, sometimes called Cobbler's Pose, opens and gently stretches your deep hip muscles to counteract stiffness.
When you need to approach any situation—or, let's be honest, life—from a calmer place, this quiet practice is your solution.
And I don’t mean the poses...
Since ancient times, the shortest, darkest day of the year has been held sacred as a time for quiet reflection and inner stability.
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, a well-known backbend, will challenge you to lift and open your chest.
Plow Pose (Halasana) reduces backache and can help you get to sleep.
Padmasana creates an essential foundation for meditation practice, while stretching the front of the thighs and ankles.
A compact arm balance, Kakasana and Bakasana tone your abs and arms, strengthen your core, and sharpen your mental focus.
A compact arm balance, Crow Pose and Crane Pose tone the abs and the arms, strengthen in the core, and focus the mind.
You need strength, flexibility, and endurance, and unwavering concentration for Eagle Pose.
Poor posture? This one's for you.
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana is a deep hip opener and forward bend that you should approach consciously to reap its many benefits.
Named for a legendary warrior, Virabhadrasana 2 strengthens your quads, shoulders, and core—not to mention your stamina and inner resolve.
It might look straightforward, but there's more to Dandasana than meets the eye.
A simple pose that's anything but easy.
Sometimes called the Sage's Pose, Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi III (Marichyasana III) is a wise addition to any practice.
There's a general consensus among modern yogis that Viparita Karani or Legs Up the Wall Pose may have the power to cure whatever ails you.
Parsvottanasana encourages balance, body awareness, and inspires confidence.
Trade in your gym workouts for these postures, which shape stronger legs, arms, and core.
This is a time to usher in change, expect the unexpected, and step into your truth. Here's how to flow with it.
Meet your asana advisor, complete with video instruction, pose variations, anatomy information, and more.
Sometimes you need to clear out what you no longer need to let in everything that you want.
Feel free to let it all out.
Connect deeply with what matters—and find the strength to take action with care and compassion.
When was the last time you gave thanks for your ability to move through your yoga practice?
No props, no problem! All you need for this calming Yin Yoga sequence is yourself and a desire to come to your practice.
The prop you never even knew you needed can transform how you (and your students) find alignment.
Yes, it is possible to get rid of that (super) annoying bloating.
It's time to find your center. This practice for the full moon brings you back to your truest source of strength and stability—you.
A seated posture, Dandasana will open your chest and prep you for the rest of your practice.
A classic backbend, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana builds strength in your shoulders, core, and legs.
Are you ready to get upside down? Adho Mukha Vrksasana boost your energy—and confidence.
Pincha Mayurasana tones your arms and shoulders, and is a good pose to balance in before practicing an unsupported Handstand.
Adho Mukha Vrksasana boosts energy and confidence, and can literally give you a new perspective on life.