Standing yoga poses are an easy way to get started learning yoga; they are simple to teach and learn, and although they are relatively stable, it's possible to get your heart rate up while doing them. Horizontal poses take the practice up another notch by allowing your arms, legs and upper body to come into a position they don't normally take: parallel to the floor.
Triangle
In triangle pose, your upper body will become horizontal as you stretch down your front leg. Stand with your feet 3.5 to 4 feet apart and reach your arms out to your sides, palms down. Turn your right foot out and your left foot in slightly. Bending from the hips, extend your torso out toward your right foot. Rest your right hand on your shin, your ankle or the floor -- whichever feels most comfortable -- and stretch your left arm out over your head. Repeat on the other side.
Half Moon
In this pose, your upper body and leg mimic the appearance of a half moon. From standing, come into triangle pose on your right side, then slide your left foot forward 6 to 12 inches and reach your right hand forward at least 1 foot. Straighten your right leg and lift your left leg parallel to the floor. Reach your left arm straight up. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, return to triangle and repeat on the other side.
Warrior III
Warrior III is similar to half moon, but with the body rotated forward and both arms off the floor. Begin in a standing forward bend, with your head to your knees and knees slightly bent. Step your left foot back to a high-lunge position, then stretch your arms forward and lift your left foot off the floor. Your arms, upper body and left leg should all be parallel to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute and repeat on the other side.
Side Angle
In side angle pose, although your leg and arm are not completely horizontal, your upper body heads in that direction as it does in triangle. Prepare for this pose as you would for triangle, with feet spread wide and right foot turned out. Bend your right knee over the ankle so your shin is perpendicular to the floor, then reach your upper body forward and your left arm over your left ear. Bring the right side of your torso as close as possible to the top of your right thigh.
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