Yoga benefits both the body and the mind. Physically, yoga improves flexibility and balance. Mentally, it relieves stress and brings peace. If you know how good yoga could be for you but are struggling to fit it into your schedule, you may be interested to know what is the best yoga exercise to do. In a crunch for time, perform several sun salutations and reap the many benefits of yoga with just a short workout.
Salute
Start in mountain pose with your feet slightly apart and your hands dangling by the sides of your legs. In this position, inhale deeply and exhale completely for at least three breath cycles. On your fourth inhale, lift your arms up above your head and arch your back slightly. Make sure not to arch farther than is comfortable. As you exhale, bend forward at the hips and reach your arms down to the ground. If you cannot reach the ground with straight legs, bend your knees slightly to allow your hands to rest on the ground.
To the Ground
Inhale as you step one foot back and exhale as you step the other back into plank pose. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders with your legs stretched out behind. Your arms should be completely straight. Rest on the balls of your feet, with your body in a straight line from your heels to your head. Inhale as you hold this position. Lower your body to the ground as you exhale almost like doing the first part of a pushup.
The Dogs
Inhale as you lift into upward facing dog. Simply lift your torso up as you straighten your arms. Your face should aim up to the sky. Exhale as you move into downward facing dog. Lift your hips up in a piked position as you push back with your arms. Your feet should be apart with your heels pressing into the ground. Imagine your tailbone reaching up for the ceiling, but be sure to keep your shoulders relaxed and your neck elongated. Inhale as you step one foot forward into a lunge position.
The Ending
Exhale as you step the other foot forward, ending in head-to-knee position with your legs straight, if you can, and your hands on the ground. Inhale as you slowly stand up, rolling up one vertebrae at a time and lifting the arms out to the side. End with your arms straight up in the air and your back slightly arched as before. Exhale lowering your arms down into prayer position. Repeat the entire sun salutation at least one more time leading with the opposite foot.
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