10 Fab Yoga Poses ...

My favourite pose. Ever watched a cat stretch? Seen how it arches its back high? Cats know a thing or two about relaxing, and this pose is just wonderful for gently exercising the spine.

Photo Credit: David Kozlowski

I like this pose because I can get my foot up high. Yoga is, as my old teacher used to repeat, non-competitive. Still, I used to enjoy the feeling of smugness as my foot reached higher than anyone else’s. Tee hee.

Photo Credit: sunsinger

Not really too difficult to work out how this got its name. A lovely upwards stretch.

Photo Credit: SunSpriteRaven

Another good stretching pose, though not as much fun as the Cat. Strangely enough, cats have been known to practise a similar pose. Know your enemy, perhaps.

Photo Credit: myyogaonline

Yes, the one with your feet on the opposite thighs. You do need to be a bit bendy for this one. I am. Ner ner ner.

Photo Credit: bsandusky

However you spell it, the pose is the same. Shoulders on floor, legs over head. Looks incredibly impressive. Even I can’t get my feet to the floor like the model in the picture. Yet.

Photo Credit: goodlux

This is known as a resting position, and is incredibly relaxing. Many parents will wish that their children really were this laid back. If so, get them into a class pronto and soon your child will be happy, joyful and serene. Best start early, or the odds are against you.

Photo Credit: Yoga-Vidya

Ooh, this is lovely. Gently turns the torso to one side and the legs to the other. Note the word gently. Don’t overdo it or you might feel like an overstretched elastic band.

Photo Credit: Apple Crisp

This pose does make me feel … well, like an Amazon warrior. It really does seem like having a bow in your hands. Feel like a powerful woman …

Photo Credit: sosostris

Not quite as sinister as it sounds. Simply involves lying on your back with your arms and legs flopped to the side. So relaxing that it is often accompanied by the sound of snoring in classes.

Photo Credit: cogdogblog

Are you a yoga aficionado? What other poses do you find beneficial? Do you also enjoy T’ai Chi or other such practices?

Top Photo Credit: A bunch of beans