Yoga Day: 10 simple asanas for beginners

By Priyanka Deshpande

CNBC-TV18.com

Published June 20, 2024

Yoga is a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles.

If you are a beginner to the ancient practice of holistic well-being, here are some yoga asanas shared by Art of Living that are the perfect way to start your mornings:

1. TRIKONASANA

Benefits: The Triangle Pose enhances digestion, reduces anxiety, stress, and back pain, while boosting physical and mental balance.

Avoid:  Anyone with recent or chronic knee, leg, hip, or back injuries, heart problems, dizziness, or medical conditions affecting balance should avoid.

2. VRIKSHASANA

Benefits: The Tree Pose enhances focus by strengthening the legs, improving balance, and opening the hips.

Avoid:  Anyone with knee, ankle, or hip injury, & who suffer from high blood pressure or vertigo should avoid.

3. ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA

Benefits: The Half Spinal Twist Pose makes the spine more flexible and increases the oxygen supply to the lungs.

Avoid:  Pregnant women in their first trimester & people with lower back or neck injuries should avoid.

4. BADHAKONASANA

Benefits: The Butterfly Pose assists with bladder problems, alleviates menstrual discomfort, & promotes regular bowel movements.

Avoid:  Pregnant women in their 2nd & 3rd trimester & people with lower back issues or knee injuries should avoid.

5. VAJRASANA

Benefits: The Thunderbolt Pose is a meditative pose, commonly done post-meal to aid digestion & enhance circulation. 

Avoid:  People with knee, back or ankle injuries should avoid.

6. ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA

Benefits: The Downward Facing Dog Pose elongates the spine & helps calm mind. It also alleviates headaches, insomnia, and fatigue.

Avoid:  Pregnant women in their 2nd & 3rd trimester & people with wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries should avoid.

7. DHANURASANA

Benefits: The Bow Pose enhances posture, flexibility, & stimulates digestion. Also ideal for balance & coordination.

Avoid:  People neck, back injuries or conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs & high blood pressure should avoid.

8. NAUKASANA

Benefits: Useful for people with a hernia, the Boat Pose also helps to reduce tummy fat, address digestive disorders & improves blood circulation.

Avoid:  People with recent stomach surgery or ulcers, high/low blood pressure, heart diseases & asthma should avoid.

9. NATRAJASANA

Benefits: The Lying-Down Body Twist Pose promotes relaxation, strengthens legs, improves balance, stability, & stretches muscles in the chest, back, & hips.

Avoid:  People with recent or chronic ankle, knee, or hip injuries & balance issues should avoid.

10. SHAVASANA

Benefits: The Corpse Pose induces a deep meditative state of rest, aiding in lowering blood pressure & alleviating anxiety & insomnia.

Avoid:  People with back injuries or conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs may avoid or modify it with support of props such as blankets or blocks.