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5 Asanas For Strength

June 10, 2022 17:39 IST

Ira Trivedi, wellness expert and founder of Yog Love, suggests simple postures to build your strength and improve overall health.

Seated yoga poses might seem like they are targeted towards relaxing the mind and body.

But they are actually excellent for increasing body strength and flexibility as well as a range of motion.

There is a decreased chance of losing your balance and falling when compared to standing yoga positions.

Because the body is attached to the ground, they provide better physical stability.

Seated yoga stretches also offer a chance to ease your body into meditation which strengthens the mind.

Forward folds, twists, and cross-legged positions are beneficial to yogis of all ability levels.

If you are a beginner at yoga practice, these asanas will also help you transition to more advanced yoga asanas easily.

Many of these poses can be done on the floor or in a chair, making them quite convenient for whenever you need to relax.

Presenting 5 of the best seated yoga stretches for building strength and performance.

1. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

All photographs: Kind courtesy Ira Trivedi

Vajrasana

Benefits: Strengthens and stretches muscles of the thighs and tops of the feet.

How to do it

2. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

Baddha Konasana

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens the spine and back.

How to do it

3. Janu Sirsasana (Head to Knee Pose)

Janu Sirsasana

Benefits: Increases flexibility in the hip joints and tones abdominal muscles.

How to do it

4. Dandasana (Staff Pose)

Dandasana

Benefits: Strengthens the back muscles. Lengthens and stretches the spine, shoulder and chest.

How to do it

5. Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

Padmasana

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens the ankles and the knees.

How to do it

If these asanas make you feel uncomfortable or you feel any pain while practicing them, remember that regular practice improves flexibility with time.

You can use props or variations of these asanas to build strength over time and to avoid straining your muscles.

You may also hold these asanas for a shorter duration initially and gradually increase the time so you are easing your body into a greater degree of flexibility.

As always, a good diet and lifestyle are also crucial to building strength.

Remember, your body can only expend energy when you nourish it with energy-giving foods. So don't skip meals and don't eat only what you are craving.


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IRA TRIVEDI