5 Beginner Yoga Positions You Need to Know

By Nancy Terence

Yoga can help you achieve peacefulness and a harmonious balance between your mind and body. It has a lot of health benefits such as improving your posture, relieving stress and stretching your tight muscles. However, if you are only a beginner in this art and science of yoga, you might get that natural feeling of uneasiness when you see the different yoga positions. Add to that the fact that each position has a strange and sometimes intimidating name to it.

But don't you worry because there are beginner yoga positions that are designed to help you get started. While some can be quite challenging at first, these are all relaxing and will pave the way for you to achieve more complicated yoga poses.

Balasana - Child's Pose

The Child Pose is a relaxation pose which is used to normalize the circulation after the Head Stand and to give a counter stretch to the spine after the backward bends. It is a resting pose that can be done to precede or follow any pose. Performing the Child Pose stretches the hips, thighs and ankles gently. It also helps relieve stress and fatigue, and calms the brain. However, you need to observe caution in practicing the Child Pose when you are suffering from diarrhea or knee injury as it may worsen your ailment when not done properly. Pregnant women should also avoid doing the Child Pose. Practicing under the supervision of an experienced Yoga teacher is advised.

Procedure for Doing Balasana - Child's Pose

1. Find a large enough space where you will be able to spread your entire body on the floor.
   
2. Lay your yoga mat and towel or blanket on the floor and lay down on your back with your legs stretched out and your arms at your side.
   
3. Sit up and tuck your legs underneath you so that your body is resting on your knees.
   
4. Touch your toes together and spread your knees as far apart as you are comfortably able. Do not stretch more than is comfortable for your body. Flexibility varies from person to person.
   
5. Lean forward and touch your head to the mat, or as far forward as you are able to hang your head. Put your arms at your side or extend them up so that they are resting next to your ears on the mat.
   

Benefits of Balasana - Child's Pose

• Gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles


• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue


• Relieves back and neck pain when done with head and torso supported

Balasana - Child's Pose Video