Yoga is a meditative and physical discipline made up of asanas, or postures or poses. Many of these positions are visibly recognizable due to their presence in magazines, newspapers and on television. Each position has a name---both an English name and a Sanskrit name.
Sukasana - Easy Pose
This pose is one of the most recognized yoga poses. This is a seated pose with the legs crossed and the hands resting on the knees with the palms facing up. It is the one many equate with the enlightened yogi and meditation.
Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana
This position is called Downward Facing Dog because it resembles the position a dog is in when it is stretching its body. The hands and feet are pressed into the ground with the hips up in the air, forming an inverted "V" shape with the body.
Warrior - Virabhadrasana
The warrior pose is another well-known yoga position. It is a standing position that strengthens the legs and arms and stretches the hips, chest and stomach. Start with your feet wider than shoulder width apart. Turn your right foot out and your left foot forward. Bend your right knee and keep your left knee straight. There are two variations, one with the arms open and out to the side and the other with the arms over the head.
Forward Bending - Uttanasana
This common stretch is done by many people, even those who do not practice yoga on a regular basis. It is a great stretch for the hamstrings. With your feet hip width apart, bend forward at the waist and place your palms on the floor. If you can't touch the floor, you can place your hands on the tops of your feet or on your shins.
Knees to Chest -- Apanasana
This is another common stretch done by yogis and non-yogis alike to stretch the lower back and for relaxation by hugging the knees to the chest.
Corpse Pose -- Savasana
This yoga position is used at the end of every yoga class or workout. The yogi lies supine with palms facing up and the eyes closed. The position encourages an "active relaxation" of all the muscles of the body through breathing.
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