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Starting any new fitness class can often be intimidating when you have absolutely no idea what to expect. At The Health Lodge, we want all of our members to feel comfortable and relaxed in their fitness sessions. This is why we have compiled a list of five simple yoga poses that can help you to get started on your yoga journey.

  1. Mountain pose
    The mountain pose is one of the simplest yoga positions, and a brilliant way to get started. Stand upright with your feet together, relax your shoulders and allow your arms to hang loosely at your sides. Take a long, deep breath in, whilst slowly raising your hands overhead, ensuring your arms are as straight as possible. Reach up as high as you can and hold this pose for one minute, before lowering your arms back to their original position.
  2. Tree pose
    With a similar start to the mountain pose, the tree stance involves standing upright with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Shift your body weight onto your left leg and place the sole of your right foot inside your left thigh (or left ankle if need be). Close your hands together, take a deep breath in and extend your arms upwards, holding this pose for at least 30 seconds to a minute. Slowly lower your arms and legs, then repeat on your opposite side.
  3. Downward dog
    As you can imagine from the name, the downward dog pose starts on all fours with your hands under your shoulders. Press your hips upwards and bring your body into an inverted V. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to one minute, then slowly lower your body back to your yoga mat whilst exhaling.
  4. Warrior
    The warrior pose is definitely not as scary as it sounds. Beginning with your legs apart, place your hands on your hips and relax your shoulders. Whilst exhaling, extend your arms out to the sides and bend your right knee until you can feel a good stretch. Hold for one minute whilst focussing on deep, calm breathing. When you’re ready, bring your feet back together and repeat the pose on your opposite side.
  5. Bridge pose
    For our last yoga pose, you need to lie down on the floor facing upwards with your knees bent. Place your arms at your sides with the palms facing down. When exhaling, firmly press your feet into the floor as you slowly lift your hips. For extra support, you can put your hands under your lower back and press your arms down. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to one minute. Lower yourself back to the floor and when you feel ready, sit up.

These beginner movements will give you a strong indication of what you can expect in our popular yoga and meditation classes. Our classes also incorporate the practice of mindfulness, helping to alleviate the stress of everyday life and bring you back in touch with your mind and body. If you would like any more information about starting your yoga journey with us, feel free to contact The Health Lodge today.