Yoga exercises in yoga picture sequences - part 2

From the previous yoga exercises we walked the legs forward to a standing forward bend after downward dog. We hold a forward bend for 5 deep breaths. The breath is suppressed when we have not gained enough flexibility to come all the way down. We need lower back and leg flexibility so that this yoga exercise can be entered with ease. When there is a struggle to enter forward bends the breath suffers and as a result of this so does the mind. It is hard to get a full breath when the body is straining to enter a posture. To remedy this allow a little movement when breathing in. This can be done by allowing the body to release out of the yoga exercise a little during the inhalation. This allows the diaphragm to expand more enabling deeper breathing and reducing the pressure sent into the mind.

Inhale up to standing and then exhale back down to a forward bend. This time just take a few breaths in the forward bend before moving into downward dog. Bring the right knee carefully down to the pigeon pose once again. The knee has already been stretched so less care can be taken when entering. The hands can be placed in a number of different positions for this yoga exercise. For variations please look at the yoga postures page. Come back to downward dog briefly and then bring the left leg down. Hold the pigeon pose once again for the same amount of breaths.

Roll slightly on to the left hip. This allows the right leg to swing around with ease. It is nice to counter balance a yoga exercise that extends the spine with a yoga exercise that flexes the spine. For this reason we move into a forward bend. This one is called Janu Sirsasana. The left foot is placed into the right thigh and the right leg is extended out. Try to hold the foot and use it to pull the body towards the toes. If this is not possible place the hands on the leg. Perform this yoga exercise for 5 breaths with the right leg extended out and then switch the opposite way. Then enter child pose. Child pose can help to stabilize the knees after the pigeon pose.

Yoga exercises start
Yoga exercises part 3