Mind
Easy yoga moves you can do at home for health and vitality
If you’ve been keen to dip your toe into the world of yoga but haven’t known where to start, we’ve got the guide for you! These easy, at-home yoga postures are ideal for any skill level (even completely beginners!) and have a multitude of health and wellness benefits. Practicing daily or a couple of times a week can have a profoundly positive impact on your energy levels and sense of contentment and calm. So what are you waiting for? Dive in today!
You will need:
- Comfortable and loose-fitting clothes
- A yoga mat (if you have one) or otherwise a non-slip surface will do
Exercises:
1. Tree pose: To elongate your body and calm a racing mind.
- Stand comfortably with feet hip-width apart, weight distributed evenly.
- Shift weight to your left foot and bring the sole of your right foot as high up your left leg as you can, forming a “triangle” shape.
- Bring your hands together in front of you, as if in prayer, and hold the posture for 30 seconds before switching sides.
2. Warrior 1 pose: Tostrengthen your upper body and open up your chest.
- Stand comfortably with your feet hip-width apart.
- Focusing your weight and attention on your right foot and keeping it still with toes pointing forward, bend your right knee deeply.
- Place your left foot about a metre behind you, toes turned outwards, away from the body.
- Raise both arms above your head so that palms are touching and look upwards towards them.
- Take three deep breaths then return to standing.
- Repeat five to 10 times.
3. Half chair pose: To strengthen your thighs.
- Stand about 30cm away from a supportive and sturdy wall.
- Push your bottom back so that it makes contact and rests against the wall, like you’re “sitting” on it.
- Raise your arms forward and over your head so that you can see them, palms facing inwards.
- Gently bend your knees into a comfortable squat position.
- Breathe deeply and try to hold for 10 to 20 seconds.
4. Mountain pose: To correct your posture and stand tall.
- Stand comfortably with the bases of your big toes touching and your heels slightly apart.
- Place your hands by your sides, palms facing outwards.
- Breathe deeply and raise your arms up towards each other and over your head.
- Look upwards at your hands, elongating your neck and breathing deeply.
- Hold for 30 seconds.