Yoga poses and stretches

August 2, 2010

Karen Voight: Good Form: Two phases of the half moon

This classic yoga pose, called half moon, is excellent for stretching your back and hip muscles. It also strengthens your legs and ankles while helping you develop balance. At first you might need to use a yoga block under your hand, but as soon as you get more limber and feel stable enough, you can rest your fingers on the floor and straighten your bottom leg.

July 19, 2010

Karen Voight: Good Form: Block-supported yoga pose

Foam blocks are great tools for practicing yoga poses. Use them to develop more flexibility in your hamstrings while eliminating pressure on your lower back.

May 31, 2010

Good Form

Karen Voight: Support your triangle

If you practice yoga on a regular basis, you're probably familiar with the classic position called triangle pose. But it's a good idea, every once in a while, to practice this pose with the back of your body against a flat wall, so you can check the position of your shoulders and hips for correct alignment.

April 5, 2010

Good Form

Karen Voight: Build strength and balance

This exercise is designed to build strength and balance in your core and leg muscles. In the beginning, to help with balance, use a yoga block under your hands. With time and practice, you'll be able to let go, moving your arms out to the sides.

March 22, 2010

Good Form

Yoga block enhances stretch

Using a yoga block in your practice helps bring the floor up to you, allowing you to focus on correct technique while feeling a sense of stability. Over time, your body will lossen up and you'll be able to balance without the use of this tool.

March 8, 2010

Good Form

Centering body and mind

Have you noticed that, when you're stressed and your mind is scattered, it's hard to find your balance? Practice the tree pose to help you feel centered and to focus your mental state. You'll also strengthen your legs and release tension in your thighs and hips.

March 16, 2009

GOOD FORM

Torso, more so

This yoga pose extends and strengthens the muscles in the sides of your torso. It also helps to develop strength and flexibility in your thighs and hips. Remember to press down on the outer edges of your feet and to keep turning your chest up while holding this pose.

March 2, 2009

GOOD FORM

Yoga move: the side angle pose

Find a perfect balance of strength and flexibility with this classic yoga exercise called the side angle pose. For those new to yoga, here are two ways to perform the move, helping you get into the proper position and hold it longer.

November 10, 2008

GOOD FORM

Yoga pose helps runners stretch hip flexors while making legs stronger

Tight hip flexors can be a problem for people whose workout regimens include running or brisk walking; such repetitive forward motion can cause overuse injuries. Here's a yoga pose that can help. It will stretch the hip flexors of the back leg and strengthen the muscles in the front leg.

September 22, 2008

GOOD FORM

Balancing act builds strength, flexibility

If you're familiar with the classic yoga pose called "downward facing dog," try this variation for more of a challenge. It develops flexibility in your legs while strengthening your core and upper-body muscles.

September 8, 2008

GOOD FORM

Restore physical vitality with yoga's downward facing dog

Practicing yoga can help restore your physical vitality and emotional balance. The various postures are powerful tools to strengthen and stretch your entire body at any age and fitness level. Here is a simple way to do downward facing dog if your back and legs are tight.

September 15, 2008

GOOD FORM

Variation on dog yoga pose adds flexibility

This exercise takes a classic yoga pose to a new level. If you're already familiar with downward facing dog and flexible enough to do it correctly, then challenge your body with this variation.

September 1, 2008

GOOD FORM

Chair poses improve yoga techniques

If you're new to yoga, here's a way to modify the classic chair pose. Practice half-chair for a while before progressing to the more challenging full chair position. This gives you a chance to learn proper technique without developing bad habits.

June 23, 2008

GOOD FORM

Rejuvenate muscles with yoga's downward facing dog pose

This classic yoga pose, downward facing dog, increases the blood supply to the brain and stretches the muscles in the legs, torso and arms. If the backs of your legs are tight, bend your knees so you can lift your hips and lengthen your spine.

July 7, 2008

GOOD FORM

Use yoga block for extra-strength push-ups

Even everyday activities require upper body strength, especially in the biceps (which help bend the arms), the triceps (which straighten the arms) and the deltoids (which lift the arms). The traditional push-up is an excellent way to strengthen all these muscles at once. And for an extra challenge, try doing it with a yoga block.

June 30, 2008

GOOD FORM

Yoga pigeon pose stretches hip muscles after workout

If you perform regular squats and lunges in your workouts, be sure to include a hip stretch at the end of your routines. This popular yoga position, the pigeon pose, will help loosen your hips and keep your buttock muscles flexible. If you're very tight in your hips, use a yoga block to support your weight; it will make holding the stretch more comfortable.

May 12, 2008

GOOD FORM

Side-angle yoga postures boost strength and stability

Much of yoga is about practicing proper alignment and focus, so be precise when performing yoga postures. You should strive to feel centered while developing strength and stability in each pose. Here are two variations of a simple yoga move called the side angle. Stick with the first variation until you feel comfortable, then progress to the second.

May 5, 2008

GOOD FORM

Yoga pose stretches leg, back muscles

Perform this yoga pose to help your body find a balance between effort and ease. It will strengthen your lower body and provide a deep stretch in your back muscles. Move into it slowly to allow time for you to find your center and feel a sense of strength and stability while holding the posture.

April 28, 2008

GOOD FORM

Make workouts a challenge

Get more out of your workouts, whether at home or at the gym, by practicing moves that challenge you. For example, if you're familiar with this basic yoga posture, called triangle pose, kick it up a notch and progress to the more advanced version. Doing so will boost your strength and flexibility while improving your focus and balance.

April 14, 2008

GOOD FORM

A yoga stretch for better posture

Many yoga poses help improve posture if practiced on a regular basis. This move stretches the muscles in the front of the body, which usually are tighter than the muscles in the back of the body. An imbalance in muscular flexibility may contribute to hunched backs and slouched shoulders. If you're not familiar with this exercise, stick with the bent-leg variation to give your body time to adjust safely.