Enhance Your Bond with Couple Yoga

Love is in the Air (and on the Mat): 5 Trendy Couple Yoga Workouts for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate it than with a unique yoga experience? Forget the crowded restaurants and predictable gifts – this Valentine’s Day, unroll your mat and discover the magic of yoga workouts designed for love, connection, and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, there’s a perfect Valentine’s Day yoga practice waiting for you. Couples can deepen their bond with playful partner yoga poses, while solo practitioners can embark on a journey of self-love and relaxation. Friends can gather for a fun and laughter-filled group yoga session, celebrating their platonic love and strengthening their bond. But why yoga, you ask? The benefits are plentiful! Studies show that yoga can: And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive classes. All you need is a comfortable space and an open mind. So, grab your partner, your friends, or simply your own self, and get ready to experience the joy and love that yoga brings! Here’s a sneak peek at the exciting options you’ll find in this blog: Stay tuned for detailed instructions, variations for different levels, and tips to make your Valentine’s Day yoga experience truly special! Remember: No matter your experience level or relationship status, yoga has something to offer everyone. So, spread the love, roll out your mat, and let the magic unfold! Acro Yoga Challenge for Couples Ready to take your Valentine’s Day to new heights (literally!)? Acro yoga, a playful mix of acrobatics and yoga poses, is the perfect way to challenge yourselves, deepen your trust, and have some fun as a couple. Think handstands, piggybacks, and even upside-down cuddles! But don’t worry, safety comes first. Before you dive in, remember: Here are some beginner-friendly acro yoga poses to get you started: Want to spice things up? Try these variations: Remember, acro yoga is all about having fun and connecting with your partner. Don’t be afraid to laugh, experiment, and most importantly, celebrate your love for each other! Here are some additional resources to help you on your acro yoga journey: Crystal Healing Flow for Solo Relaxation Treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day filled with self-love and relaxation with a special yoga flow infused with the gentle energy of rose quartz crystals. While the science behind crystal healing is still evolving, many people find comfort and positive vibes in their calming presence. Whether you believe in the energy of crystals or simply enjoy their beauty, this solo yoga sequence is designed to nurture your inner self and melt away stress. Rose quartz, known as the “love stone,” is believed to promote feelings of self-love, compassion, and inner peace. So, grab your favorite rose quartz crystal (or any other stone that resonates with you) and find a quiet space to unwind. Here’s a beginner-friendly yoga sequence to guide you: 1. Child’s Pose: Kneel on the floor, sitting back on your heels and resting your forehead on the ground. Hold your rose quartz crystal gently in your hands or place it on your heart center. Breathe deeply and focus on releasing any tension. Stay for 5-10 breaths 2. Cat-Cow: Come onto your hands and knees, hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. As you inhale, arch your back, dropping your belly and lifting your head. As you exhale, round your back, tucking your chin to your chest. Flow smoothly between these movements, connecting your breath with each movement. Repeat 5-10 times.Cat-Cow pose 3. Downward-Facing Dog: From Cat-Cow, push your hips back and straighten your legs, forming an inverted V shape. Keep your heels pressing towards the ground and your gaze focused between your legs. If your legs are tight, bend your knees slightly. Hold for 5-10 breaths. 4. Warrior II: Step one leg back, bending your front knee at a 90-degree angle. Keep your back leg straight and your arms outstretched at shoulder height, palms facing each other. Hold for 5 breaths, then switch sides. Repeat 3 times on each side.Warrior pose II 5. Bridge Pose: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the ground, forming a bridge shape. Hold your rose quartz crystal on your lower belly and focus on your breath. Stay for 5-10 breaths. 6. Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides and palms facing up. Close your eyes and allow your body to completely relax. Hold your rose quartz crystal on your chest or stomach. Stay for 5-10 minutes, simply being present in the moment. Remember, this is your yoga practice, so feel free to modify any poses to suit your body and needs. You can also add calming music or aromatherapy to enhance your experience. While the benefits of crystal healing haven’t been conclusively proven, the practice of mindfulness and self-care through yoga undoubtedly contributes to stress reduction and well-being. So, light some candles, put on your favorite relaxation playlist, and treat yourself to this solo yoga flow with a touch of rose quartz magic! Additional resources: Partner Yoga for Connection and Communication Looking to deepen your bond and communication with your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Skip the crowded restaurants and spark meaningful connection through partner yoga! Beyond strengthening your bodies, partner yoga fosters trust, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for each other. Studies from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, show that partner yoga can: Ready to get started? Here are some poses for different levels, designed to spark conversation and connection: Beginner: Intermediate: Advanced: Remember: Partner yoga can be a powerful tool for strengthening your relationship, both physically and emotionally. So, grab your loved one, roll out your mat, and let the love and connection flow! Galentine’s Day Yoga Fun with Friends Forget chocolates and flowers, this Galentine’s Day, gather your besties and celebrate your amazing friendship with a fun-filled yoga session! Remember Leslie Knope’s epic Galentine’s Day waffles in Parks and Recreation? This is the yoga version, minus the questionable breakfast choices. Galentine’s Day, popularized

From Studio to Screen: Transitioning to Online Yoga

Namaste, experienced yogis! Missing those studio vibes? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing: the world of online yoga is blooming like a lotus flower, and it’s got some pretty sweet surprises in store for seasoned practitioners like you. ✨ Think about it: Research backs it up: So, let’s embrace the possibilities! This blog is your guide to navigating the exciting world of online yoga. We’ll help you find those perfect classes, create a home sanctuary, stay motivated, and overcome any challenges along the way. Ready to take your practice to new heights, one online flow at a time? Let’s dive in! Finding Your Online Groove Ready to dive into the world of online yoga? Awesome! But with so many platforms and classes out there, it can feel a bit like standing in front of a giant buffet of asanas. Don’t worry, yogis—I’ve got your back. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding your perfect online yoga groove: 1. Know Your Yoga Self: 2. Explore the Online Yoga Universe: 3. Consider Your Unique Needs: 4. Take a Test Drive: Remember, finding your online yoga groove is a journey, not a destination. Be patient, try new things, and most importantly, have fun! The perfect class is out there waiting for you. Creating a Home Studio Sanctuary Ready to transform a little corner of your home into a yoga haven? It’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to create a space that invites peace, mindfulness, and uninhibited downward dogs: 1. Find Your Zen Zone: 2. Set the Mood: 3. Make It Comfy: 4. Address Technical Needs: 5. Expert Tips for Ergonomics: Remember, your home studio sanctuary is a work in progress. Experiment with different setups, décor, and music until you find what truly makes your yoga heart sing. Staying Motivated and Connected Let’s be honest: sometimes even the most dedicated yogis hit a motivation slump. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are some tips to keep your online yoga practice fresh, inspiring, and connected: 1. Find Your Yoga Tribe: 2. Set Goals and Celebrate: 3. Mix It Up and Stay Inspired: Remember, yoga is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the ups and downs, and find joy in the process. With a supportive community and a sense of adventure, you’ll continue to thrive in your online yoga practice. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing New Opportunities Even the most rewarding yoga journeys have their bumps in the road. But don’t let those bumps derail your online practice! Here’s how to tackle common challenges and discover the unique advantages of practicing yoga at home: 1. Facing the Challenges Head-On: 2. Unlocking Hidden Benefits: 3. Maintaining Momentum: Remember, online yoga is an invitation to explore your practice in new and exciting ways. Embrace the flexibility, convenience, and unique benefits it offers. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll discover a whole new world of yogic possibilities right at your fingertips. Unroll Your Mat, Online and Onward: Embrace the Yoga Revolution Remember that feeling of accomplishment after crushing a tough Ashtanga flow in a packed studio? Well, guess what? The magic of yoga isn’t confined to fancy studios anymore. Online yoga has arrived, and it’s ready to revolutionize your practice, even if you’re a seasoned Yogi. Sure, missing the studio vibe is real. But the online world offers unique perks that can take your practice to new heights: 1. Personalized Playground: Forget feeling rushed in a group class. Online, you’re the master of your mat. Pause, rewind, repeat that tricky Crow pose till you nail it – it’s all about your pace and your goals. Remember that headstand you’ve been eyeing for months? Online classes with experienced Indian teachers like Bharat Bhushan, known for his clear vinyasa cues, can help you conquer it safely and confidently. 2. Your World, Your Yoga: No need to fight traffic or adjust to studio schedules. Unroll your mat in your favorite corner, blast some bhajans, and get down to your downward-facing dog – all before your morning chai boils. Feeling adventurous? Explore Iyengar classes from Mumbai or Hatha flow sessions from Kerala – the world of online yoga is your oyster. 3. Community in the Cloud: Think online practice means solo sessions? Think again! Join vibrant online communities like the “Yogis of India” Facebook group or subscribe to YouTube channels like Yoga with Adriene, where thousands of practitioners share tips, ask questions, and cheer each other on. It’s a virtual studio buzzing with inspiration and support. 4. Deeper Dive, Stronger You: Research shows that online yoga, with its personalized nature, can be especially beneficial for mastering advanced poses. Remember that study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies? It highlighted how individualized online instruction helps refine alignment and technique, leading to safer and deeper progress in challenging postures. 5. Unplug, Unwind, Unfold: Yoga is more than just poses. It’s a journey of self-discovery, and online platforms open doors to diverse meditation practices, pranayama techniques, and even Ayurvedic wisdom from renowned Indian teachers. So, let the stress melt away with guided meditations led by Himalayan yogis or delve into the science of breathing with an online pranayama workshop from Rishikesh. The transition to online yoga might seem daunting, but it’s a journey worth taking. Start by setting up a cozy home space, invest in a good mat (Manduka and Lululemon are popular choices), and explore platforms like Yoga International, Flexifyme, Glo or DoYogaWithMe to find teachers and styles that resonate with you. Remember, it’s not about replicating the studio experience – it’s about creating your own unique yoga sanctuary, online and onward. So, unfold your mat, open your heart, and take a deep breath. The world of online yoga is waiting to guide you on a transformative journey, from your living room to the Himalayas and beyond. Namaste!

Cultivating Emotional Closeness: Why Couple Yoga Strengthens Relationships

Yoga is often portrayed as a solitary practice – just you flowing through poses on your mat. But invite your significant other to share the mat, and yoga transforms into a tool for fostering intimacy between couples. Partner yoga refers to performing yoga postures in physical contact with another person, focusing on shared movement and breath. This harmonious connection has profound effects on relationships. Research published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy shows participating in partner yoga for just 8 weeks increases relationship satisfaction across factors like intimacy, trust, passion and communication. Over 80% of couples in the study reported feeling “more emotionally connected and in-tune” with their partner after couple yoga sessions. 4 scientific proofs that practicing couple yoga postures cultivates closeness How Couple Yoga Strengthens Relationships? You know that practising yoga can strengthen muscles, but did you know that if you do it with your beloved, it can change your relationship dynamics for the better? By combining romance with yoga, you and your partner can embark on the fitness journey. Here is how yoga strengthens your romantic relationship. Helps Build a Deeper Connection Couple yoga can help you and your partner take a relaxing retreat from the world. You can utilise this time not just for individual well-being but also to be around your partner, strengthening your relationship health. You start to form a rhythm as you do yoga poses together; this allows you to listen and tune into each other’s needs, which is very important in a relationship. Achieve Flexibility There is no secret that yoga promotes flexibility, and that’s not limited to touching your toes. It makes you flexible even in terms of behaviour. It calms you on the inside and makes you more patient with yourself and with your partner. This kind of flexibility can reduce conflicts and enhance understanding, which is a golden mantra in relationships. Strengthens Communication Power couples always highlight that communication is the key to a long-lasting and strong relationship. That’s what you can do in a better way with your partner by practising couple yoga. Couple yoga encourages you to rely on one another to maintain a pose or balance. Practising couple yoga is more than talking. It is about following the non-verbal cues, knowing each other’s limitations and giving support. Top Beginner couple yoga poses Looking to take up partner yoga with your significant other but don’t know where to begin? It’s wise to start with foundations before attempting fancy acrobatics. These 8 beginner couple yoga poses establish connection while being gentle on the body – perfect for two people starting their joint yoga practice. Practice them 3-4 times per week after warming up, flowing smoothly between poses within your comfort zone. 1. Seated Heart Connection Sit facing each other with knees bent, feet lifted and your thighs touching. Close eyes, hold hands and breathe in unison to feel each other’s energy flow. 2. Back-to-Back Seated Twist Sit back-to-back with legs crossed. Exhale and use your partner’s counter pressure to gently twist deeper. Releases spinal tension while relying on each other. 3. Bound Eagle Pose Stand side-by-side, wrap one arm under your partner’s and link hands upon inhalation. Exhale, cross outer legs and sit deeper for balance. Teaches trusting support. 4. Forward Fold Assist Stand behind your bent over partner. Clasp their hands gently and guide them into a comfortable forward stretch for several breaths. Builds care and understanding. 5. Squat Chest Opener Face each other a couple feet apart in a wide squat. Press palms together and pulse up and down slightly in the squat, engaging your legs as you stretch chests open. Boosts mobility. 6. Side Plank With Leg Lift Get into a right side plank while your partner mirrors you. On an exhale, raise your top leg and connect with your partner’s hand for stability. Repeat on the other side. Strengthens focus. Conclusion By practising the above-mentioned yoga poses, you and your partner can overcome the challenges that arise in relationships. Couple yoga can help to form a deeper connection with your partner and enhance communication, which is a basic need for any relationship to work out. Making the Most of Your Partner Yoga Practice Ready to begin a journey of intimacy and connection with your significant other through couple yoga? Here are 5 tips to set you up for success: 1. Discuss Expectations Openly Before your first session, talk honestly about what each of you hopes to achieve via partner yoga. Align your intentions. 2. Take It Slowly Never force poses to the point of strain. Move steadily into stretches using breaths. Stop if anyone feels discomfort. 3. Prioritize Non-Verbal Cues Pay more attention to your partner’s body language than verbal instructions. Let go of judgements if poses aren’t perfectly executed. 4. Maintain Loving Touch Keep physical contact respectful throughout. Any hands-on adjustments should nurture, not restrict. 5. End With Gratitude Ritual After each practice, thank your partner for their time and for letting you support them. Celebrate baby steps! The key is treating your partner with dignity throughout this intimate experience. Let go of ego and perfectionism – it’s not about the shapes but about your shared spiritual journey. When practiced with care and awareness, couple yoga builds the bedrock for secure-functioning relationships via vulnerability, trust and attunement.

The Perfect Fit: Finding Your Ideal Yoga Instructor

In the quest for holistic wellness, yoga emerges as a sanctuary. It’s not just a practice but a journey—where the guide, your yoga instructor, plays a pivotal role. Whether it’s for managing stress, enhancing flexibility, or addressing specific health concerns like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or chronic pain, the right instructor can transform your experience. This guide aims to help you navigate the challenge of finding that perfect fit. Yoga: A Path to Wellness Yoga transcends physical exercise; it’s a conduit to balancing mind, body, and spirit. From prenatal care to managing conditions like PCOS or diabetes, yoga offers a personalized approach to health. It’s not just about the asanas (poses); it’s about fostering a connection with oneself. This connection becomes more profound under the guidance of an adept instructor. Yoga for Specific Needs Whether it’s yoga for weight loss, managing lower back pain, or enhancing concentration, the specificity of your needs should guide your choice of an instructor. A specialist in yoga for chronic pain management, for instance, can provide targeted practices that complement physiotherapy. Similarly, if you’re seeking yoga for stress management or self-transformation, look for an instructor who emphasizes meditation and mindfulness. The Hunt for the best Yoga Teacher 1. Qualifications and Expertise: Seek an instructor with certifications and experience relevant to your health goals. Their specialization, be it in yoga for thyroid management or postnatal yoga, is crucial. 2. Teaching Style: Yoga is personal. Attend trial classes to gauge whether the instructor’s style aligns with your preferences. It’s not just about their knowledge but how they impart it. 3. Compatibility: The right instructor should make you feel comfortable and understood. This rapport is essential for a transformative yoga experience. The Human Connection in Yoga Yoga is more than a series of movements; it’s a narrative of personal growth and healing. Instructors who share personal anecdotes or integrate creative language and metaphors into their teaching often forge a stronger connection with their students. They bring the practice to life, making it relatable and deeply human. Embracing the Digital Age In today’s world, many instructors offer online resources, from guided meditation videos to interactive webinars. This digital extension can be particularly beneficial for those with time constraints or mobility issues. Conclusion: Your Yoga Journey Awaits Your journey with yoga is unique, and finding the right instructor is a crucial step. Remember, it’s not just about their expertise but how they resonate with you personally and spiritually. Trust your instincts and embark on this transformative journey. Ready to Begin? If you feel inspired to start or deepen your yoga practice, begin your search today. Explore, experience, and embrace the path to wellness with the right guide by your side. Your journey to a balanced and healthier life is just a yoga mat away.

Is Online Yoga Really Worth It ?

This is a question I used to ask myself most of the times before I joined my first online yoga class with FlexifyMe. What ran through my mind was, “Will I have a commitment?” “Is it really worth it without a group of others with me right here?” “Is it like a real physical session? And the answers are, “Yes”, “Yes”, and “Yes”! Ever since, I have so much love for online yoga because I can practise anytime, anywhere, my bedroom, my living room, during work break, or a few minutes after my lunch. Some people will find it really hard to commit to a new routine with so much freedom compared to a physical class. I would recommend shifting slowly, practice a couple of times a week as you shift. Best Teachers With FlexifyMe, you get access to online classes with some of the world’s most talented, senior teachers from India. Which means with online yoga, you have a wide range of high quality, experienced teachers so you can learn from the best from anywhere and anytime. Less Worries At home, you can experiment with new poses, often half the battle with new or challenging poses is our ego. So, practicing at home can help you pile up the sofa cushions around you if you’re worried about falling, which is unlikely at a physical studio. Wide Range Of Choices Going to a studio everyday or weekly means the chances of finding the same trainer are high, and doing same type of yoga is most probable. However, with online yoga, you can always try other different types and classes, because they’re available and different teachers are always online waiting for you to signup. Try a DEMO Class with FlexifyMe and choose any type of class you want. Own Your Privacy Most people really care about their privacy. Practicing yoga at your own home or bedroom gives you overall control of your privacy compared to a physical studio. Some yoga studios have some distractions from opposite sexes, yet some people would enjoy the session with only one gender. Online yoga gives you the chance to tune into your own body without making comparisons or worrying about how you look like to others. Practice Anywhere There’s nothing stopping you! Are you leaving for a holiday or an abrupt business holiday? Take your classes with you. Practice in the sand at the beach, or in your hotel room. Take your favorite classes and teachers with you anywhere. Personalize Your Space Practicing yoga at home means you customize your space anyhow you like. You can pick your own music, use candles of your favorite essence, personalize the look of your space. Affordability Online yoga is cheaper than attending a studio class. With online yoga, there’s no commute costs. With FlexifyMe, classes can be as cheap as 8 cents an hour. You can also check out benefits of online prenatal and weightloss yoga.

Yoga Poses For Two People: How To Do Yoga With A Partner

Intro: Partner yoga, an extension of traditional yoga, offers a unique way to build trust and harmony with another while enhancing physical and emotional well-being. Key Takeaways: The ancient art of yoga has been used for thousands of years to help people establish harmony between the body and the mind. And a beautiful extension of yoga is partner yoga. Though traditionally, yoga is practised individually, there are yoga poses for two people as well, which can be jointly performed. What are partner yoga poses? In yoga poses for two people, you can have anyone as your partner who has the same fitness and health goals as you. Yoga poses for two people are assisted poses that are done in synchronisation with each other. These 2 person yoga poses can be done side-to-side, front-to-front, and even back-to-back. How do you do yoga with your partner? Though they may look easy, yoga poses for two people can be challenging for some. Wondering why? There might be a lack of tandem, your health goals may differ, you may have read the poses differently, or one partner may be more aggressive than the other. So, how do you make the most of your session of yoga poses for two people? Here are some tips from our experts to help you gain maximum benefits from 2 persons yoga poses: Which are some of the best yoga poses for two people? Due to their ability to strengthen and challenge your bodies, some yoga poses qualify as the best couples’ yoga poses. Here is a list of yoga poses for two people and their correct techniques: Seated easy yoga poses for two people As the name suggests, seated couple yoga poses are done while sitting on the ground. They include postures such as crossed legs, twists, and forward folds. Our experts recommend the following easy seated two people yoga poses: 1. Seated twist: This is one of the best yoga poses for two people to strengthen the spine, improve digestion, and relieve lower back pain. Follow these steps: 2. Seated wide-legged forward fold(akaPrasarita Padottanasana): This is one of the best two persons yoga poses that stretch your lower body muscles and promote your balance and stability. Follow these steps: Standing yoga poses for two people Considered to be the building block of yogic practice, standing 2 persons yoga poses work on your lower body muscles and enhance their strength. Here are some of the best standing yoga poses for two friends or couples: 3. Standing forward fold pose: This is one of the best yoga poses for two people for reducing stress, stretching the spine, and toning belly fat. Here is how this is done: 4. Tree pose: This is one of the best 2 persons yoga poses to improve your balance and coordination. It also gives a good stretch to your tendons and ligaments and enhances their strength. This is how partners can do this yoga pose: 5. Chair pose: This is one of the most beneficial couples’ yoga poses that work on your abdominals, hamstrings, quadriceps, and biceps and is a full-body workout. This is how two people can do this yoga pose: Intermediate couples’ yoga poses for two people Once you have mastered the easy yoga poses for two people, progress to these intermediate level poses for added strength and endurance. Here are some of the most effective yoga poses for two people: 6. Double warrior pose: One of the most useful yoga poses for two people, which helps in making your abdominal muscles, legs, and back muscles stronger. It ranks amongst the top two person yoga poses medium for building stability in your entire body. 7. Assisted Child’s pose (aka Balasana): This is one of the best yoga poses for two people that can be done with added weight. It gives your muscles a better stretch and makes them stronger. Follow these steps to perfect this yoga pose: 8. Double Dancer pose: One of the top yoga poses for two people, it strengthens your core, arms, and back. Follow these steps for doing this pose: Hard yoga poses for two people You can try two persons yoga poses (hard) once you have mastered intermediate level poses. By giving your body different variations and challenges to meet, these couples’ yoga poses make you stronger mentally and physically. Here are some of the best two persons yoga poses (hard) for you to try: 2. Double Downward Dog pose: This is one of the best yoga poses for two people that improves your circulation and strengthens your upper body. Follow these steps: 3. Flying superman pose: This balancing pose is one of the most useful hard yoga poses for two people that stretches your hamstrings and opens your shoulder muscles. Follow these steps: What are the benefits of yoga poses for two people? Now that you know the correct form and technique of the best yoga poses for two people, here is a roundup of their benefits: 1. Several 2 person yoga poses require you to lean on your partner and balance your body. This inculcates trust and support between you and your partner. 2. Yoga poses for two people require you to be in close touch with your partner. This fosters a sense of nurturing and emotional bonding between the two of you. 3. Practising these two people yoga poses for kids makes them healthier and your bonding stronger with them. 4. Since while doing yoga poses for two, you are responsible for saving the other partner from injuries, it enhances your focus and concentration. 5. Since practising yoga reduces stress and anxiety, fun yoga poses for two help reduce relationship distress. Fun yoga poses for two are a great way to take a break from your busy schedules and enjoy lighter moments together. How to do yoga poses for two people safely? Whether you are doing beginner yoga poses for 2 or 2 persons’ yoga poses (hard), you need to be mindful of

Tadasana Yoga Pose: Easy Steps to Better Posture and Balance

Yoga has been around for thousands of years and has many physical and mental benefits. One of the foundational poses in yoga is tadasana yoga, also known as Mountain Pose. This pose is the key to good posture and balance. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, mastering the basics like the tadasana yoga pose sets you up for deeper practice. Adding tadasana yoga to your daily routine can help your posture, especially if you sit for long hours. As simple as it looks, this pose helps you become aware of how you hold your body, aligning it from head to toe. Let’s discover more about this pose and how to practise it right! What is Tadasana Yoga Pose? Tadasana is a great starting yoga pose for your yoga journey. Also known as Mountain Pose, Tadasana is a standing yoga pose that is the foundation for many other asanas (yoga poses). The word ‘Tadasana’ comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Tada’ meaning mountain and ‘Asana’ meaning pose. This pose is all about standing tall and steady like a mountain with strength and grounding. Although it looks like just standing still, the tadasana yoga pose engages multiple muscle groups and aligns your body. Tadasana has been practised for centuries. It is used as a starting position or transition between asanas in a sequence. In ancient texts, Tadasana is considered essential for bringing awareness to the body and aligning the posture correctly. The pose goes beyond the physical. Tadasana yoga pose connects you to the Earth, symbolising grounding and balance. That’s why Tadasana is considered more than just a physical exercise – it’s a holistic practice. Despite how easy it looks, this pose requires engagement and concentration. Master this foundational pose and you’ll get better in more complex poses. How to Perform Tadasana Yoga: What’s the Correct Procedure? Tadasana yoga looks easy but there are several steps to practise it correctly. Follow this tadasana procedure step-by-step to ensure proper alignment and stability: 1. Stand with your feet together Bring your feet together with the big toes touching and the heels slightly apart. If this feels uncomfortable you can separate your feet slightly. Spread your toes and press them evenly into the mat. This will ground you on the floor and give you stability. 2. Distribute your weight evenly Focus on balancing your body weight across all four corners of your feet: the balls of your big toes, pinky toes and both heels. This will make you stand evenly and not too far forward or backward. 3. Engage your thighs and lift your kneecaps Without locking your knees, gently engage your thighs and lift your kneecaps. This will activate your leg muscles and support your lower body. Keep your legs straight but don’t hyperextend your knees as this can cause strain. 4. Lengthen your spine and align your torso As you stand tall, engage your core muscles by gently pulling your belly button toward your spine. Lengthen your back by imagining a string pulling the crown of your head up toward the ceiling. Let your shoulders relax and roll them slightly down and back, open your chest. 5. Breathe deeply and focus Take slow deep breaths as you hold the pose. Keep your gaze forward and your chin parallel to the floor. Focus on the energy moving through your body as you maintain your balance and alignment. Hold for 5-10 breaths or as long as feels comfortable. What are the Benefits of Tadasana Yoga? Tadasana yoga ties together the three core of our being – mind body and soul. Tadasana yoga benefits extend beyond physical and mental wellness; it also entails spiritual stability for your soul. Let’s see how this simple pose can impact your life. Physical Benefits Mental Benefits Spiritual Benefits Who Should Practice Tadasana Yoga? Tadasana is generally safe for most. Let’s see which groups benefit the most from Tadasana: Note: Tadasana yoga pose is suitable for a wide range of individuals, from beginners to experienced yogis. It can benefit anyone looking to improve posture, balance, and mindfulness. However, those with certain conditions should approach it with caution, as outlined in the section below. Want to learn tadasana and other yogic poses to live a fulfilling life? Why not consult with experts in the field? Flexify Me brings you life-changing solutions for various conditions through online consultation. Know more with a free demo. Tadasana Contraindications: When to Avoid This Pose? Though tadasana yoga is beneficial for overall well-being, there are some situations where you should avoid performing this pose. By knowing these limitations you can practice tadasana yoga safely. Here are the tadasana contraindications and reasons why you should avoid or modify the pose: Low Blood Pressure People with low blood pressure may feel dizzy or lightheaded if standing for too long. Holding the pose for too long can reduce blood flow to the brain and make you faint or uncomfortable. If you have this condition, practice Tadasana for shorter periods or with support like leaning against a wall. Pregnancy ( Late Stages) While Tadasana is generally safe, in the later stages of pregnancy the weight distribution can put pressure on the lower back. Pregnant women can modify the pose by widening their stance for better balance or practice Tadasana seated. Foot or Ankle Injuries If you have an injury to your foot or ankle, avoid Tadasana as standing on an injured area can aggravate the pain. Instead, practice seated poses that don’t put weight on your feet. Vertigo or Balance Disorders As Tadasana is all about balance, those with severe vertigo or balance issues might find it challenging and unsafe and hence should be extra careful. If you feel unsteady practice Tadasana near a wall or use a chair for support. Chronic Joint Pain People with chronic joint pain, especially in the knees, hips or back should consult a doctor before trying Tadasana. If you decide to try, place a folded blanket under your feet for extra support.

Three Steps to Living a Healthy and Fulfilling Life.

Intro: Beyond the gym walls, unlock your full potential. Explore holistic health – a path to vitality, happiness, and a life brimming with purpose. Key Takeaways: The world we live in today has become so fast-paced, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the constant buzz of never-ending activity. The current global, covid-19 pandemic that has claimed thousands of jobs and lives across the world, hasn’t made things any easier. However, it has forced us to rethink our priorities, especially in regards to our health. Before the pandemic, we mostly allowed productivity, results, and achievements to define and give us a false sense of fulfillment. Thankfully, this dreadful pandemic has given us clarity, amplifying that our relentless pursuit for purpose and fulfillment is leading to poor health and decreased human connection. We don’t sleep enough or talk to each other anymore; we’ve shifted our attention to electronic gadgets and devices. Research has proven that human connections and healthy relationships contribute to increased happiness and improved health. According to a 75-year-long Harvard study that’s considered the most extensive study, good relationships matter the most and are key factors for long-lasting happiness. Yet, it’s possible to live a healthy, fulfilling, and well-balanced life. How did you ask? Well, let’s explore some of the ways we can start to experience actual fulfillment in our lives. 1 PRIORITIZING HOLISTIC HEALTH When you hear the word health, what comes to mind? Or rather, what does health mean to you? To most people, good health means not being sick in your body. Most people think of health as physical only. And to be fair, that’s how we’ve been socialized to think. Hospitals, governments, the media, and even educational institutions have prioritized physical health for decades. Only recently have other aspects of health, such as mental and spiritual health, started getting any attention in media coverage, government funding, etc. It’s important to understand health is holistic and all-encompassing, involving our bodies, minds, and spirits. Therefore, holistic health consists of physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellness. For us to function at our optimum, we must prioritize holistic health in its entirety. We can’t afford to focus on just one aspect while neglecting the rest. After all, if one part fails, the entire being fails. Case Study Take, for example, a high-flying, successful CEO with marital problems causing him stress, which in turn messes with his appetite and quality of sleep. As a result, he wakes up with low energy and feels lethargic throughout the day, so he can’t work out sustainably. With time, he starts sinking into depression. Soon enough, he has racing thoughts and becomes suicidal. Eventually, an individual who was enjoying well-rounded, holistic health, to begin with, becomes holistically unhealthy. His physical health has suffered due to poor sleep quality, changes in appetite and feeding habits, as well as deteriorating physical exercise. His mental health has suffered due to stress, poor sleep quality which results in poor brain function, and depression. His spiritual health has suffered due to depression, racing thoughts, and suicidal tendencies. What started with one aspect of poor health, ends up spilling over to the remaining areas and spreading the illness to the entire being. This is why we can’t afford to prioritize physical health only, over holistic – physical, mental, and spiritual health. How do we do this? Building a foundation of healthy habits is a great start. Our habits determine our routines, which in turn determine our actions and ultimately, our results. Poor habits lead to damaging routines which cause destructive actions, producing mediocre results. The reverse is true; healthy habits lead to constructive routines which cause productive actions, producing profitable results. If you want to prioritize holistic health, you must lay a foundation of healthy habits. According to researchers at MIT in the 1990s, every habit is powered by a neurological loop that has three active parts – cue, routine, and reward. Charles Duhigg, in his book ‘The Power of Habit’, proceeds to show us that we can turn poor habits into healthy ones by changing only one part of the habit loop – the routine. The theory is with self-awareness, you can discover the cue/trigger that influences every habit. The first step to changing a habit is identifying the cue. This will help you catch yourself before you do the routine that follows your cue. Once you identify the cue, you then change the routine, keeping in mind you want to achieve the same reward. In our case study above, the poor habit that started the downward spiral was stress. The cue for stress could be negative thoughts or unpleasant memories, which lead to negative feelings. The routine would then be revisiting the scenario that led to this particular thought or memory. For example, rehashing an explosive conversation in his mind. The reward is, for example, validating their feelings. So, how can our CEO change his routine while achieving the same reward? He can choose to meditate, for example. Meditation allows one to center themselves and still their minds. It brings peace and calmness. Through meditation, our CEO can remember why he fell in love with his spouse in the first place. Excercise: Start building powerful, healthy habits which will help you prioritize your holistic health. Use self-awareness to: 2 SETTING SMART HOLISTIC HEALTH GOALS There’s no succeeding in life without a vision, because vision provides direction. It’s universally known that the surest way to achieve your vision is by setting and following through on SMART goals. According to a 1990 study by goal-setting theory leaders Edward Locke and Gary Latham, goals affect both behavior and performance. They help in mobilizing energy, leading to a higher effort which, in turn, leads to an increase in persistent effort. SMART is an abbreviation for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Specific: To achieve holistic health, your goals shouldn’t be random. They should be as specific as possible. This can only happen when you’ve identified exactly what you want to