full yoga class
A full-body yoga sequence can help improve flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Here’s a yoga sequence that targets various muscle groups and provides a balanced practice:
1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, arms by your sides, and palms facing forward. Root down through your feet, engage your core, and lengthen your spine. Take a few deep breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment.
2. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): Begin by inhaling your arms up overhead, and then exhale as you fold forward into a Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana). Inhale, lift halfway up with a flat back, and exhale as you step or jump back into Plank Pose. Lower down slowly to the ground, keeping your elbows close to your sides, and then inhale into Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana). Exhale, press back into Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), and take a few breaths here before repeating the sequence. Aim for 3-5 rounds.
3. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): From Downward-Facing Dog, step your right foot forward between your hands. Inhale, lift your torso upright, and reach your arms up overhead. Square your hips forward and engage your core. Hold the pose for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your hip flexors and the strength in your legs. Repeat on the other side.
4. Chair Pose (Utkatasana): From Mountain Pose, bend your knees and lower your hips as if sitting back into an imaginary chair. Keep your weight in your heels, engage your core, and reach your arms up overhead. Stay in the pose for several breaths, feeling the strength in your legs and the activation of your core muscles.
5. Plank Pose and Chaturanga Dandasana: Begin in Plank Pose, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Hold the position for a few breaths, engaging your core and keeping your gaze slightly forward. Optional: Lower down into Chaturanga Dandasana, bending your elbows close to your sides as you lower halfway down. Inhale into Upward-Facing Dog, and exhale into Downward-Facing Dog.
6. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the mat, hip-width apart. Press down through your feet and lift your hips off the ground, creating a bridge shape with your body. Interlace your hands beneath your lower back and draw your shoulders together to open your chest. Hold the pose for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your chest, hips, and thighs.
7. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Sit on the mat with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale, lengthen your spine, and then exhale as you fold forward from your hips, reaching toward your feet or holding onto your shins. Keep your spine long and relax into the stretch, allowing the breath to guide you deeper into the pose.
8. Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and arms relaxed by your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and let your body completely relax into the mat. Focus on your breath and allow any tension or stress to melt away. Stay in this position for several minutes, enjoying the benefits of your practice.
Remember to listen to your body and modify poses as needed. Take deep, mindful breaths throughout your practice, and honor your body’s limits. If you’re new to yoga or have any health concerns, it’s recommended to practice under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor.