Angela Hall
Yoga is great for many things. It’s a great aid in weight loss, it detoxifies the body as well as strengthens all muscle groups. Here are some of the most effective yoga poses that will help you attain your dream body.
#1: Warrior 1
This pose is typically done in conjunction with the other warrior poses which we will go over shortly. Warrior 1 will challenge your thighs, glutes and core.
How to do it: Stand on your mat with your feet hip-distance apart. On an exhale step your feet apart, your front foot pointing towards the tip of the mat. Turn your back foot parallel to the edge of the mat. Align your feet so the front heel is in line with the back arch. Keep your hips facing forward and inhale as you bring your arms up over your head, bending your front leg on the exhale to a 90 degree angle. Repeat on both sides.
#2: Warrior 2
The second pose in the warrior series, this pose will challenge your thighs, glutes and core as you keep your balance.
How to do it: Similar to Warrior 1, feet will be in the same position. Your hips will be open however, not facing forward. Lengthen your arms on an inhale so they’re parallel to the floor and exhale as you bend your front leg again to a 90 degree angle. Repeat on both sides.
#3: Warrior 3
This pose, the third main pose in the warrior series will
How to do it: Stand with your feet together. On an inhale lift one leg so its parallel to the floor and move your chest down, creating one long line. You can keep your arms by your side or lengthen them over your head. Repeat on both sides.
#4: Chair
This pose is great to tone the thighs and glutes as well as strengthen the core, primarily the lower abs.
How you do it: Stand with your feet together. On an exhale, sink your hips and bend your knees. Be careful to not let your knees go over your ankles. Take a look at your feet, if you can’t see the tops of your toes, move your knees back. Keep your back straight and your core engaged. Your gaze should remain forward. Raise your arms over your head, in line with your ears. Each time you exhale try to lower deeper into the position.
#5: Three-Legged Dog
This pose is a variation of downward dog that really challenges the thighs, glutes, hips, arms and the core.
How you do it: Begin in table top position. Press back into downward dog with your legs and arms straight, creating an upside down “V” shape with your body. Lift one leg as far up as possible, creating a long line from your finger tips to your toes. Repeat on both sides.