What are asanas?
Although the term asana was traditionally used to refer to a static, seated position, over the centuries, it has expanded to include a limitless variety of postures. These poses can be divided into seated, forward bends, backward bends, supine (reclining), inverted, twists, standing and balancing.
With any other form of exercise, there are a few guidelines to observe.
• Do not bounce or force the stretch. Use static & controlled pressure.
• Do not practice if you are experiencing pain. Some discomfort or tension and even joint cracking or popping is normal during asana practice. Practice only to the threshold of pain.
• Use the breath to increase the pose. Inhale into the area of tension. Exhale to release the muscle, tendon or ligament.
• Do not practice asanas on a full stomach.
• If you experience extreme fatigure, relax in Child’s Pose.
• Some asanas do have contraindications. If you have any type of injury: skeletal, joint, muscle, tendon or ligament; or have any medical conditions or diseases, seek the advice of a medical doctor before undertaking an asana practice.
Asana Images: