Yoga exercises recharge the body and mind. At the physical level, the various yoga postures or ‘asanas’ aim to keep the body healthy. The mental techniques include breathing exercises or ‘pranayama’ and meditation or ‘dhyana’ to discipline the mind.

2. 'Asanas' in Sanskrit means posture. Yoga asanas are designed to promote, a state of mental and physical well-being or good health. This may be defined as the condition that is experienced when all the organs function effectively under the intelligent control of the mind. These have an extraordinary capacity to rejuvenate and bring the entire system into a state of balance.

3. We will share some basic yoga postures and their benefits in the following slides:

4. Sukhasana This is a starting position that helps focus awareness on breathing and the body; helps strengthen lower back and open the groin and hips

5. Tadasana Improves posture, balance and self-awareness

6. Uttanasana Stretches the legs and spine, rests the heart and neck, relaxes mind and body

7. Trikonasana Stretches the spine, opens the torso, improves balance and concentration

8. Virabhadrasana Strengthens legs and arms; improves balance and concentration; builds confidence

9. Bhujangasana Stretches the spine, strengthens the back and arms, opens the chest and heart

10. AdhoMukhaSvanasana Builds strength, flexibility and awareness; stretches the spine and hamstrings; rests the heart

11. JanuShirshasana Stretches and opens back and hamstrings, improves flexibility

12. ArdhaSarvangasana Promotes proper thyroid function, strengthens abdomen, stretches upper back, improves blood circulation, induces relaxation

13. SethuBandhasa Increases flexibility and suppleness; strengthens the lower back and abdominal muscles; opens the chest

14. Savasana Relaxes and refreshes the body and mind, relieves stress and anxiety, quiets the mind

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