Whether you are brand new to yoga, or you are struggling with some of the harder moves, it is good to go back to the basics. This is when you do the more gentle yoga moves that will stretch your body while also lengthening and strengthening it at the same time. Take a look at these beginner-friendly yoga stretches that will be gentle on your body.
Mountain Pose
This is a very simple yoga pose that everyone can do. It is something that is easy to remember and no matter what body pains you have, is a stretch you should be able to get done each morning or during your practice. The mountain pose is done while you are standing up with your feet planted firmly on the ground. They should be together and touching on the ground or mat. Rest your arms at your sides. Just standing in the mountain pose will help you get ready for your daily practice. You can then move around your legs or arms in any stretch you need to.
Child’s Pose
Another gentle stretch that is great for your body and an easy way to get introduced to yoga is the child’s pose, also called balasana. The child’s pose is done on the mat and is really great for stretching your body before or after a workout. It is called the child’s pose because you get down on your knees and roll your head and back forward, similar to what a small child might do. Keep your knees apart, but your feet together and touching, and roll your head and back forward as much as possible, trying to touch the floor of the mat with your head.
Happy Baby Pose
The happy baby pose is another great stretch that is very gentle on your body, and just about everyone can do it. This is a good yoga pose when you are new to the practice, or you need a good stretch of your groin and inner thigh. You also get a nice knee stretch that isn’t too hard on your knees. Not only that, the happy baby pose will relieve a lot of stress and can be done down on the mat, or right in bed. All you do is lay on the ground, lift your legs to hold onto your feet with your knees out and lift your head up just enough to grab onto those feet.
