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Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and Read more
Last week I asked you to tell me what your favorite yoga pose is, and even though the results varied, a few poses were mentioned over and over. Keep reading to see what poses FitSugar readers love most, and make sure to click through to the end to see what the all-time favorite pose is. Read more
Ok, let's all take a deep breath here, and start off a little slower. I admit it, that first challenge was way out there, so try this one out. You might know it as a back bend but in yoga, it is known as the Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana). To start: Lie down on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the ground (heels as close as possible to your booty). Bend your elbows and Read more
In Ashtanga yoga, right before you go into the closing sequence, you do the Wheel, aka backbend. This is one of my favorite poses because not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but it also opens up your shoulders and strengthens your upper back and thighs. Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Dhanurasana English Translation: Upward Bow Pose Also Called: Wheel or Full Backbend Want to Read more
Backbending poses open your heart, both figuratively and literally. While Full Wheel is probably the most well-known backbend, it's also one of the most challenging. This variation of Half Wheel will increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders while also toning your thighs. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana English Translation: One-Legged Half Wheel Keep reading to Read more
Backbending poses open your heart, both figuratively and literally. While Full Wheel is probably the most well-known backbend, it's also one of the most challenging. This variation of Half Wheel will increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders while also toning your thighs. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana English Translation: One-Legged Half Wheel Keep reading to Read more
Fun issues like nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the need to hit the ladies' room — three different times during a workout! — makes it difficult to keep up with a regular exercise routine when pregnant. If you're expecting, taking up yoga (or continuing to go) is wonderful because not only does it alleviate some of these annoying discomforts, your body will stay strong and flexible. Read more
Just as you can build your upper body strength in order to hold Forearm Stand, or increase your flexibility so you can do Wheel Pose, you can also improve your balance in order to master poses like Tree. The best way to feel confident is to practice poses that challenge your sense of balance: here's a yoga sequence that involves mostly one-legged standing poses. Bonus — this yoga sequence will Read more
Yoga instructors are often the calmest people you'll meet, but when their beliefs are grounded in strict yoga principle and technique, they may sometimes put their foot down during practice. Here are some reasons your yoga teacher might reprimand you during class. Drinking water: Practicing yoga is about building your energy or prana, otherwise known as your fire. Some by-the-book instructors Read more
Practicing yoga is one of the best ways to relieve stress, but since you're holding yourself in challenging positions, it's also a killer workout for your upper body. Superstrong, sculpted arms not only look good in a strapless dress, but also enable you to do more advanced yoga poses. Here are some ways you can build a stronger upper body with yoga. Practice, practice, practice: Taking a class Read more
