Side plank
• Sanskrit name: Vasisthasana
• Benefits: Strengthens the arms, belly, and legs, stretches and strengthens the wrists, improves balance, and enhances core stability.
It’s International Yoga Day on June 21, a day meant to urge you to get you body moving.
According to various reports, the history of the day tracks back to 2014 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to have suggested the idea of an international day dedicated to yoga during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. In his address he described yoga as ‘an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition’ one that could ‘contribute to creating a healthier planet’.
So why not take part in the day right from the comfort of your home. Northcliff-based biokineticist and yoga instructor Kendra Dykman shares some poses with you that will definitely help strengthen an stretch your body.
Extended side angle
• Sanskrit name: Utthita Parsvakonasana
• Benefits: Stretches the legs, spine, waist, chest, lungs, and shoulders, strengthens the legs and ankles, and increases endurance.
Reversed warrior
• Sanskrit name: Viparita Virabhadrasana
• Benefits: Stretches the inner thighs, hips, and sides of the torso, strengthens the lower body, improves balance, and increases endurance.
Extended hand-to-big-Tte pose
Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
Benefits: builds on your strength and flexibility, particularly in the back of your legs and your ankles
Warrior III
• Sanskrit name: Virabhadrasana III
• Benefits: Strengthens the legs, shoulders, and back muscles, improves balance and coordination, tones the abdominal muscles, and increases focus and concentration.
Boat pose
• Sanskrit name: Navasana
• Benefits: Strengthens the core, hip flexors, and spine, and improves balance
Crow pose
• Sanskrit name: Bakasana
• Benefits: Strengthens the arms, wrists, and abdominal muscles, stretches the upper back, increases balance and coordination, and improves focus and concentration.
Easy seat
• Sanskrit name: Sukhasana
• Benefits: Promotes calmness and peace, improves posture, stretches the knees and ankles, strengthens the back, and opens the hips.
Standing hand-to-big-toe pose
• Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
• Benefits: Strengthens the legs and ankles, stretches the hamstrings, improves balance, increases focus, and enhances flexibility in the hips and legs.
Cobra pose
• Sanskrit name: Bhujangasana
• Benefits: Strengthens the spine, stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders, and abdomen, helps to relieve stress and fatigue, and can open the heart and lungs.
