FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Yoga Sequence to Relieve Tension Headaches

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

When you're suffering from a dull tension headache, try these yoga poses before reaching for medication. They're a series of forward bends and reclining poses that will soothe your head and release tension from your neck. They'll also improve circulation, slow down your breath, and calm your mind.

Source

Strike a Yoga Pose: Straight Legs Side Crow

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

If you had a fun time practicing the arm-balancing pose Side Crow, then you're going to love this next pose called Straight Legs Crow. It's a little bit more challenging since it requires strength, balance, and flexibility, but once you nail it, you'll feel amazing.

Sanskrit Name: Koundinyasana A or Dwi Pada Koundinyasana
English Translation: Two-Legged Sage Pose
Also Called: Straight Legs Side Crow

To learn how to get into this acrobatic-looking pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Palms Up Headstand

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0800

One of the reasons I'm a huge fan of Ashtanga Yoga is the many variations of headstand involved in the practice — seven to be exact. Palms Up Headstand is the sixth in the Ashtanga headstand series. I'm not going to lie to you; this one is pretty tough. As with all things though, practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you can stay balanced. If you have a sensitive head, you may want to fold your mat in half to add some extra cushioning.

Sanskrit Name: Mukta Hasta Sirsana B
English Translation: Free Hands Headstand Posture B
Also Called: Palms Up Headstand

How do you get into it? To find out

Strike a Yoga Pose: Side Crow

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:00:09 -0700

If you've been working on mastering the arm-balancing pose Crow, then how about giving this variation, called Side Crow, a try? It may look more difficult, but some people think it's actually easier. It will strengthen your shoulders and abs, and since you're twisting to the side, it'll also increase flexibility in your lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Parsva Bakasana
English Translation: Side Crane Pose
Also Called: Side Crow

How do you get into it? To find out,

Strike a Yoga Pose: Tripod Headstand

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Yoga is full of variety. One pose can offer many variations — even something as simple as standing on your head. I have introduced you all to the four variations of headstand found in Ashtanga Yoga. The first one is Bound Headstand, followed by Double Arm Headstand. The third is Forearm Headstand, and the fourth is Pinching Shoulders Headstand. We have three more to go, and the next one up is Tripod Headstand. I happen to think this is one of the easier ones because your hands can help you stay balanced, but it can also hurt your head, so make sure you do this on a thick mat. Fold your mat in thirds if you need more cushioning.

Sanskrit Name: Mukta Hasta Sirsana A
English Translation: Free Hands Headstand Posture A
Also Called: Tripod Headstand

How do you get into it? To find out

Strike a Yoga Pose: Pinching Shoulders Headstand

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:30:00 -0700

So we're finally up to the fourth headstand in Ashtanga Yoga. The first one is Bound Headstand, followed by Double Arm Headstand, and the third is Forearm Headstand.

Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana D
English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Posture D
Also Called: Pinching Shoulders Headstand

To find out how to get into this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Forearm Headstand

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Of all the balancing poses, headstands might just be my favorite. They're challenging and work the upper body as well as the abs, but I also love that there are so many variations of the pose. In Ashtanga Yoga, there are actually seven different headstands. The first one is Bound Headstand, followed by Double Arm Headstand, and here's the third, Forearm Headstand.

Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana C
English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Posture C
Also Called: Forearm Headstand

To find out how to get into this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Sequence

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:30:00 -0700

If you want to strengthen your quads and challenge your sense of balance give this sequence a try.
Source

Strike a Yoga Pose: Hummingbird

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I think we're all ready to kick it up a notch and try this gorgeous arm balancing yoga pose. I know it looks intense and very advanced, but as with most yoga poses, with a few tricks and some practice, you'll have this pose down in no time. I've never seen this taught in a traditional yoga class, but actually saw it on this old Russian yoga competition video. Talk about an oxymoron!

Sanskrit Name: None found
English Translation: Hummingbird

I know you're dying to try it. To see a video demonstrating an easy way to get into this pose just

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Hand to Big Toe Series

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you're looking for a dynamic yoga sequence that'll stretch and strengthen your lower body while challenging your sense of balance, then give these four poses a try. If you can, repeat all four in a row on each leg without letting your foot touch the ground between poses.

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged Inverted Staff Pose

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

So many people I know are always complaining of lower back pain and tight shoulders from sitting all day. We're either standing or hunched over a desk and we hardly ever bend our backs in the opposite direction. So give this One-Legged Inverted Staff Pose a try. It's similar to the grounding backbend Inverted Staff pose, but you'll also feel this one in your hamstrings and hips.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana
English Translation: One-Legged Inverted Staff Pose
Also Called: One-Legged Headstand Backbend

You can get into this pose from backbend or headstand. To find out how

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Half Bound Lotus

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Whenever I say I do yoga, people always ask me if I sit in Lotus and "ommmmm" for three hours straight. Not quite, but Lotus is a pose I often do at the beginning and end of class. It's a pretty advanced pose actually, because it requires incredible flexibility in your hips. If your hips could use a little opening, give Standing Half Bound Lotus a try.

Sanskrit name: Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
English translation: Half Bound Lotus Standing Forward Bend
Also called: Standing Half Bound Lotus

To see how to get into this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Inverted Staff Pose

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you love backbends, it's because you are probably emotional with an open heart and tender nature, and hold excitement about the future. Here's a variation to the backbend called Inverted Staff. The base of this pose is actually a headstand, so it's a very grounding.

Sanskrit Name: Viparita Dandasana
English Translation: Inverted Staff Pose
Also Called: Two-Legged Inverted Staff or Headstand Backbend

There are two ways to get into this pose. To find out what they are

Strike a Yoga Pose: Scorpion

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I know this pose looks extremely difficult, but if you've practice doing it with a ball and in front of a couch, then you're ready to try it on your own. Scorpion pose will strengthen your shoulders, abs, back muscles, and improve your balance.

Sanskrit Name: Vrschikasana
English Translation: Scorpion Pose
Also Called: Scorpion

To learn how to get into this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Hand to Big Toe C

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

We're up to the third pose in the Standing Hand to Big Toe series. In Standing Hand to Big Toe A, your leg is straight out in front of you, giving you an amazing hamstring stretch. In Standing Hand to Big Toe B, your lifted leg is out to the side, so it feels amazing in your hips. With this next one, Standing Hand to Big Toe C, it's a bit more challenging and requires both balance and flexibility.

Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana C
English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose C
Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe C

To give it a try just

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Sequence

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

If you're practicing yoga at home and are looking for a simple sequence to strengthen your quads, open your hips, and steady your mind, then give this a try.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Warrior 3

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

If you're looking for a yoga pose that makes you feel strong and centered, then it's time for you to spend a little quality time with Warrior 3. It's one of those poses that looks easy enough, but when you're in it, you'll feel it working every muscle in your body. It's named after Virabhadra, a warrior said to have a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet; wielding a thousand clubs; and wearing a tiger's skin. It's meant to make you feel both powerful and at peace.

Sanskrit Name: Virabhadrasana 3
English Translation: Warrior 3
Also Called: Balancing Superman

To see some variations of this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon Poses For Tight Hips

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:30:00 -0700

This sequence of Pigeon pose variations are sure to loosen up hips made tight from running or simply sitting all day. Begin with your right knee forward, and then repeat on the other side.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Hand to Big Toe B

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We're up to the second pose in the Standing Hand to Big Toe series. In Standing Hand to Big Toe A, your leg is straight out in front of you, giving you an amazing hamstring stretch. This next one, B, has your lifted leg out to the side, so it feels amazing in your hips.

Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana B
English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose B
Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe B

To give it a try just

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Hand to Big Toe A

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Many yoga poses stretch out your hips and hamstrings, so after a while, you can use the flexibility you achieve to do more difficult poses. This one stretches the backs of both legs, while challenging your sense of balance at the same time.

Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A
English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose A
Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe A

To give it a try

Strike a Yoga Pose: King Pigeon

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

If you loved Pigeon Twist and Pigeon Crescent, then you're ready to try King Pigeon. It's a little bit more challenging than the other two, but feels great in your spine, shoulders, and hips.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Kapotasana
English Translation: One-Legged King Pigeon Pose
Also Called: King Pigeon

Want to know how to get into it? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon Crescent

FitSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:30:00 -0700

This variation of the Pigeon pose, takes it to a whole new level. After experimenting with Pigeon Twist, you are going to want to try Pigeon Crescent. The pose feels very majestic and peaceful and really opens up your hips.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Kapotasana (variation)
English Translation: One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (variation)
Also Called: Pigeon Crescent

For a detailed description of how to do this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon Twist

FitSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Yoga keeps me running by restoring length to the overused and shortened muscles in my hips and legs. Hip-opening poses like Pigeon are essential if you run, bike, hike, or sit at a desk regularly – all of which apply to me, by the way. Plus, stretching out tight hips can also relieve lower-back pain. This Pigeon variation will not only open your hips, it will also stretch your quads while giving you nice spinal twist.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Kapotasana (variation)
English Translation: One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (variation)
Also Called: Pigeon Twist

There's more to this pose than just sitting on the ground. To see what I mean,

Strike a Yoga Pose: Eight Crooked Limbs

FitSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Trying challenging poses like this one makes you feel emotionally strong and confident. They're like a mountain that you keep climbing, until that incredible moment when you reach the top.

Sanskrit Name: Astavakrasana
English Translation: Eight Angle pose
Also Called: Eight Crooked Limbs Pose

I know it seems totally like a Cirque du Soleil move, but I broke it down step-by-step. Click through the slideshow to see how to take the pose one step at a time.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Dancer

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

When you're new to yoga, balancing poses offer an excellent challenge. On your first attempt you may end up falling over, but once you learn to focus your drishti (your gaze), you'll be able to balance on one leg for a long, long time – or at least five breaths. The Dancer pose stretches your shoulders and chest, increases flexibility in your hips and spine, and is also an amazing hamstring stretch for your standing leg.

Sanskrit Name: Natarajasana
English Translation: Lord of the Dance Pose
Also Called: Dancer Pose

Want to know how to get into this pose and stay balanced? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Crow

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I love yoga poses that both challenge my sense of balance and work on my strength, like this one called Crow. I know it looks really hard, but once you break it down step by step and practice it a lot, you'll be flying like a crow in no time. Not only does it feel amazing to be balancing solely on your hands, but this pose really works your core and upper body, so it'll make you feel strong inside and out.

This pose is ultimately done with your arms straight, which takes a ton of upper body and abdominal strength. Once you can do this easily with your elbows bent then you can work on straightening your arms.

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana
English Translation: Crane Pose
Also Called: Crow Pose

How do you do this pose? To find out

Strike a Yoga Pose: Child's Pose

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:30:00 -0700

Anytime you need to release your lower back, rest your arms, or take a break in a yoga class, Child's Pose is for you. Folding your body into a little ball makes you feel calm, safe, and relaxed.

Sanskrit Name: Balasana
English Translation: Child Pose
Also Called: Child's Pose

There are many variations to this pose, so to hear about them

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wide-Legged Forward Bend E

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

In Ashtanga yoga, although there are technically four Wide-Legged Forward Bend poses, sometimes I've been to classes where the instructor throws in a fifth — Wide-Legged Forward Bend E. This pose is great for stretching your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs.

Sanskrit Name: Prasarita Padottanasana E
English Translation: Feet Spread Intense Stretch Pose E
Also Called: Wide-Legged Forward Bend E or Wide-Legged Split

You definitely don't have to go down this far. Want to see the variations for this pose? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wide-Legged Forward Bend C

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0700

If you love to stretch your hamstrings, then I'm sure you've been loving Wide-Legged Forward Bend A and B. There are technically two more poses in this series in Ashtanga Yoga, and this one called Wide-Legged Forward Bend C is my favorite.

Sanskrit Name: Prasarita Padottanasana C
English Translation: Feet Spread Intense Stretch Pose C
Also Called: Wide-Legged Forward Bend C

If you want to know how to do this pose and see some easier variations then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wide-Legged Forward Bend A

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0700

If you're a runner, your hamstrings and lower back must get really tight. Wide-Legged Forward Bends are one of the greatest stretches to do because you can let gravity pull your torso down and you get an amazingly deep stretch. There are actually four versions of this pose in Ashtanga Yoga, and here's the first one.

Sanskrit Name: Prasarita Padottanasana A
English Translation: Feet Spread Intense Stretch Pose A
Also Called: Wide-Legged Forward Bend A

If you want to know how to do this pose, then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sleeping Hero

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Looking for a great stretch for your quads? Kneeling Shin Stretch pose is great, but if that's too easy for you, give Sleeping Hero a try.

Sanskrit Name: Supta Virasana
English Translation: Sleeping Hero Pose
Also Called: Reclining Hero

This pose can feel really intense on your knees, so if you feel any pain at any point in this pose, come to sit back up. You don't want to risk injuring yourself.

Want to hear how to get into it? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Three-Legged Dog

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Downward Facing Dog pose is a total body pose that's great for stretching out your shoulders, lower back, hamstrings, and calves. It can be really difficult at first, but since it's a pose that's done the most often during a class, you can build your upper body strength fast, so it becomes more of a relaxing pose. To make it more challenging, try this fun variation called Three-Legged Dog. It will open your hips and work on your balancing abilities.

Sanskrit Name: Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana
English Translation: Three-Legged Downward Facing Dog Pose
Also Called: One-Legged Dog

To find out how to get into it

Strike a Yoga Pose: Tree

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

When most people think of yoga, they imagine someone in Lotus pose or this pose called Tree. This pose is all about challenging your sense of balance, but it also promotes good posture and opens your hips.

Sanskrit Name: Vrksasana
English Translation: Tree Pose

Want to know my trick for staying in this pose? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged Arm Balance

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

This pose called One-Legged Arm Balance stretches your front hamstring and strengthens your upper body like you wouldn't believe. I know it looks really hard, but if you practice the prep for this pose, you'll get used to placing your elbows into your belly so you can balance on your hands.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Koundinyasana
English Translation: One-Legged Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya
Also Called: One-Legged Arm Balance

Once you can do the prep, then you can work on the steps to get into One-Legged Arm Balance. With a little practice and determination, you'll be balancing in no time. To see the steps

Strike a Yoga Pose: Prep For One-Legged Arm Balance

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Yoga poses aren't always calm and relaxing. Some poses require a lot of strength and some circus-like balancing skills. At first glance they may seem impossible, but if you learn the tricks and master the preparatory exercises, you'll be able to do poses you never thought you could do.

In the yoga video Warrior Triangle Sequence, one of the postures I showed you called Eka Pada Koundinyasana (a one-legged pose dedicated to the Sage Koundinya) is tough at first, so it's a good idea to practice the prep pose (pictured below) first. This pose will strengthen your upper body and teach you how to balance your own weight above the ground. It's a really empowering pose once you get it, and it's not easy, so keep at it until you have lift off.

Want to see how to get into this pose step by step? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Bound Wide Squat

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Last week I showed you the prep pose for Bound Wide Squat. If that was easy for you, then give the full expression of the pose a try.

Sanskrit Name: Bada Malasana
English Translation: Bound Garland Pose
Also Called: Bound Wide Squat

Want to know how to get into this great hip, chest and shoulder opening pose? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wide Squat

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:15:00 -0800

'Tis the season for tight hips. If it's snowy where you live, and you're doing all kinds of Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, I'm sure your whole lower body is feeling tight. The onset of Winter often causes people to exercise less, and not moving around can cause tight muscles, too. If you sit all day at a desk, that's not helping your hips either. I bet your body is just craving to do a Wide Squat.

Sanskrit Name: Malasana
English Translation: Garland Pose
Also Called: Wide Squat or Frog

Want to know how to do this pose? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wheel

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

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 know a great trick for getting into this pose? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Bow

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

I thought it would be fitting to do a pose called Bow the day after Christmas. OK, so maybe this pose has nothing to do with ribbons or presents, and the bow instead is referring to a bow and arrow, but I thought it would be cute anyway. This pose is best done on an empty stomach, and really works on increasing flexibility in your spine. I also love how it gives you a great stretch in your chest and shoulders.

Sanskrit Name: Dhanurasana
English Translation: Bow Pose

Want to give it a try? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Savasana

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

We're finally up to the last posture in the closing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga called Savasana. Everyone looks forward to this pose because you've worked so hard up until that point, you're sweaty and physically exhausted, and this allows your body and mind to let go completely. Savasana is a time for you to be quiet and still, to revitalize your energy, and calm your mind. It feels like pure bliss.

Sanskrit Name: Savasana
English Translation: Corpse Pose
Also Called: Final Resting Pose

There's more to this pose than just lying on the ground. To see what I mean,

Strike a Yoga Pose: Lifted Lotus

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:30:00 -0800

I have been showing you all the poses of the Closing Sequence of Ashtanga Yoga, and here is the second to last pose. This is the last of the seated postures and it really works your abs. It's called Lifted Lotus for obvious reasons; your legs are in lotus and you're lifting your entire lower body off the ground. It takes a lot of abdominal strength to do this pose, but after you practice it for a while, you'll be able to hold your body up longer each time.

Sanskrit Name: Tolasana
English Translation: Scale Pose
Also Called: Lifted Lotus

Want to know how to do this pose? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Lotus

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

Lotus is the next pose in the closing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga after Bound Lotus. This is the pose I'm sure everyone thinks of when they think of yoga. It's a calming pose that many people choose to meditate in, and many yoga classes often begin or end in this pose.

Sanskrit Name: Padmasana
English Translation: Lotus
Also Called: Pretzel

If you are following the closing sequence, and doing Lotus pose after doing Bound Lotus pose, all you do is release your hands from behind your back and place the backs of your hands on your knees. Touch your thumb and index finger together, and extend your other three fingers down towards the floor. Tuck your chin in slightly towards your chest and gaze softly at your nose.
If your legs don't do lotus pose, then you can come into half lotus, where your right heel is pulled up to your left hip, and your left foot is on the ground under your right thigh. If half lotus doesn't work for you either, just sit cross-legged with your ankles under opposite calves.
Use your abdominal muscles to keep the spine strong and tall. Relax your shoulders away from your ears, and concentrate on ujjayi breathing where the belly is still and you breathe into the rib cage. Stay here for 10 deep breaths.

Fit's Tips: As I said with Bound Lotus, if you're working on getting your legs to do lotus, practice hip opening poses such as Butterfly, Pigeon and Double Pigeon.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Bound Lotus

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:00:00 -0800

We're up to the last three poses in the closing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga. They're all poses that involve having your legs in full lotus. This pose not only stretches your hips, but it also opens your chest and stretches your shoulders and lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Baddha Padmasana
English Translation: Bound Lotus Pose

How do you get into it? To find out

Belly Aching? Try Some Yoga

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

So how are you feeling after that enormous Thanksgiving meal? Not so good? If your belly is feeling less than perfect, try some of these "wind releasing" stretches (that's really what they're called).

Nothing gets things moving along like a great spinal twist. This one is called 1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist or Marichyasana.

Want to see the other stretches? Then

If you're bloated or constipated, bend both knees into your chest and give yourself a big hug. It'll help to massage your abdominal organs.
You can also do this pose by alternately hugging one knee into the chest, holding for five breaths, and then switching sides.

Fit's Tips: Does your body need a little bit more stretching? Why not bring along a gentle yoga DVD and pop it in. Get your family members to do it along with you. It'll help you relax from the stress of traveling and also help with digestion.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Headstand A and B

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Inversions are some of my favorite types of Yoga poses because I love how energized I feel getting blood circulating to my head. Plus overcoming the challenge of putting your head where your feet should be is quite satisfying. Talk about an ego boost. It should come as no surprise that inversions give you a new and interesting perspective on life.

Since I have shown you all Bound Headstand A, let's move onto Bound Headstand B. Both poses are part of the closing sequence in Ashtanga yoga, and they come right after Extended Fish pose.

Sanskrit Name: Sirsasana A and B
English Translation: Head Standing Posture A and B
Also Called: Bound Headstand and Half Bound Headstand

How do you get into it? To find out

Strike a Yoga Pose: Extended Fish

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:00:00 -0800

After doing Shoulderstand, it feels great to open up your throat and stretch through the front of your body in Fish pose. Here's a variation called Extended Fish. Not only does it stretch out your throat and chest, but it also works your abs and increases flexibility in your spine.

Sanskrit Name: Uttana Padasana
English Translation: Extended Legs Pose
Also Called: Extended Fish

Want to know how to get into it? Then

Strike a Pose: Embryo

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 04:00:00 -0800

I love poses that really stretch out your spine, and this pose called Embryo will give you an amazing stretch from your neck to your tailbone. It's one the postures of the Ashtanga closing sequence, but you'll find it in other yoga classes as well.

Sanskrit Name: Pindasana
English Translation: Embryo Pose
Also Called: Baby Pose

Want to see how to get into it? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Fish

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 04:00:00 -0700

There are some yoga poses that just about everyone has heard of or done. Down Dog, Tree, Seated Forward Bend - these are pretty standard poses that anyone can practice, so they tend to be included in many yoga classes. Fish pose is another pretty popular pose, and it's a counter-pose for Shoulderstand since it stretches out the throat, chest and shoulders in the opposite direction. It feels incredible since our necks don't usually get stretched that way.

Sanskrit Name: Matsyasana
English Translation: Fish Pose
Also Called: Balancing Lotus

Traditionally Fish is performed with your legs in lotus (Padmasana), and it follows Balancing Lotus.

To see a detailed description of how to get into this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Lotus

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:00:00 -0700

If you're loving stretching out your upper back and neck doing Shoulderstand and Ear Pressure pose, you're going to love doing Balancing Lotus. This pose also works your back and core muscles, and it's fun to practice staying up.

Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Padmasana
English Translation: Upward Lotus Pose
Also Called: Balancing Lotus

Want to know the secret for staying balanced without falling? Then

Strike a Yoga Pose: Ear Pressure

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I love how Shoulderstand pose stretches out the back of my neck, and I love to do the Ear Pressure pose to deepen the stretch. It stretches your entire spine brilliantly, and because your knees are pressed against your ears, you drown out all outside sounds and can really bring your awareness inward.

Sanskrit Name: Karnapidasana
English Translation: Ear Pressure Pose
Also Called: Knees to Ears

Want to give it a try? To find out how,