With our changing lifestyles owing to the coronavirus pandemic, this age-old exercise has benefits that are far reaching.

If you’re looking for a few easy poses to help kick-start your yoga practice, try out the following poses!

Mountain Pose

  • Begin standing with your feet slightly apart, and push into your feet as you do so.
  • Become aware of your muscles engaging, and take a deep breath in, rolling your shoulders back. Make sure your neck keeps itself long as you do this. 
  • Release your breath when the shoulders rest next to each other.
  • Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths in this position.

Child’s Pose

  • Start by sitting on your knees on the floor. Take a deep breath in, put your arms out in front of you, and rest your forehead on the ground. 
  • Make sure to roll your hips back and to stretch out your back, releasing your breath as you do so.
  • Stay in this position for a few controlled breaths, relaxing your body and releasing tension in your neck, head, and spine.

Warrior Pose

  • Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart. 
  • Take a big step back with your right foot in a similar way to a lunge. 
  • Put your right heel down, angling your toes at about 75 degrees.
  • Open up your chest and bring your arms up and above you, with palms facing upwards.
  • Take a few deep breaths in this position before stepping back into your starting position and repeating on the left leg.

Seated Forward Fold

  • Sit down with your legs stretched out in front of you, feet together and hands by your hips.
  • Take a breath in and lift your chest up and out before hinging forward from your hips.
  • Gently start leaning forward, engaging your lower abs as you do so, and releasing your breath. Rest your arms by your legs once you have reached your maximum stretch.
  • Ensure that you are fully relaxed and not tense anywhere.
  • Stay in this position for a couple of slow and controlled breaths before releasing the position and returning to your starting position.

Downward Facing Dog

  • Start on all fours on the floor.
  • Push gently onto your toes as you lift your hips and straighten your knees. If it is challenging to keep your legs completely straight, have a slight bend at your knees. (It may be difficult due to tight hamstrings).
  • Keep your hips back, stretching out your back. If you want to increase the stretch, you can move your hands forwards.
  • Push down onto your palms and keep your leg muscles engaged while holding this pose.
  • Take a few deep breaths in this position before coming back down to all fours to release the pose.