Yoga Postures & Their Benefits

All yoga postures have anatomical and therapeutic purposes that are designed to benefit the mind and body. Linked with your breathing, practicing various yoga postures benefits you in distinct ways. When you know the benefits of poses, you become aware of the rewards of the postures.

Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose

Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose is a seated side bend that fully lengthens the spine, shoulders and hamstrings. Your abdominal organs are stretched, which is designed to lead to better digestion. Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place the sole your right foot on your left inner thigh. Drop your left forearm to the inside of your left leg and reach toward your left foot. Extend your right arm overhead and let your arm fall over your ear as you reach toward your left toes. Stay in Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose for one minute, release and repeat on the other side. According to YogaJournal.com, Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose can help relieve anxiety, exhaustion, headaches and restlessness.

Side-Reclining Leg Lift

Side-Reclining Leg Lift is a basic side-lying pose that tones your core, stretches your legs and lengthens your torso. According to B.K.S. Iyengar, creator of Iyengar Yoga, this pose promotes a healthy pelvic region as well. Lie on your left side with the outside edge of your left foot on the ground. Bend your left elbow and support your head with your left hand. Lift your right leg, bend your knee and grab hold of your big toe with your left hand. Extend your leg toward the ceiling so the sole of your foot is facing the ceiling. Stay in the pose for one minute. Notice how you need to engage your core and work on your balance so you don't tip forward or back. Release and switch to the other side.

Wide-Legged Forward Bend

Wide-Legged Forward Bend is a forward bend that calms the brain. Your hamstrings and inner thigh muscles are wholly stretched and your spine is completely lengthened. Your abdominal organs are also stimulated which leads to improved digestion. Widen your feet 3 to 5 feet apart and ensure that they are parallel to one another. Sweep your arms overheard and fold forward from your hips as you lower your torso in between your thighs. Let your hands fall in between your legs and work the crown of your head toward the ground. Hold Wide-Legged Forward Bend for one minute and mindfully release back up to stand. Wide-Legged Forward Bend is used for fatigue, headaches and acute depression, reports YogaJournal.com.

Child's Pose

Child's Pose is a basic kneeling-forward bend that is a resting posture. Your hips, hamstring, ankles and entire back are elongated. The pose is designed to minimize stress. Kneel with your toes touching and your knees as wide as your yoga mat. Press your hips back onto your heels as you lower your forehead to your mat. Extend your arms overhead with palms facing down and stay in Child's Pose for one to three minutes. Allow your body to let go of any tension in the pose and breath deeply to maximize the benefits.