Most people know that yoga positions for beginners stretch and strengthen muscles as well as improve flexibility, but did you know that they also improve your balance? Balance becomes more and more important as we age and reflects the strength of our core muscles as well as the strengthening of the muscles, ligaments and tendons of our ankles, knees and legs.
There are many balancing poses in yoga, all of which improve your control of your entire body. This is helpful whether you are an athlete or a mother, since we can all benefit from toned muscles, better coordination, improved posture and increased agility. By improving your balance on yoga mats, you also learn how to get in tune with your inner self as well, since improving coordination requires inner discipline as well as physical strength in yoga and meditation.
When first attempting balancing exercises, you may want to make use of props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks and the wall as needed. With all balancing yoga poses, you will want to make sure your muscles are engaged and your concentration attuned to using your core muscles to maintain the proper form. Do not allow yourself to contort out of proper form in an attempt to maintain a pose. Take a break if you find the pose to be too difficult or use a prop to help you remain in position.
When balancing, you are learning to be centered. It takes concentration as well as strength to stay balanced. A good way to start is to learn how to use your feet in a balanced manner.
Try a posture called tree pose. Begin by standing on both feet, shoulder width apart. Shift your weight from both feet to just one foot and pay attention to how your foot responds to the extra weight. Do your arches collapse? Do your toes curl? Focus on balancing on your one foot without compromising proper foot placement, and then carefully place the inner side of your sole onto the calf of the leg you are standing on, forming a triangle. Inch your foot upward on the leg on which you are balancing, concentrating on keeping proper body posture as you balance. Release after holding the balance for thirty seconds.
You may find balancing poses to be more exhausting than other poses since you are not used to the weight load being held in the position. Persevere, knowing you are not just learning to balance, but are also strengthening your body!
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